Novembers News letter from the Parish Council

🏡 Corscombe, Halstock & District Parish Council News

Meeting Highlights – 24th November 2025

(Halstock Village Hall)

Hello everyone! Here’s a round-up of what happened at our latest Parish Council meeting — A busy meeting this month with plenty of updates, a full public session, and progress on several village projects.

👋 Attendance

Most councillors were present, with Cllr. James chairing.

Ten members of the public attended; apologies came from several councillors and Dorset Cllr. Kippax.

🗂️ Parish Business & Updates

• The minutes from the September meeting were approved.

🗣️ Public Session – Knapp Farm

Residents raised concerns about planning matters at Knapp Farm, including the Lost Shoe Café, traffic, hard standing, drainage, lighting and the glamping. A representative from Knapp Farm explained the steps being taken to address the issues raised, including retrospective planning applications, traffic surveys, and mitigation work.

A separate resident raised a further concern about the Council’s scrutiny of planning applications; the Council confirmed it reviews all applications carefully and that final decisions rest with Dorset Council.

🏛️ Dorset Council Update

Cllr. Kippax’s written report covered:

• Ongoing revisions to the Dorset Local Plan
• Work starting on the 2026–27 budget
• Innovation Park developments to boost skilled jobs
• Sale of surplus housing to support affordable homes
• Dorset becoming an Age-Friendly Community

💷 Finance & Precept

Precept set at £21,000.

Routine payments and bank reconciliations were signed off.

🏦 Savings Account Update

The Council agreed to proceed with a Unity Trust Instant Access Savings Account.

📧 Council Email Move

The Parish Council Gmail emails will be migrated to a .gov.uk email address on the 23rd December.

🛝 Playground & Outdoor Gym

The old activity trail has now been removed. Nothing else to report, though the field fence may need attention next year.

🚧 Highways & Village Maintenance

• Fingerpost work continues: repairs are tracked, with work at Higher Halstock Leigh due early next year. The fingerposts at Halstock Green and outside the Fox Inn have now been renovated.
• The Halstock road sign is still delayed at the sign shop.
• “Beware Horse” signs for Adams Green are still awaiting a response from Highways.
• Several worn painted road markings in Halstock will be reported — residents are also encouraged to report issues directly, as multiple reports increase the chance of action.
• Road closures remain a big issue for residents and local businesses.
• After review, the Council will not progress a 20mph zone, as associated traffic-calming measures would create major problems for farms, residents, and local businesses.
• Parking on pavements in Halstock was also raised and will be passed on to the police liaison officer for advice.

📌 Noticeboard at the Fox Inn

A new aluminum noticeboard was approved (£700). Existing posts can be reused, and an external latch will allow public access.

🏍️ Off-Road Motorbikes

Concerns about motorbike use on Ford Lane were noted. As this is a Green Road there is no infringement unless they are using the byways further up .  Enforcement  sits with Dorset Council and the Police. The Clerk will help direct the resident to the right contacts.

🐶 Dog Poo Bins

Dorset Council no longer empties these. A bin by the Fox Inn may be possible if the proprietors agree — discussions to follow.

📄 Planning Notes

The Clerk will start posting application numbers and deadlines on Facebook and WhatsApp so residents can comment easily. These can currently be found on the front page of the Corscombe Village website and the planning log on the Parish Council website.

An enforcement query near Buttercup Cottage is being followed up. Dorset Council advises planning permission is required on a classified C road. The Clerk will update the resident.

🗓️ Next Meeting

26th January 2026, Corscombe Village Hall.