BROADMAYNE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
ON 2nd MARCH 2026
Present
Cllrs R Macer-Wright, T Byrne, K Ellis, A Evans, T Larkin and D Lewis.
Also in attendance
Mr T Watton (Parish Clerk), Dorset Cllr Roland Tarr (from 19:40), and five members of the public.
The Council Chair, Cllr R Macer-Wright, opened the meeting and welcomed those present.
Apologies for absence
25/154
Cllr B Eason gave his apologies for absence.
Public participation
25/155
Two residents present commented on their experience when attempting to contact Dorset Council to deal with flooding in Cowleaze Rd which was affecting their property. They explained that this incident highlighted two issues to raise:
(a) The need to ensure that the emergency supply of sandbags held in the container at the Village Hall car park is adequate. In response, the Parish Clerk reported that a further stock of sandbags had been ordered and has since been delivered.
(b) Some shortcomings with the emergency response from Dorset Council. When the residents phoned Dorset Council, having made it clear that pumping was required, they were informed that DC staff would attend. The DC staff who attended on the day simply put out a “Flood” road sign. A pumping lorry arrived the following day and when questioned they reported that the initial request made had not been passed on to them. The details of this incident, and the communication shortfall were passed to Dorset Cllr Tarr. It has since been confirmed that the adjacent drainage ditch which contributed to this problem is to be dug out by Dorset Council Highways staff.
A member of the public wished to question again whether the “haul road” for the agreed development on land adjacent to Broadmead is still intended to be constructed. It was confirmed that it is intrinsic to the development.
The same resident commented on planning application P/ADV/2026/00867for the proposed advertising board on the land adjacent to Broadmead. He remarked that he felt that the chosen site for it is appropriate, as its proposed location is at a point where there are no current dwellings directly overlooking it.
A further resident remarked on a trench which has been dug alongside a section of Knighton Lane which appears to present a hazard to road users. This point was noted. Cllr Tarr remarked that DCC Highways are already in consultation with the occupier of the land on a number of points.
To receive any declarations of Interest and requests for dispensations
25/156
There were none.
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 2 nd February 2026
25/157
It was proposed that the updated version of minutes of the meeting held on 2nd February are approved as a correct record and signed at the meeting. RESOLVED
Planning and Tree Matters
25/158(a)
Decisions and correspondence/updates on previous applications
(i) There were none.
25/158(b)
Consultations Received:
P/ADV/2026/00867 Land Adjacent Broadmead Broadmayne.
Advertising board with two artworks for pre-marketing and marketing stages. Parish Council members present had no comment to make.
25/158(c)
Any planning matters received after publication of the agenda.
There were none.
On another matter related to Planning, the Parish Council noted the receipt of a communication from the Dorset Association of Parish & Town Councils on behalf of Dorset Council with a questionnaire about employment land in each parish. This is intended to help inform a future further round of consultation on the Dorset Local Plan.
Reports
25/159
Dorset Council Ward Member: Dorset Cllr Tarr began by commenting on some points raised by DC with the occupier of the land adjacent to Knighton Lane. He advised that it is understood that an electricity supply is shortly to be installed. This is expected to eliminate the need for the generator currently being used. He also reported that a number of the points requiring action have been raised with the occupier by DC Highways and by the DC Planning Team.
Cllr Tarr also commented further on the flooding incident in Cowleaze Rd which is referred to at minute 25/155 above. He had held a meeting with the DC Flood Manager during week commencing 23 rd February. The Flood Manager has noted the reported communication problem and has promised to review and improve the relevant instructions for the public on the DC Website about what to do when a property is at risk of flooding.
Playing Field Association: Cllr Ellis reported that the BPFA are progressing maintenance issues with the pavilion hot water system, the referee door requiring replacement, repair to the multi-play and pitch improvement. The grounds maintenance contractors have used their “quadraplay” system to groom the pitch to good effect.
Village Hall: Cllr Eason had submitted a written report in his absence. He reported that the next meeting is on 15th April 2026, commencing at 19:30. This will be the Village Hall Trustees AGM as well as the normal quarterly meeting.
DAPTC: Central area committee: No meetings have taken place since the previous report.
Broadmayne Community Speedwatch: Cllr Byrne reported that no report had yet been received of the two Community Speedwatch sessions held since the February Parish Council meeting.
PCSO: The monthly report from the Police Community Support Officer had not been received in time for this meeting.
Financial Matters
25/160(a)
The Clerk had prepared the February financial statements which he had circulated to all members ahead of the meeting. This included the bank reconciliation to 25th February 2026, a listing of all receipts and payments for the month of February, 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.
25/160(b)
It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the following payments:
Payments already made
Unity Trust Bank Plc (monthly current account bank charge, January)
£6.00
Payments to be made
T Watton (Salary, March 2026)
£668.96
HMRC (PAYE & ENI March 2026)
£230.07
WWCS Env Svcs Ltd (grounds maintenance inv 68216)
£414.40
St Martins PCC (Grant towards maintenance of Churchyard 2025-26)
£1500.00
Unity Trust Bank Plc (monthly current account bank charge, February)
£6.00
J Kennewell (allotment deposit refund)
£50.00
P Sheffield (allotment deposit refund)
£50.00
Proposed, D Lewis; Seconded, T Byrne.
25/160(c)
To consider whether there is a requirement for the Council to establish an Investment Strategy.
After some discussion and taking into account the current level of funds held in the Council’s bank accounts it was RESOLVED that the Council currently had no requirement for an investment strategy.
Governance Matters
25/161(a)
Review of Council Internal Controls plan / Internal Audit checklist
The Parish Clerk referred to the written report covering each aspect of the Internal Control Plan / Internal Audit checklist which he and Cllr Ellis had reviewed in detail during February. This report had been circulated to all members ahead of this meeting. Members noted that all aspects of the
plan and checklist were satisfactorily covered. NOTED and ACCEPTED for adoption by the Council.
25/161(b)
Review of Financial Regulations.
The Parish Clerk reported that he had checked the NALC website for the most recent issue of, or update to, the Model Financial Regulations and it
was confirmed that, with the exception of the procurement regulations 5.4 and 5.7, which he had updated in line with the wording in the model version, the Council’s current adopted version is fully up to date. NOTED and ACCEPTED for adoption by the Council.
25/161(c)
Review of Standing Orders.
The Parish Clerk reported that he had checked the NALC website for the most recent issue of, or update to, the Model Standing Orders and it was confirmed that the Counci’s current adopted version is fully up to date. NOTED and ACCEPTED by the Council.
25/161(d)
Review of the Parish Council’s Asset Register.
The Parish Clerk reported that latest version (held on the Scribe Accounts package) of the Council’s Asset Register was checked by Cllr Ellis and the Parish Clerk and confirmed that it is up to date and accurate. Members noted that the only new asset acquired during the 2025-26 financial year has been the bench installed at Washponds. NOTED and ACCEPTED by the Council
25/161(e)
To receive and approve any update on the review of the Council’s insurance cover for 2026/27 (renewal due in May).
The Parish Clerk reported that the insurance schedule had been reviewed in detail by Cllr Ellis and the Parish Clerk. They noted that the renewal is due in May 2026, and that 2026-27 will be the second year of a 3-year long term deal based on an insurance product designed specifically for Parish & Town Councils. Cllr Ellis and the Clerk firstly reviewed the levels of cover for the Council’s material assets. The Clerk explained that the insurers group the cover for these as follows: office equipment, street furniture, outdoor equipment, gate & fences, and war memorials. Using an updated set of replacement values from the Council’s reviewed Asset Register they confirmed that the level of cover currently quoted by the insurers was close to, but greater than, the total replacement value for the Council’s assets in each of these categories. They therefore concluded that the cover offered was appropriate in all cases with one possible exception, and that no assets had been missed. The exception was the War Memorial, the replacement cost of which has for a considerable length of time been shown on the Asset Register as £5000. This was considered to be significantly lower than the estimated replacement cost and so it was recommended that this is now set at £10,000 – and should be subject to a further review after advice from the specialist contractors when they visit to undertake cleaning of the memorial in the spring / summer of 2026. The cover levels for all other elements of the insurance were considered and found to be adequate and it was recommended they are taken forward for 2026-27 unamended. It was RESOLVED to ACCEPT both of the above recommendations.
Other matters of report
25/162(a)
The Clerk reported on the following matters:
(i) Allotments: over the past month has been no new additions to the waiting list. There are currently two vacancies. A decision from the person who has been offered plot 2 Road Side is still awaited. The tenant of plot 10 Field Side has now given the plot up and so it will be offered to the next person on the waiting list.
(ii) Condition of footpaths: Still no further news yet on the missing bridge on the right of way between Washponds and West Knighton. Reminder: it is not actually within Broadmayne Parish. However, the matter was also taken up with the relevant DC Ranger, Mr Stuart Semple and the Council has been told that DC hope to deal with it when further budget becomes available in the new financial year.
(iii) Highways faults reported: No new issues reported this month.
(iv) Road works: The following notifications of temporary road closures to enable safe working for contractors have been received from DC Highways during the past month:
West Link Rd, Crossways 11th-12th March (Main Street is part of diversion route)
Knighton Lane, Broadmayne 2nd March for 1 day.
B3390, Moreton, 30th April for 1 day (Main Street is part of diversion route.
25/162(b)
Cllr Ellis reported on an enquiry which has been sent on behalf of a resident to the designated planning officer for the development on the land adjacent to Broadmead regarding screening on the haul road. This requested screening is intended to avoid the risk of startling horses on adjacent land which are part of a livery business.
Cllr Larkin commented on how good the daffodils planted at the crossroads look.
To note any matters received after the publication of the agenda
25/163
There were none.
Next meeting
25/164
The next meeting will take place on Monday 13th April 2026 in the Methodist Church Hall, unless otherwise advised.
There being no other business, the Chair closed the meeting at 20:45, thanking everyone for their attendance.
Appendix 1 – Bank reconciliation and accounts update to 25th February 2026. (available from the clerk)