Notices
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Dear residents of Corscombe and Halstock parish,
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I am writing as a councillor and member of Beaminster Area Eco Group to invite you to attend a local screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing film on the threats to British life from ongoing damage to nature and our environment.
Location: Beaminster Public Hall, DT8 3EF
Date: Friday 24th April
Time: 7.30pm
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The film features footage from last November’s National Emergency Briefing which brought together leading UK experts in climate science, food security, health, economics, national security and nature.
It presents a clear, measured overview of how the climate and nature crisis is affecting everyday life in Britain - and what the evidence says about risks and responses.
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The initiative is explicitly non-partisan, and has support from a wide range of organisations including National Trust, Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF, National Education Union, and many more.
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Its purpose is to support informed democratic discussion and ensure that Parliament and the public share a common understanding of the scale and urgency of the challenge.
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Following the 45-minute film, we will host a 45-minute structured local discussion on what this means for our community.
With best wishes,
Deborah Childs, Beaminster Area Eco Group
Saturday 28 March
The Parish Council meeting to be held on the 30th of March 2026 has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please note the next Parish Council will be on Wednesday the 8th of April 2026 at 7.30 pm, Corscombe Village Hall.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss anything.
07595598995
What Role Does the Parish Council Play in Planning Applications?
The Parish Council is asked for its views on all local planning applications, but it does not make the decision. That responsibility lies with Dorset Council.
When the Parish Council comments on an application, it can only do so on the basis of material considerations—issues that are relevant in planning law. This means that matters such as personal disputes or loss of a private view cannot be taken into account.
Key Points to Remember
* Parish councils are not planning authorities.
* They are statutory consultees, meaning they have the right to be informed and to comment.
* They cannot approve or refuse planning applications.
* Their comments carry weight only when they relate to valid planning considerations.
* The Planning Authority decides how long the overall process takes.
* The Parish Council may request extra time to comment, but the Planning Authority decides whether to allow it.
In summary, the Parish Council can express an informed opinion, but the final decision always rests with the Planning Authority.
As a parishioner you also have a right to comment.
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Examples of Valid Reasons to Comment (Material Considerations)
* Whether the proposal follows national and local planning policies
* Compliance with the local Development Plan
* Impact on the character and appearance of the area
* Design, layout, scale, and landscaping of the development
* Effects on neighbours (loss of light, overlooking, noise, disturbance, smells)
* Highway safety and traffic impact
* Availability of infrastructure (e.g., drainage, water supply)
* Flooding or pollution risks
* Impact on wildlife, trees, hedgerows, and conservation areas
* Effects on listed buildings, green belts, protected sites
* Comments from statutory bodies (e.g., Environment Agency, Highways)
* Impact on public services and public rights of way
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Reasons That Cannot Be Considered
* Who the applicant is
* Personal disputes, covenants, or boundary issues
* Loss of a private view
* Property value or personal financial loss
* Speculation about future use
* Competition between businesses
* Moral or religious objections
* Matters covered by other laws (e.g., fire regulations)
* Complaints about the applicant’s motives or reputation
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Issues You Can Raise as Concerns (but not formal objections)
E.g. Details about materials, colours or finishes
An addition to the Bracketts Coppice walk, thanks to the generosity of John and Bridget Dearlove
Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field with sheep, which can result in significant injury or suffering and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved. This also has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.
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Please keep dogs on leads near livestock.
