BROADMAYNE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
ON 2nd FEBRUARY 2026
Present
Cllrs R Macer-Wright, T Byrne, B Eason, K Ellis, T Larkin and D Lewis.
Also in attendance
Mr T Watton (Parish Clerk), Dorset Cllr Roland Tarr and one member of the public.
The Council Chair, Cllr R Macer-Wright, opened the meeting and welcomed those present.
Before the commencement of the meeting the Council Chair reported that a grant application had very recently been received from the Broadmayne and West Knighton Village Fete Association. Although this had been received after publication of the agenda, due to the significance and time- critical nature of this matter it had exceptionally been included for consideration at this meeting. It may be found at minute 25/149(d) below. A member of the public representing the Fete Association was in attendance for this item to answer any questions the Council members may have.
Apologies for absence
25/144
Cllr A Evans gave his apologies for absence.
Public participation
25/145
A member of the public present expressed concern about the flooding affecting the highway at Whitcombe, and the risk of this causing traffic accidents. He wondered if DC Highways might be persuaded to install a permanent warning sign at the location to alert road users to the problem. The Clerk indicated that he would raise this matter with DC Highways, and the resident was encouraged to support this by reporting the problem himself using the DC Highways Fault Reporting online system https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/report-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement
The same resident also commented on the extension to the temporary closure of the A353 at Poxwell due to problems encountered by the contractors when drilling under the road.
To receive any declarations of Interest and requests for dispensations
25/145
There were none.
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 1st December 2025
25/146
It was proposed that the updated version of minutes of the meeting held on 5th January are approved as a correct record and signed at the meeting. RESOLVED
Planning and Tree Matters
25/147(a)
Decisions and correspondence/updates on previous applications
(i) P/RES/2025/02270 Land Adjacent Broadmead Broadmayne. Amended Plans – Erection of 80 dwellings together with open space, allotments and enhanced drainage features (reserved matters application to determine layout, scale, appearance and landscaping matters following the grant of outline planning permission P/OUT/2021/05309. The DC Planning Portal shows that this application was formally approved by Dorset Council on 26th January 2026.
25/147(b)
Consultations Received:
There were none.
25/147(c)
Any planning matters received after publication of the agenda.
There were none.
Reports
25/148
Dorset Council Ward Member:
Dorset Cllr Tarr began by explaining that a considerable amount of Dorset Council attention is currently focussed on responding to the effects of the prolonged wet weather leading to high ground water levels and the flooding of roads and properties across the county. He commended the Dorset Council Flood Team on their efforts in assisting communities hit by this.
On the matter of the occupation of land adjacent to Knighton Lane, he reported that DC Officers are still working on this. In response to concerns expressed about the adverse impacts of the grazing of the occupier’s horses and the previously notified issue of the generator, Cllr Tarr indicated that he would be speaking to the occupiers of the site. Footpath S9/5 has become impassable due to motor vehicles and horses having churned up the surface. In addition, there was concern raised about a horse which had escaped and dragged its stake along Watergates Lane. The horse was eventually recovered from a resident’s garden.
Playing Field Association:
Cllr Ellis reported that the BPFA now have the parts to carry out the repairs to the junior multiplay. The original suppliers provided them free of charge despite it now being out of warranty. The BPFA are just awaiting a quote from them carry out the repairs. Regarding the playing field, the BPFA will consider comments and advice from the grounds team regarding how the pitch has performed this season and whether it could sustain a slight increase in use next season.
The next BPFA meeting will be held on 26 February 2026.
Village Hall:
Cllr Eason reported that it is understood that the solar panels are currently providing around 80% of the power currently being consumed at the Village Hall. A review is to take place of potential providers for the export of power to the national grid. It is understood that there will be a general increase in hall hire charges of around 7% to all users from 1st March 2026.
DAPTC: Central area committee:
No meetings have taken place since the previous report.
Broadmayne Community Speedwatch:
Cllr Byrne reported that four Community Speedwatch sessions were held since the January Parish Council meeting. This had resulted in the observation of a total of 1450 vehicles, of which 40 were seen speeding. The highest recorded speed was 43mph. It was noted that in addition to the Speedwatch sessions there were visits to Broadmayne from the Dorset Road Safe camera van.
On a related subject, it was noted that due to the lengthy temporary closure of the A353 at Poxwell, around four times the normal number of vehicles were observed using Chalky Rd. This was not part of the DC Highways’ designated diversion route but was evidently utilised by drivers as a short-cut, despite it clearly being unsuitable for the types and volume of traffic involved. It was agreed to approach DC Highways to see if they will consider the installation of “camera” warning signs on the approaches to the village, and also whether it would be possible to increase the number of 30mph “repeater” signs. The Parish Clerk indicated that he would approach DC Highways on both of these points.
PCSO:
The monthly report from the Police Community Support Officer had not been received in time for this meeting.
Financial Matters
25/149(a)
The Clerk had prepared the January financial statements which he had circulated to all members ahead of the meeting. This included the bank reconciliation to 31st January 2026, a listing of all receipts and payments, and a detailed budget report showing all receipts & payments vs budgets for all budget subheads for the year to date. These were received and noted. A copy of these statements is associated at Appendix 1 to these minutes.
25/149(b)
It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the following payments:
Payments already made
Somerset Association of Local Councils (online training course fee)
£40.00
Santander Bank Plc (monthly current account bank charge, December)
£4.99
Payments to be made
T Watton (Salary, February 2026)
£668.96
HMRC (PAYE & ENI February 2026)
£230.07
WWCS Env Svcs Ltd (grounds maintenance inv 68138)
£414.40
Dorset Council (Remembrance Sunday stickers)
£18.00
Proposed, B Eason; Seconded, D Lewis.
25/149(c)
To consider a grant application submitted on behalf of St Martins PCC for £1500 for the annual cost of churchyard maintenance.
It was unanimously RESOLVED to APPROVE this grant application. Proposed, K Ellis; Seconded, T Byrne.
25/149(d)
To consider a grant application for £500 submitted on behalf of Broadmayne and West Knighton Village Fete Association. It was noted by Council members that as is normally required, this application had been accompanied by the latest available financial statement. Having examined the financial statement Council members expressed concerns that prior to distributing funds to a number of good causes the Fete organisers had selected the statement showed that the 2025 Fete had generated a surplus of over £3000, and that after the distributions to their nominated good causes a balance of £968.97 was retained and carried forward to 2026. Taking this into account, Council members wondered why a grant from public funds had been requested. Taking this into consideration it was RESOLVED not to award the requested grant, but instead to give a commitment to the Fete Association that the Parish Council would offer financial support after the 2026 event if needed to help meet committed spend if the Fete is unable to operate fully in 2026 – for example due to poor weather.
Governance Matters
25/150(a)
Review of Council Risk register.
It was noted that the Parish Clerk had circulated a draft updated version of the Risk Register to all members ahead of this meeting. After discussion it was unanimously RESOLVED to APPROVE the 2026 updated Risk Register. A copy is the approved register is associated at appendix 2 to these minutes.
25/150(b)
Nomination of a Council member to work with the Clerk to review the Council’s Internal Controls plan / internal audit checklist. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Ellis would work with the Parish Clerk with a view to providing a report and any recommendations back to full Council.
25/150(c)
To consider an approach to the review of the Parish Council’s insurance cover for 2026/27 (renewal due in May). After discussion it was RESOLVED that this would be reviewed by Cllr Ellis with the Parish Clerk at the same time as the Internal Controls plan / internal audit checklist is considered by them.
Other matters of report
25/151(a)
The Clerk reported on the following matters:
(i) Allotments: over the past month there were no new additions to the waiting list. The holder of plot 1 Field Side had been in touch to give the plot up with effect from 1st February 2026. This plot has now been offered to the next person on the waiting list. As plot 2 Road Side had also remained un-let, it has been offered to the second person on the waiting list. Responses to both offers are awaited.
(ii) Condition of footpaths: There had still been no further news about the missing bridge on the right of way between Washponds and West Knighton. Reminder: this bridge and section of path are not within Broadmayne Parish, but the matter has been taken up by the Broadmayne Parish Clerk with the relevant DC Ranger, Mr Stuart Semple. A further progress chaser was sent to Mr Semple on 2nd Feb 2026.
(iii) Highways faults reported: No new issues reported this month.
(iv) Road works: The only communication received from DC Highways concerned the one-week extension (until 29th Jan 2026) of the temporary road closure of the A353 at Poxwell.
25/151(b)
Cllr Ellis commented that she has continued to receive complaints about the parking of commercial coaches in Chalky Rd. Cllr Ellis indicated that she would encourage the resident concerned to also contact the coach operator direct about this.
To note any matters received after the publication of the agenda
25/152
There were none.
Next meeting
25/153
The next meeting will take place on Monday 2nd March 2026 in the Methodist Church Hall, unless otherwise advised.
There being no other business, the Chair closed the meeting at 21:15, thanking everyone for their attendance.
Appendix 1 – Bank reconciliation and accounts update to 31st January 2026. (Available from the Clerk)
Appendix 2 – Copy of Risk Register approved on 2nd Feb 2026 (Available from the Clerk)