Windrush Art Exhibition – 12 April
Please see the attached poster for full details.
NT Estate Masterplan/CDC Policy EN18 correspondence update
/in News /by Website AdminClick on the links below for the latest correspondence received from the National Trust and Cotswold District Council.
National Trust not ready to participate in the agreed ‘NT Masterplan Community Consultation Group’
NT response to PC concerning Community Consultation Group
CDC confirm a date for the agreed ‘CDC Policy EN18 Community Consultation Group’
Date for first CDC Policy EN18 Community Consultation Group agreed
National Trust tree planting in the news
/in News /by Website AdminTwo articles featuring recent tree planning work in and around Sherborne
National Trust planting 800 football pitches worth of woodlands over winter | The Independent
More than 50,000 trees being planted on Cotswold estate
Don’t forget: Please take a few minutes to participate in the Grass Verge Management survey.
/in News /by Website AdminMany Parishioners have shared their views (at Parish Council meetings, via email, and general conversation) on how Sherborne’s grass verges should be managed throughout the year.
Some prefer to see all the verges within the 30 mph signs cut on a regular basis, whilst some are keen to see a ‘more natural look’ throughout the year. Many have complimented the recent grass trimming work conducted by the National Trust.
As 2025 is upon us, and before too long we will start to see the first signs of Spring, it’s timely to add a more empirical view to the debate. This short and simple to complete questionnaire is intended to provide everyone with an opportunity to share their ideas. Please have a read and return your completed questionnaire by 14 March via the returns box in the Village Shop, or simply take a photo of it and email it to any Parish Councillor (Councillors – Sherborne Parish Council).
Copies of the questionnaire have been delivered to all Sherborne residents. Copies are also available in the Village Shop. Additionally, a downloadable and online versions are available at Verge management – Sherborne Parish Council
The summary report will be made available to all Sherborne Parish residents, the County Council, and relevant local landowners. Any subsequent actions/plans will be discussed at future Parish Council meetings to which all Parish residents are always welcome.
Thank you in advance for your participation
NT response to PC request for Sherborne Estate Plan consultation update – 15 February 2025
/in News /by Website AdminRecently, the Parish Council wrote to the National Trust (22 January 2025) asking for an update on the Trust’s plans for ‘big nature, better access’ estate masterplan community consultation.
The Trust’s reply is here – NT response to PC request for Sherborne Estate Plan consultation update – 15 February 2025 – Sherborne Parish Council
It is disappointing to learn that the National Trust are still not ready to discuss their extensive proposals for Sherborne Estate with the community. A commitment to do so was a key outcome of the public meeting held during March 2024, and as you can see from the email chain below, it is not the first time the Trust have resisted progress.
Considering the proposals contained in the various National Trust documents (National Trust Big Nature Big Access Documents – Sherborne Parish Council) which were revealed during the CDC Policy EN18 Consultation period early last year, many of which would bring about significant changes to the community and its general social wellbeing for many years, we believe it is entirely appropriate for the National Trust to engage in meaningful community consultation without delay.
We urge the Trust to take this matter seriously and to respect the deep-seated feelings running through the community and those of our neighbouring Parishes.
Online version of the Grass Verge Management survey is now available.
/in News /by Website AdminIn addition to the printed questionnaires delivered to all Sherborne residents, there is now an online version here – Village Grass Verge Management Research
However you choose participate, please try to have your response in by 14 March.
Further details are here – Verge management – Sherborne Parish Council
Thank you.
Daily Telegraph: National Trust management of Sherborne’s ‘let estate’ in the news
/in News /by Website AdminPC request for proposed CDC Policy EN18 community consultation update – 20 January 2025
/in News /by Website AdminAt the NT/CDC Policy EN18 briefing meeting held at the Social Club (18 March 2024), Cotswold District Council committed to convene regular Policy EN18 community consultation meetings.
Earlier this week, the Parish Council wrote to CDC asking for a progress update. A copy of the email is here –
Replies will be posted as soon as they are received.
PC request for National Trust Sherborne Estate Development community consultation update – 22 January 2025
/in News /by Website AdminAt the NT/CDC Policy EN18 briefing meeting held at the Social Club (18 March 2024), the National Trust committed to convene regular Estate Development Plan community consultation meetings.
Earlier this week, the Parish Council wrote the National Trust asking for a progress update. A copy of the email and the proposed terms of reference are here –
Replies will be posted as soon as they are received.
Cotswold District Council cabinet reshuffle
/in News /by Website AdminLeader of Cotswold District Council, Cllr Joe Harris, has announced a reshaped leadership team to drive forward the Council’s top priorities.
The newly appointed, seven-member Cabinet will save local taxpayers approximately £8,000 per year while delivering on key commitments.
This change follows the decision by Cllr Lisa Spivey to step back from her Cabinet role and Cllr Tony Dale’s choice to focus on his recovery after a recent car accident. Both Cllr Spivey and Cllr Dale have been instrumental in their roles over the past five years, and Cllr Harris extended his gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
“We’re immensely grateful to Lisa and Tony for their commitment and many achievements,” said Cllr Harris. “Lisa has overseen the development of hundreds of affordable homes for local people and has taken a strong stand in holding water companies to account on the sewage scandal affecting our community. Tony has driven our economic growth strategy, creating 500 new jobs in the district. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Cabinet once he’s fully recovered.”
The newly structured Cabinet is designed to bring fresh perspectives and renewed focus to essential council priorities, including ensuring that there is an infrastructure first approach to new development, more genuinely affordable homes are delivered, new jobs are created in the district and that residents are supported through the on-going cost of living crisis.
The Cabinet roles are now as follows:
- Leader: Joe Harris
- Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation: Mike Evemy
- Climate Change and Sustainability: Mike McKeown
- Housing and Planning: Juliet Layton
- Economy and Environment: Tristan Wilkinson
- Communities: Claire Bloomer
- Health, Culture, and Visitor Experience: Paul Hodgkinson
Cllr Harris welcomed new Cabinet Member Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, who brings considerable experience in helping organisations improve. “This team combines a wealth of experience with fresh energy,” said Cllr Harris. “This streamlined cabinet means we’re laser focused on our key priorities and ensures that every decision reflects our mission to make the Cotswolds and even better place to live, work and visit.”
Councillor Joe Harris reshuffles Cotswold District Council cabinet | Cotswold District Council News