10/06/2026
Monthly Newsletter
As summer approaches, your Parish Council continues to focus on maintaining local facilities, improving community safety, and ensuring residents are kept informed about matters affecting the parish. Here are the key highlights from our June meeting.
White Hill Junction Improvement Proposals: The Council discussed a proposal from Dorset Council relating to the White Hill junction. While both the Parish Council and Dorset Councillor Emma Parker support the principle of improving safety at this location, however concerns were raised regarding aspects of the current proposals, including a lack of signage, pedestrian sight lines, and the absence of a clearly defined safe walking route.
A joint letter will therefore be sent to Dorset Council outlining these concerns. Residents have an opportunity to view the plans and provide feedback, with details shared on the Parish Council website and social media channels.
Planning and Licensing: The Council considered a number of planning applications during the meeting. No objection was raised to the proposed to remove a Leylandii tree at Mill Street, Puddletown.
Community Emergency Planning: Work continues on the development of a Community Emergency Response Plan for the parish. Members of the public are welcome to become involved in the working group supporting this initiative.
The Council also noted that Cllr Green attended an Environment Agency event in Yeovil where he learnt that the Environment Agency has identified the River Piddle and Puddletown as areas of interest in relation to flooding. Plus, discussions also took place with Wessex Water regarding the installation of measures to help prevent sewage entering properties during flood events.
The Coombe: Concerns have been raised regarding the construction of bike ramps and informal tracks at The Coombe. Further investigations into land ownership will now take place before the matter is reconsidered by the Council.
Improving Accessibility at Meetings: Following ongoing concerns from both councillors and residents regarding hearing difficulties during meetings, the Council agreed to investigate moving future Tolpuddle meetings to the Old Chapel, which may provide a more suitable environment.
Councillor Vacancy: The Council noted with regret the resignation of Cllr Oakley as Councillor for Burleston and Tolpuddle and would like to thank her for her service and commitment to the local community.
The Parish Council is now keen to hear from residents who may be interested in helping shape the future of the area by becoming a Parish Councillor. Parish councillors play an important role in representing local views, improving community facilities, and influencing decisions that affect daily life in our villages.
No previous experience is required, just an interest in the local area and a willingness to get involved. Meetings are usually held once a month, alternating between Puddletown and Tolpuddle.
If you would like to find out more about what the role involves, please contact the Clerk for an informal chat.
Next Council Meeting: Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday 14th July 2026 at 7pm in Puddletown Village Hall. Residents are always welcome to attend, listen to discussions, and raise matters of local interest.
Parish Council contact details: (Please remember to give permission for your details to be shared with Councillors, but note your details will NOT be shared with anyone else)
Clerk: Michelle Harrington, Email: [email protected], Write: 34 Egmont Road, Poole Dorset BH16 5BZ, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuddletownAPC/,
Website:
Puddletown Area Parish Council represents the communities of Athelhampton, Burleston, Puddletown, and Tolpuddle. Our mission is to serve and represent the interests of our community. We strive to enhance the quality of life for residents by preserving our village’s heritage, supporting local servi...
