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Following the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by government, Forest of Dean District Council will begin work to review the current agreed Local Plan strategy and explore alternative strategic options for the district, before going out to public consultation later in the year. 

Residents across the Forest of Dean District are being encouraged to make sure they are registered to vote, apply for a postal vote if required, and apply for photographic identification if needed, ahead of the local elections on Thursday, 1 May 2025. 

Forest of Dean District Council has agreed on revised plans for the regeneration of Five Acres, with new leisure, community and commercial facilities to be developed as part of the Levelling Up the Forest programme. 

Forest of Dean District Councillors have voted unanimously to support an application to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to designate the Forest of Dean District as a biosphere, helping to support the long-term sustainability of the district's environment and economy. 

Forest of Dean District Council has launched a Thermal Camera Loan Scheme to help homeowners assess the thermal efficiency of their homes in a bid to lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. 

Forest of Dean District Council is offering ‘not for profit’ voluntary and community groups the opportunity to apply for funding to help develop stronger and more cohesive communities.

Forest of Dean District Council Cabinet Members have agreed to recruit a new dedicated Market Towns Officer to work with partners to improve the vibrancy and vitality of the four market towns in the Forest of Dean. 

Forest of Dean District Council has agreed its budget for the next financial year, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality local services and investment for the benefit of residents across the Forest of Dean. 

Forest of Dean District Council has begun upgrading Linkline services for residents to new digitally enabled equipment, ensuring users are ready for the changes to landline phone services in 2025. 

Forest of Dean District Council invites interested parties, landowners, and developers to suggest sites that they consider suitable for future housing and employment as it carries out its annual Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA). 

Forest of Dean District Council is to increase fixed penalty charges for the criminal behaviour of fly-tipping and people who litter or fly-post, helping to protect the environment and to keep communities across the Forest of Dean safe. 

Homeowners across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to access a new service which could help them make their homes more energy efficient and make savings of around £1,800 per year on their energy bills.