Draft Minutes for the Parish Council meeting 7.30pm on the 8th of April 2026

Corscombe, Halstock and District Parish Council
Draft Minutes for the Parish Council meeting 7.30pm on the
8th of April 2025

Meeting was held at Corscombe Village Hall.
Councillors present: Richard James (RJ), Garry Arnold (GA), Roger Hallett (RH), Deborah Childs (DC), Henry Lovegrove (HL), Nigel Clarke (NC) , Helen Sherwood (HS) and Grant Prior (GP)
4 members of the public
The meeting was chaired by Cllr. James

1. To receive and accept apologies and declarations of interest.
   Apologies from Dorset Cllr. Kippax.
   Apologies from Cllr. Fry and Cllr. D. Hallett
   Declaration of Interest from Cllr. Arnold regarding item 12.1 re P/FUL/2026/01046
   Declaration of interest Cllr. Lovegrove item * Primrose Corner license
2. To announce a West Chelborough councillor vacancy
   John White-Hamillton has stepped down from the council. We thank him for all his many year’s service as a councillor.

We will also be looking to replace a Corscombe Councillor. Mark Caddik has also stepped down and we thank him for his valuable contribution to the Parish Council.

3. To approve the draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 26th January 2026 (A)
   Proposed Cllr. Hallett and seconded Cllr. Arnold. Approved 7/7
4. To discuss matters arising from the minutes not covered in this Agenda.
   None

Public period for comments on issues on the agenda
None

Reports from Dorset Council Councillor and Police Liaison
None

5. To note the statement of expenditure to date and bank reconciliation (B) and to approve the schedule of payments since the last meeting. (C)

Scheduled payments since 28.1.26 Gross £3115.93, Net £3766.67
Action: Clerk to add details of payments to approved scheduled payments.

Statement of expenditure to date and bank reconciliation
Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, seconded Cllr. Clarke. Approved 8/8
Schedule of payments
Proposed Cllr. R. Hallett, seconded Cllr. James. Approved 8/8

6. Review and approve Assets register for 2026 (D)
   Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, seconded Cllr. Prior. Approved 8/8
7. Review and approve Risk assessment for 2026 (E)
   Proposed Cllr. Arnold, seconded Cllr. Clarke Approved 8/8
8. Review and approve licenses for Primrose Corner and Roman Villa (F)
   Primrose Corner – Proposed Cllr. R. Hallett, seconded Cllr. Clarke Approved 8/8
   Roman villa – Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, seconded Cllr. Grant. Approved 8/8
9. To approve Rosie Darkin Miller as internal auditor
   Proposed Cllr. R. Hallett, seconded Cllr. James. Approved 8/8
10. Highways and Rights of Way (Verbal)
    Cllr. Childs representing Rights of Way (ROW) and Cllr. Arnold have investigated the condition of Common Lane. There was no main issues raised. Brambles were noted at the Corscombe end of Common Lane where it narrows and the ROW will cut these back.

Fingerposts update – the fingerposts identified for repair in 2025-2026 have been completed; Fox Inn and Halstock Triangle. Three new fingerposts have been identified for repair in 2026-2027 these are Grexy Cross, Higher Halstock Leigh and the Old Mill. A further £3000 for repairs was approved in addition to approved monies left over from 2025-2026 repairs. The work will be carried out by Cllr. Clarke. Many thanks to Cllr. Clarke and Roger Whittingham for their work on the three posts completed in 2025-2026.

Proposed Cllr. R. Hallett, seconded Cllr. Arnold. Approved 8/8

10.1 Damage to road signs update (Verbal)
Clerk is still chasing.

10.2 Potholes update (Verbal)

Work on potholes has been addressed but concern still over quality of repairs undertaken and how long repairs are lasting. The Parish Council noted that the reporting system at Dorset Highways was easy to navigate but concerned that we needed to get Highways out to look at road issues to get progress on potholes. We would like to thank Chris Milton for all his efforts to champion a range of road issues in Halstock.

10.3 Speed limit Weston Lane (Verbal)

No comments made due to lack of information

The issue of 20mph zones/speed limits was raised and have been discussed with Tony Hill of Speedwatch regarding logistics. There are traffic calming options that would allow easy movement of larger vehicles such as tractors through 20mph zones but would be effective for cars. There was a feeling that we would need to ensure residents were on board with any changes. A period of public consultation would be useful to gage residents’ feelings. Issues with speed limits centre around enforceability. There are a range of criteria Halstock parish would need to meet and further speed surveys conducted. It was agreed that this issue would be brought up for discussion at the Halstock Annual parish meeting in May to gage residents’ feelings.
Action: The Clerk to add this issue to the agendas for the Parish Annual meetings in May.

10.4 Poo bin update (Verbal)

After further investigation the council voted 8/8 not to look further into purchasing a Dog Poo bin for outside the Fox Inn at Corscombe due to concerns over misuse, and costs of emptying.

10.5 Horse Warning signs RF
No update, Clerk will continue to chase Dorset Highways.

Noted – The new Parish noticeboard at the Fox Inn site has now been installed.
The Parish Council would like to thank Mrs. Peake for her contribution to the new noticeboard at the Fox Inn, Corscombe.

Many thanks to Roger Whittingham for putting up the noticeboard.

Noted – the damaged Salt bin in West Chelborough has now been replaced.

11. Wessex Water update (verbal)
    Wessex Water are on the final stages of the upgrade of the sewage work. Work at the site should be completed by Winter 2026.
12. To consider and note planning applications and decisions. (G)

12.1 To comment on planning applications

P/Ful/2026/01239 Object 8/8
The Parish Council objects to this application due to material inaccuracies regarding infrastructure provision. The Foul Drainage Assessment states that the property is connected to mains water; however, it is our understanding that no properties in Benville are connected to the mains network. The applicant receives water via a private spring supply (Regulation 10, ref. 0853446), which explicitly states it must not be used for let properties, holiday accommodation, or commercial food production.
The application also lacks clarity on the duration and intensity of use, referring only to the huts being used for a “limited time of the year,” and provides insufficient detail on landscaping timing. The Ecological Assessment specifies planting between October and March; any approval must therefore condition that landscaping is completed no later than October–March 2026/27.
If permission is granted, we request that Dorset Council impose robust, clearly defined conditions addressing water supply limitations, usage periods, and ecological mitigation.

P/LBC/2026/01426 – no objection 8/8
P/FUL/2026/01046 object 7/8
The Parish Council objects to this application. The stated use of the sheds is incorrect and misleading. The application claims they are used for livestock, but the buildings are in fact being used — and have historically been used — for the storage of waste materials, as evidenced by the photographs provided.
This is a material misrepresentation of the existing use and prevents a lawful, informed determination. Waste storage is not ancillary agricultural activity and constitutes a material change of use that has not been applied for. The application also fails to assess the associated environmental impacts, including runoff, contamination risk, odour, vermin, and increased vehicle movements.
Given the discrepancy between the stated and actual use, the Parish Council requests that the Local Planning Authority refer this matter to Planning Enforcement for investigation into potential unauthorised waste storage activity.

There is a further issue regarding enforcement/environmental concerns.

12.2 Enforcement update
None

13. To note/receive a maintenance update for the playground and outdoor gym (Verbal)
    No major problems were identified. The playground fencing identified in January has been repaired. Many thanks to Cllr. Lovegrove.
14. Approve new Planning Policy Document (H)
    Approved 8/8
15. First Aid Community support update (Verbal)
    The Clerk will arrange further first aid training for residents in 2026. The WhatsApp First Aid community support groups are up and running. Halstock has been well support but there is a need to expand the group for Corscombe.
    Action: The Clerk to add this issue to the agendas for the Annual Parish meetings in May.
16. To receive and note training update (Verbal) TS
    None
17. Bus grant request HL
    The weekly Wriggle Valley PlusBus service covering Corscombe and Halstock is up and running and is used by residents. The timetable has been widely advertised. The Parish Council has been asked for a donation to help support the service. It was agreed that the
    Parish Council would donate £300 to PlusBus using its Power of Competence.

Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, seconded Cllr. Childs Approved 8/8

18. Correspondence to be discussed and noted. (Verbal) TS
    Note – We will not need an external audit this year as we fall below the £25,000 threshold.
    To meet Assertion 10 we need an IT and Cyber Security policy was approved.
    Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, seconded Cllr. Childs Approved 8/8
19. Climate and Ecology action to be noted
    Emergency Briefings film has been circulated the Beaminster Eco group are holding a meeting on the 24th April in the public hall in Beaminster.
20. To consider urgent matters to report from members and items for the next meeting.
    Action: The Clerk will put together the agendas for the Corscombe Annual parish meeting and the Halstock annual parish meeting. Date to be confirmed.
21. Date of next Parish Council meeting will be the 18th of May 2026 at Corscombe Village Hall. This is held in conjunction with the Parish Council Annual General meeting.
    Noted
22. Resolution to exclude members of public and press for items 21 due to confidentiality
    Proposed Cllr. Lovegrove, Seconded Cllr. Prior. Approved 8/8
23. Clerks’ annual performance appraisal, confidential (I)
    The Staff working group met with the Clerk to discuss progress and set targets for 2026-2027.
    The Clerk was thanked for her work over the last year and it was agreed that the Clerk would progress to level 28.

Clerks Targets – Proposed Cllr. James, Seconded Cllr. Clarke. Approved 8/8
Clerks pay scale – Proposed Cllr. James, Seconded Cllr. Clarke. Approved 8/8

The Meeting closed at 9.30pm

Appendices available upon request to the Clerk.

Clerk to the Council: Tessa Safadi, Tel: 07595598995
Email: Clerk@chd-pc.gov.uk
chdpc.org.uk

Reconciliation

	Bank Statement received 31.12.25								32,938.72
	Most recent statement  31.3.26								13,963.63

			Balance brought forward										32,938.72
				Expenditure through bank statement     Payments out   Payments in 2.1.26 18.00   28.1.26 840.13   31.1.26 15000   31.1.26 6.00 2.2.26 18.00   2.2.26 447.30   2.2.26 130.80   2.2.26 3.60   2.2.26 645.96   9.6.26 83.49   9.6.26 94.62   28.2.26 6.00   2.3.26 18.00   2.3.26 636.76   2.3.26 3.80   2.3.26 56.38   2.3.26 15.00   31.3.26 7.00   31.3.26 781.98   31.3.26 3.60   31.3.26 83.49   31.3.26 75.15   Total 18975.06
				Balance carried forward										13,963.63

Outstanding  expenses not yet showing in bank account –  OUT

Scribe
Total

Outstanding  credits not yet showing in bank account  – IN

Total

Savings account as of 31.1.26

Date	In	Out
9.12.25	10,000
31.1.26	15,000
31.1.26 (interest)	31.93
Balance	25,031.93

Scheduled payments since 28.1.26

		Gross	Net	Vat
28.1.26	Greenbarnes Ltd	. 840.13	700.11	140.02
31.1.26	Bank Charges January 26	6.00	6.00	0.00
2.2.26	Scribe	18.00	15.00	3.00
2.2.26	N Clarke	447.30	447.30	0.00
2.2.26	Invotec Solutions	130.80	109.00	21.80
2.2.26	HMRC	3.60	3.60	0.00
2.2.26	T. Safadi	645.96	643.96	2.00
9.2.26	HMRC 2nd Q	83.49	83.49	0.00
9.2.26	HMRC 3rd Q	94.62	94.62	0.00
28.2.26	Unity Trust Bank	6.00	6.00	6.00
2.3.26	Scribe	18.00	15.00	3.00
2.3.26	T Safadi	636.76	634.76	2.00
2.3.26	HMRC	3.80	3.80	0.00
2.3.26	H Lovegrove	56.38	46.98	9.40
2.3.26	Corscombe Village Hall	15.00	15.00	0.00
31.3.26	Unity trust Bank	6.00	6.00	0.00
31.1.26	T Safadi	781.98	773.81	8.17
31.1.26	HMRC tax	3.60	3.60	0.00
31.1.26	HMRC NI4Q	83.49	83.49	0.00
31.1.26	HMRC NI 1Q	75.15	75.15	0.00
				0.00
TOTAL		3115.93	3766.67	195.39

	Annual Expenditure over £100 (2025/26)
		Net (exclusive of VAT)
1.4.25	Clerks salary Expenses March 25	598.80
7.4.25	Halstock Church Organ Donation	500.00
6.5.25	Clerks Salary Expenses April 25	644.02
13.5.25	P G Holt Corscombe Playground grass cutting	150.00
19.5.25	DAPTC annual subscription	574.00
	Clerks Salary/expenses May	810.06
8.6.25	Defib warehouse defibrillator pads	177.00
12.6.25	R Darking internal audit	305.02
3.7.25	Clerks Salary/expenses June	735.69
3.8.25	Clerks salary July	653.80
11.7.25	P G Holt Corscombe Playground grass cutting	225.00
14.7.25	BDO External Auditors	210.00
2.9.25	Normtec	327.48
2.9.25	Clerks salary / expenses August	733.54
1.10.25	Clerks salary/expenses Sept includes 300 for web rebuild	1008.14
4.11.25	Clerks salary/expenses Oct includes 50 for donation	690.16
4.11.25	P G Holt Corscombe Playground grass cutting	150.00
4.11.25	Cloudy IT	441.58
4.11.25	Defib warehouse defibrillator pads	164.00
4.11.25	salt bin refill x2	126.00
1.12.25	P G Holt Corscombe Playground grass cutting	150.00
1.12.25	Clerks salary/expenses Nov	659.60
12.12.25	lettering etc Finger posts	469.30
30.12.25	Clerks salary / expenses Dec	683.22
29.1.25	Notice board by Fox Inn Corscombe	700.11
2.2.26	Salt bin	109.00
2.2.26	Clerks salary/expenses Jan 26	634.96
2.2.26	Finger post materials x2	447.30
2.3.26	Clerks Salary/expenses February 26	634.76
31.3.26	Clerks Salary/expenses March 26	773.81
Total		14486.35