WORKING GROUPS UPDATE:
Pavilion Group
SODC have approved the CIL Grant application and awarded £215K, further fundings is being sought.
The Tender has been awarded to Tim Fisher Builders.
Planning application has been granted. Start date for the works is to be advised target Autumn 2026.
Nature & Environment Group.
Develop a Nature & Wildlife plan, including water quality – Nature & Environmental Action Plan has been produced and a Biodiversity Report.
Nature & Environmnet Action plan Feb 2026
TVERC_25_0612 Biodiversity_Report_for_Parish
Traffic Group
Develop solutions to the traffic issues, including noise, safety and car parking – progress made with OCC a 50mph speed limit on A4074 has been enforced and remarking of the carraigeway has been completed.
The Parish Council is pleased to advise residents that following the work carried out by the Traffic Group and Councillors with Oxfordshire County Council Highways, Thames Valley Police, County and District Councillors, that OCC have changed the speed limit to 50mph.
Speed Watch volunteer group set up but need further volunteers as most have dropped from the group. Need 3 people to monitor speeds in the village. Contact the Clerk if interested.
Community Land Trust
The committee has been formed and a will be working with land owners to explore possibilities for sites to build affordable homes. The CLT are now a registered Charity.
Develop a plan for additional 10-20 Affordable Homes On going, a Community Land Trust Steering Group has been set up they will liaise with land owners.
Transformation Plan Dorchester Parish Council’s operations including governance, finance, grounds maintenance & emergency planning NOW COMPLETED.
Dorchester 2030 & Beyond Survey Summary & Strategic Priorities
The survey was conducted in September and October 2023.
The results showed most important activity or amenity in Dorchester is the Co-op followed by Access to the Countryside and Footpaths.
The top 3 things people like about living in Dorchester are:
- Rural setting, countryside, views, nature & wildlife
- Community spirit & feeling
- Friendly, helpful & supportive people
The top 3 dislikes are:
- Noise from bypass
- Too many cars parked on High Street
- Poor public transport links, no bus service through the village
In considering our Strategic Priorities, the Council has reflected on other local changes which could impact on the development of Dorchester over the next 10 years with the major potential items being further reduction in OCC and SODC funding of services and the proposed development of Berinsfield Garden Village with up to 1900 homes plus new community facilities.
The Parish Council’s proposed Strategic Priorities are listed below, and Working Groups have already been set up to begin working on these matters. The Working Groups are Councillors and residents who have volunteered. The Groups are;
- Develop a Nature & Wildlife plan, including water quality – Nature recovery plan is being produced.
- Develop solutions to the traffic issues, including noise, safety and car parking – progress made with OCC and they are looking at a 50mph speed limit on A4074 and also a minimising overtaking with new line markings. Other matters being worked on.
- Assess and progress future potential uses of the Pavilion plus refurbishment plans
- Develop a plan for additional 10-20 Affordable Homes On going, a Community Land Trust Steering Group has been set up they will liaise with land owners.
- Transform Dorchester Parish Council’s operations including governance, finance, grounds maintenance & emergency planning – NOW COMPLETED.
If you are interested in volunteering to join any of the Workings Groups please contact the Clerk.