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075 9559 8995

clerk@chd-pc.gov.uk

Meeting Highlights – 28th September 2026

Held at Corscombe Village Hall

Hello everyone!  It was a very busy meeting.  The meeting was chaired by Cllr. James.  Two members of the public attended alongside Dorset Council’s Cllr. Chris Kippax. Apologies from Cllr. Fry and Declarations of Interest from Cllr. R Hallett, Cllr. Grant, Cllr. Childs  and Cllr. Lovegrove.

👋 Parish Council Business

The July Parish Council minutes, latest expenditure, bank reconciliation and schedule of payments were approved.

Updates to the Planning Protocol and Grants document were also agreed. The revised grants procedure will apply to grant and donation requests over £100.

🏛️ Dorset Council Ward Boundary Changes

Dorset Council proposes moving Corscombe, Halstock and surrounding parishes into the Broadwindsor Ward. The Parish Council broadly accepted the proposal, which is intended to balance elector numbers while reflecting local communities.

Responses can be submitted until 9th November 2026. Any changes are expected to take effect in 2029.

Dorset Council is also holding meetings about local service delivery and possible devolution to parish councils. Parish representatives will attend meetings in Beaminster and Leigh.

Cllr. Kippax continues to support residents regarding Higher Halstock Leigh, and the Parish Council thanked him for his help.

🚰 Halstock Sewage Treatment Works

Odour remains a concern despite remedial work by Wessex Water. Cllr. Clarke will continue liaising with Wessex Water, while the Parish Council monitors the situation and presses for improvements.

🏛️ Roman Villa Site

Patrick Holt is clearing the Roman Villa site. The existing fence will be removed and not replaced. The land will be offered for grazing to the current licence holder of the adjoining field to help maintain the site.

🏋️ Playground & Outdoor Gym

The Council accepted Freshair Fitness’s maintenance service agreement for the outdoor gym. Rust damage requires professional assessment, and other inspection issues will be followed up with Roger Whittingham.

🚗 Highways & Road Safety

🐎 Horse Warning Signs

The Parish Council continues to ask Dorset Highways to fund an additional horse warning sign. If full funding is unavailable, the Council believes its contribution should be limited. A formal response is awaited.

🚦 Yeovil Road Speed Limit

The Council continues to support a proposed 40mph limit between the Dorset border and Corscombe. It will press Dorset Highways for an assessment that reflects the road’s narrow, winding nature and restricted visibility.

🪧 Fingerposts

Cllrs. Hennessy and Clarke will investigate preparing a map showing fingerpost locations.

🚶 Rights of Way

At Higher Halstock Leigh, the Rights of Way group is considering a bridleway gate costing approximately £400. Two self-closing gates are available, and discussions with the Rights of Way ranger are ongoing. The matter will be clarified in November.

A possible gate on footpath C54 will also be discussed in November.

No further contact has been received regarding the Toller Whelme footpath concerns.

The Council agreed to donate £100 to the Great Big Dorset Hedge initiative.

🏘️ Corscombe Street Names

Work on parish road-naming matters is continuing.

🏗️ Planning

The Parish Council supported both applications considered:

Higher Halstock Leigh

The Council remains dissatisfied with Dorset Council’s handling of the retrospective planning application for the unauthorised development. Although reportedly submitted on 31st July, it had not been validated or published, preventing public comment.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the actions taken and will continue pressing Dorset Council for a transparent and timely response.

📱 Halstock Phone Mast

A possible Halstock location is being considered for a mast to improve coverage across all UK mobile networks. Further information will follow.

🔔 Supporting Our Community

Corscombe Church Bells

A donation of £500 towards the repair of the church bells was confirmed. Payment will be made to the Parochial Church Council.

🏃 Running Group Grant Request

The Council received a request for an initial £500 towards insurance costs for a proposed run from Corscombe via Halstock and back, coinciding with the Corscombe Fete opening.

Organisers expect 200–250 participants, paying £22 each. Profits will be separate from the 2026 Fete funds and available for distribution across the villages.

The request will be considered fully at the November meeting.

❤️ First Aid Training

Another first aid session was held, although attendance was lower than hoped. Further courses may be arranged in a few years.

Cllr. Hennessy completed New Councillors Training and attended the Planning Services Town and Parish Council Forum.

🌱 Climate & Ecology

The Council noted:

📅 Next Meeting

Monday 30th November 2026
Halstock Village Hall

Members of the public are very welcome to attend.

Contact the Parish Clerk

Tessa Safadi
📞 07595 598995
✉️ clerk@chd-pc.gov.uk
🌐 CHDPC.org.uk