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Beat the heat in the Vale

A guide to services and advice from the council, as well as local and national organisations, to help during the summer months.

Important changes to planning, land charges and mapping services

Planning system now live! Find out more.

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Image of hospital bed

September 9, 2025

Wantage community hospital refurbishment ready to start following successful funding bid

Following a successful bid to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund administered by Vale of White Horse District Council, work is now ready to start on refurbishing the ground floor of Wantage Community Hospital.

Light playing on water

August 14, 2025

Statement from the Council Leader: South East Strategic Reservoir Option (SESRO) spiralling costs.

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The costs of SESRO seem to be spiralling. We have continually urged water providers to consider exploring all the alternative and more cost-effective solutions seriously before committing to this reservoir. I reiterate that call today given the revelation this week that Thames Water’s reservoir faces an eye watering increase in costs – potentially up to £7.5bn!

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

August 14, 2025

Statement on the Botley Road walkway, from the Leader of the Council:

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Like other residents and businesses west of the railway bridge, I’m extremely disappointed with the announcement that the new walkway on the Botley Road is near completion – having seen the new map from National Rail showing the route the walkway will take.

Chair of Planning, Cllr Max Thompson

August 12, 2025

Government’s proposed planning reform not “wanted or needed” says council 

A council has slammed proposed changes to planning decision-making saying they will “weaken local democracy and faith in the planning process”. 

Photo of someone playing basketball. Photo by Tom Briskey on Unsplash

July 28, 2025

Funding approved for new community ‘eco’ park and games areas in the Vale

Green spaces, play and games areas in the Vale of White Horse will get a boost this month, with almost £350,000 in funding agreed.

Vale of White Horse District Council logo

July 18, 2025

Leader reflects on achievements at busy July Council Meeting 

Vale of White Horse District Council’s Leader, Bethia Thomas, expressed her thoughts on achievements and progress over the last few months, at a busy July Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July. 

Haseley Trading Estate

June 19, 2025

Planning application submitted for Haseley Trading Estate vehicle depot

South Oxfordshire District Council has submitted a planning application for the proposed vehicle depot site, and the plans are now available to view online and for people to leave their comments. 

Abbey Meadow Pool

June 17, 2025

Early opening days announced for Abbey Meadow Pool ahead of June heatwave

Summer in the Vale is well underway and there is great news for families and swimmers with the Abbey Meadow outdoor pool in Abingdon set to open early this season! 

Map of proposed two new unitary councils

June 4, 2025

Five councils launch two-unitary proposal for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire and seek residents’ views on how local government could be improved

Published Wednesday 4 June 2025 Change is coming to local government across England, and five councils are working together to propose two strong and locally accountable unitary authorities for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. The government will replace the current two-tier system of local government, which consists of district and county councils, with new unitary authorities. […]

Decorative montage of landscape images

June 2, 2025

Joint Local Plan hearings

The public hearings for the South and Vale Joint Local Plan start this week.