Peter Davison

Historian and podcaster Tom Holland will give a centenary lecture at Salisbury Museum in September about Wiltshire's history, ranging from prehistoric monuments to Swindon's famous Magic Roundabout. The event marks 100 years of CPRE, which has campaigned for countryside protection, national parks and green belts and remains involved in planning matters across Swindon and Wiltshire.

A High Court ruling has quashed the Planning Inspectorate’s decision against Leeroy Johnstone’s unauthorised traveller site at Clyffe Pypard, near Royal Wootton Bassett. The case will now be redetermined at a planning inquiry. Wiltshire Council had ordered the removal of caravans, hardstanding and outbuildings and the reduction of a two-metre fence, while the appellant argued that permission was justified by the wellbeing of five children and disputed the enforcement timetable. The appeal hearing is scheduled to take place at Wiltshire Council’s offices in Chippenham.

Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council has applied to Wiltshire Council to have the Wiltshire portion of Lydiard Country Park designated an Asset of Community Value, citing its importance for recreation, wellbeing, wildlife and local identity. The Swindon portion has held the designation since 2015, renewed in 2021. The listing would give community groups additional rights if Swindon Borough Council sought to dispose of the park, which already benefits from Grade I listed status and protection as a historic park and garden. Planning policy states that development in the area would damage the park’s character and that any western urban extension should be located away from it.

Wiltshire Council faces severe financial pressure from rising child social care costs, with one secure placement for a single child costing £1.56 million annually. The children's services department ended the year with a £5 million overspend driven by escalating external residential care prices and a national shortage of suitable placements. Regulatory changes and increased demand for supported accommodation have further strained budgets. Council leaders highlight ongoing efforts to build local children’s homes and call for greater national funding and structural reform as more councils warn they may struggle to balance budgets.

A showcase event in Marlborough will present the Waters of Change project, created after Storm Henk caused severe flooding in January 2024. The initiative combines scientific research with community input to improve resilience to both flooding and drought, including the appointment of flood wardens and exploration of risks to the River Kennet. Led by researcher Erika Peklanska and supported by local councils, environmental groups and residents, the project highlights community‑driven environmental action and aims to inspire practical engagement with climate challenges.