NT response to PC request for Sherborne Estate Plan consultation update – 15 February 2025

Recently, 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.