Parish council Agenda and minutes 19th January 2026
- lydlinchparishcouncil
- Jan 13
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 27
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING.
To: All Parish Councillors, Dorset Council Councillors, Members of the Public & Press.
Summons dated: 13th January 2026.
Signed the clerk:
Tracey Watson.
Dear Member,
You are summoned to attend a meeting of the Parish Council at the Hooper Hall Lydlinch on
Monday 19th January 2026 at 7.00 pm to consider the following items:
Members of the public wishing to attend are requested to advise the clerk via telephone or e-mail prior to the meeting.
Members are reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief or disability), Crime & Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.
AGENDA
1. Chairmans welcome and address
2. To receive Declarations of Personal or Pecuniary Interests & Requests for dispensations (Please notify the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting)
3. To receive apologies.
4. Approve the minutes of the meetings held 22.09.25 & 20.11.24
5. Democratic period (For public comments)
6. Parish Clerks report & Correspondence: As detailed in annex 1a.
7. To receive Parish Councillors reports.
8. To receive the Dorset Councillors report.
9. To consider the options with the aim of vehicle speed reduction in the Parish and give further instruction.
10. Finance.
a. To approve the accounts for payment.
b. To receive the quarterly financial report ending 31st December 2025
c. To consider the draft 2 year budget in terms of income, expenditure and reserves and give further instruction.
11. To resolve the level of the precept
12. Planning
a. Respond to Dorset Council planning consultations
P/HOU/2025/07653 Form 2 no. dormer windows to front and rear elevations over garage/utility room. Erect log store on the eastern front boundary. Crossfield House Access Track To Crossfield House Lydlinch DT10 2HU. Applicant Mr P Christopher.
b. Responses made under delegated terms.
c. Recent decisions of DC Planning Office.
d. Appeals and matters of report from previous applications.
e. Planning matters of report.
13. Date of the next meeting
Meeting papers
Item 4.
Draft Minutes of Lydlinch Parish Council meeting held on 22nd September 2025 at the Hooper Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Present Councilors: C May (Chairman), A Curtis, C Curtis, M Griffith-Jones, T Frizzle, J Smyth & G Tite.
S Mercer County Councilor was present
T Watson (Clerk)
In attendance
There were 11 members of the public in attendance.
1. Chairmans welcome and address
The Chairman welcomed all those present and explained the term of the democratic period.
2. To receive declarations of interest & Requests for dispensations (Please notify the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting)
None.
3. To receive apologies.
None.
4. Approve the minutes of the meeting held 23.06.25
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 23.06.25
5. Democratic period (For public comments)
During open forum comments were received regarding speeding in Kings Stag and a request for the PC to make an application to the Woodland Trust ‘Free Trees for Schools & Communities’ for tree / hedge planting at the Kings Stag memorial Chapel.
Post meeting note: Having researched the terms of the project, as the land in question is in the ownership and ongoing responsibility of the Spire Hill Benefice the Clerk had suggested that the interested party approach them / the Church Wardens of the Memorial Chapel, who can make this application as a Faith Group.
6. Parish Clerks report & Correspondence: As detailed in annex 1a.
Rise in salary in conjunction with the annual LGPS award.
Extraordinary meeting Monday 6th October 7pm to respond the Dorset Local plan consultation
The dates of the DC highways speed surveys have been progressed.
7. To receive Parish Councillors reports.
None.
8. To receive the Dorset Councillors report.
S Murcer gave a briefing on the Draft Dorset Local Plan.
9. Finance.
a. To approve the accounts for payment.
To | For | Payment | Receipt |
|
T Watson | In lieu of stamps purchased | £6.96 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
T Watson | Salary August & September | £419.85 |
| Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 Employment Act 2008 |
HMRC | Tax August & September | £121.18 |
| Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 Employment Act 2008 |
Stalbridge TC | Office Services August & September | £94.40 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
IK Services | dog bin servicing August | £90.87 |
| Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
IK Services | dog bin servicing September | £90.87 |
| Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
Vale Methodist Church | Defibrillator electricity 24.25 | £25.47 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.137 |
RESOLVED: All payments approved
10. To consider the AGAR (Annual Governance & accountability Return 2026). Assertion 10 - UK GDPR & Data protection act compliance & give further instruction.
The Clerk advised that whilst the Parish Council have previously declared themselves exempt for external audit, they still adhere to the annual AGAR statements. In 25.26 their will be a new assertion number 10 which concerns compliance with UK GDPR & Data protection act. To comply all the Parish Council polices will need to be review and amended as necessary and some action may be required in terms of the PC web site and members e mail communications. i.e. New web site and.gov.uk e mail addresses.
RESOLVED: The Parish council wish to comply with the AGAR assertion 10 - UK GDPR & Data protection act compliance, and the Clerk was instructed to commence the compliance project.
11. To discuss the Parish Councils strategic vision for the future of the responsibilities it holds to ensure all councillors understand and support in a united manner. J Smyth
J Smyth introduced the reason for his proposal that after one year in post he was unsure of what the Parish Council are doing. Whilst realising that the Partish Council have minimal powers, he would like to see more being done for the greater benefit of the Parish. He advised that there are individuals in the Parish who are prepared to help and noted the Christmas carol service and voluntary maintenance of the Kings Stag Memorial Chapel grounds. He encouraged improving the Parish Councils interaction and engagement with the community. In General Members did not share the view that not enough was being done for the community and were keen to work within their powers and services and to keep the precept at a reasonable level.
12. To change the Parish Councils banking to an electronic system e.g. Unity Trust Bank that specialises in supporting Parish Council with minimum charges. J Smyth
The current and potential charges were noted and the Clerk advised that there would not really be any time saving benefit to moving the bank account.
RESOLVED: The proposal to change the Parish Councils banking to an electronic system failed in voting.
13. To purchase and display items of remembrance throughout our parish. J Smyth
J Smyth asked members to consider the purchase of forty poppies at a cost of £200 to be displayed equally in the Parish at sites unspecified, by volunteers in advance of remembrance Sunday annually.
RESOLVED: To purchase forty poppies at a cost of £200 to be displayed equally by volunteers in the Parish.
14. That the Parish Council moves forward to build a ‘communication strategy’ M Griffith-Jones
The Clerk had attended community comms training, and the slides from the training had been circulated prior to the meeting.
RESOLVED: That the Parish Council moves forward to build a ‘communication strategy’
15. Planning
a. Response to DC planning consultations.
None
b. Responses made under delegated terms.
None.
c. Recent decisions of DC Planning Office.
P/FUL/2025/02376 Kings Stag Joinery Ltd, Unit 1 Holwell Road Kings Stag Dorset DT10 2BA. Retain installation of extraction flues Refused
d. Appeals and matters of report from previous applications.
None.
e. Planning matters of report.
None.
16. Date of next meeting Monday 24th November
There being no further business the Meeting closed at 8.22 pm.
Draft Minutes of Lydlinch Parish Council meeting held on 17th November 2025 at the Hooper Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Present Councillors: C May (Chairman), A Curtis, C Curtis, M Griffith-Jones, T Frizzle, J Smyth & G Tite.
S Mercer County Councillor was absent
T Watson (Clerk)
In attendance
There were 8 members of the public in attendance.
1. Chairmans welcome and address
The Chairman welcomed all those present and explained the terms of the democratic period.
2. To receive declarations of interest & Requests for dispensations (Please notify the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting)
None.
3. To receive apologies.
None.
4. Approve the minutes of the meeting held 22.09.25 & 06.10.25
J Smyth queried the minutes of the meeting 22.09.25 and proposed the following amendments.
Item 11. Page 12. paragraph 1. after community add ‘were happy for the village of Kings Stag to remain the same’
Item 11. Page 11 paragraph 1. After he Replace ‘was unsure what the parish council are doing’ with ‘felt a vision for the future was required’.
A vote was taken and the first amendment was agreed but the second failed.
RESOLVED: To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 06.10.25.
5. Democratic period (For public comments)
T Lance addressed the meeting regarding speeding in Kings Stag.
6. Parish Clerks report & Correspondence: As detailed in annex 1a.
The Clerk drew members attention to the Age Friendly Dorset survey
7. To receive Parish Councillors reports.
None.
8. To receive the Dorset Councillors report.
None.
9. Finance.
a. To approve the accounts for payment.
T Watson | Salary October & November | £389.66 | Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 |
HMRC | Tax October & November | £97.40 | Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 |
Stalbridge TC | Office Services October & November | £97.40 | Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
IK Services | dog bin servicing October | £90.87 | Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
IK Services | dog bin servicing November | £90.87 | Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
Lloyds bank | Bank Charges | £5.75 | Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
Dorset Council | ATC speed survey Lydlinch & Kings Stag | £594.00 | Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
4C Managed Services | Microsoft 365 12 months | £71.28 | Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
RESOLVED: All payments approved
Report of bank charges 11.06.25 £6.25, 10.07.25 £6.25, 11.08.25 £5.75, 10.09.25 £4.75
b. To receive the quarterly financial report to 31.09.25
The bank balance was noted and verified against the cash book.
RESOLVED: Quarterly financial report to 31.09.25 received.
c. To consider a draft precept demand 26.27 and give further instruction.
RESOLVED: The draft precept figures were considered to be formalised at the January meeting.
10. To receive a quotation for a new Parish council Web site and give further instruction.
3 different web site quotes were presented
RESOLVED: To proceed with the Wix quote.
11. To receive an update on the recent speed surveys and potential options.
The recent speed surveys in the centre of Lydlinch and on the Holwell Rd in Kings Stag were noted as meeting the criteria for a speed indicator device. It was also noted that currently Holwell Parish Council are endeavouring to reduce the speed limit on the Holwell Rd to 30mph. The varying options to reduce speed were considered including roadside signs, road markings, gates and a speed indicator device. It was noted that there are 3 sites in Kings Stag that are eligible for a speed indicator device and on a four week rotation the device would be in one location and then not return for eight weeks.
12. To review a Draft ‘communication strategy’ and give further instruction.
RESOLVED: Members agreed to give individual feedback to the draft document.
13. Planning
a. Response to DC planning consultations.
None.
b. Responses made under delegated terms.
P/HOU/2025/06187 Erect single storey rear orangery. Haydon Cottage, Haydon Downs Farm To Salkeld Bridge – Road, Plumber DT10 2AG Response: The proposed addition of an orangery is proportionate and will improve the applicant's enjoyment of their home. See no reason not to support the application.
P/HOU/2025/06270 Retain tool / garden shed. Crossfield House Access Track To Crossfield House, Lydlinch, DT10 2HU. Response : Support the retrospective application
on the basis of a garden shed to be conditioned for such use only , as it is tucked out of sight and affects no one else.
c. Recent decisions of DC Planning Office.
None.
d. Appeals and matters of report from previous applications.
None
e. Planning matters of report.
None.
14. Date of next meeting
Date of next meeting Monday 19th January 2026
There being no further business the Meeting closed at 8.12 pm.
Ward members report January 2026
January 2026 Meetings
12 January – Audit and Governance Committee
13 January – Hazelbury Bryan Parish Council Meeting
19 January – Lydlynch Parish Council Meeting
21 January – People and Health Scrutiny Committee
22 January – Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee
23 January – Members Transformation Committee
30 January – Parish and Town Council Meeting with Simon Hoare MP
Local Government Financial Settlement
Dorset Council has welcomed the government’s provisional three-year Local Government Financial Settlement providing greater certainty over future income. However the level of funding settlement effectively forces authorities like Dorset to raise council tax to the maximum level just to maintain existing services. Although the settlement appears to include an extra £25.9 million, the council says £24.1 million of this would come from higher council tax rather than increased government funding.
The council had called for fairer funding to reflect the higher costs of providing services in a large, rural county with an ageing population. It says additional investment is needed to support adult social care, improve transport links and strengthen schools.
However, the council says the government has removed funding that would have recognised rural service pressures, leaving Dorset increasingly reliant on council tax income. Despite this, the council says prudent financial planning will allow it to set a balanced budget for 2026/27, although further savings will still be required.
A high level overview of the 2026/7 Budget has been presented to Councillors, but will be scrutinised in detail in the People and Health Scrutiny Committee and the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee on the 21 and 22 January 2026.
The performance of the Children’s and Adult’s Directorates will be crucial if DC is to achieve its budget and consequently will come under greater scrutiny in the months ahead.
Highways – Potholes and Flooding
Please don’t drive past a pot hole or incident of fly tipping.
I have reported 9 potholes to DC this year so far and have contacted Highways about recent flooding incidents. If you see potholes or persistent flooding or incidents of fly tipping please report them on the DC website or let me know and I will report them on your behalf.
Steve Murcer
Councillor, Blackmore Vale Ward
Finance PCM 19.01.26
|
|
| payments | Receipts |
|
19.12.25 | Lloyds bank | Bank Charges | £5.25 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
23.12.25 | T Watson | In Lieu T Watson defib battery | £282.00 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.137 |
19.01.26 | ICO | Data protection reg 25.26 | £52.00 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
19.01.26 | T Watson | Salary December & January | £0.00 |
| Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 |
19.01.26 | Stalbridge TC | Office Services December & January | £97.40 |
|
|
19.01.26 | HMRC | Tax December & January | £97.40 |
| Employment Act 2002 Employment Relations Act 2004 |
19.01.26 | IK Services | dog bin servicing December | £90.87 |
| Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
19.01.26 | IK Services | dog bin servicing January | £90.87 |
| Litter Act 1983, ss.5, 6 |
19.01.26 | Hooper Hall | Hall hire 01.01.25-17.11.25 | £175.00 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
19.01.26 | T Watson | In Lieu stamps | £6.80 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
19.01.26 | 4C Managed Services | E Mail fix in relation to new web site | £60.00 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |
19.01.26 | Lloyds bank | Bank Charges | £6.75 |
| Local Government Act 1972, s.11 |