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Vale of White Horse District Council
October 1, 2025
The councils’ response to the Planning Inspectors’ findings on the Joint Local Plan
A statement on behalf of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.
September 18, 2025
Council Chief stands down
After long and careful consideration Mark Stone has decided to leave South and Vale as of 30 September 2025. Mark has ably led the councils since July 2017 as Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service working with multiple administrations.
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!
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.
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”.
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.
July 25, 2025
Statement regarding SESRO from Leader of the Council
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Although we were not party to the Judicial Review, we remain opposed to Thames Water’s proposal for the reservoir. We submitted our response to Thames Water’s public consultation in August 2024, reaffirming our objections. “We will continue to urge water providers, regulators and government […]
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.
July 17, 2025
Vale Leader’s Report to Full Council, 16 July 2025
I wanted to use tonight’s report to look back over the last few months and reflect on our achievements and progress since we sat in this chamber in May, celebrating some milestones as I think we should all be proud of what this council has achieved. Since I last spoke, Vale has again been listed […]
July 7, 2025
Summer 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.
