Charging Cables and Car Repairs — Keeping Pavements and Courtyards Safe
This article is part of our third Q&A series following the Community Association of Poundbury General Meeting on 7 October 2026. This question was submitted for the Stakeholder Panel, but there was not time to cover it at the meeting. The answer below is based on later responses from the Duchy of Cornwall and the Poundbury MANCOs representative, to whom we are grateful.
The questions asked were: We have noticed a resident charging their car parked on a pavement, via a cable from their garage. Is this acceptable, considering the potential tripping hazard? And what is the process for addressing the use of courtyards by people who are taking apart their vehicles?
The short answer: no to both. Charging cables trailing across pavements are not acceptable, and repairing vehicles in courtyards breaches the Poundbury Stipulations.
Charging cables across pavements
The Duchy says this is not acceptable, and it is not giving consent where cables would create a tripping hazard of this kind. Where it happens on MANCO-managed land, such as a courtyard, the MANCOs will look at the cases reported to them, and refer cases elsewhere as necessary.
If you are thinking about charging an electric car at home, check with the Duchy before installing anything, so the arrangement is safe for everyone.
Vehicle repairs in courtyards
Carrying out vehicle repairs in courtyards is not permitted under Stipulation 12. The MANCOs say they dealt with several cases over the summer and resolved each one. If you see it happening, report it to Symonds & Sampson.
Who to tell
If you see... | Report it to | How |
A charging cable or vehicle repairs in a courtyard | Your MANCO, via Symonds & Sampson | The "Reporting" tab at poundburymanco.co.uk, or call 01305 756 968 |
A charging cable across a pavement that has not been adopted | Duchy of Cornwall, Poundbury office | 01305 250533 |
A dangerous obstruction on an adopted pavement | Dorset Council |
Thank you to Jason Bowerman at the Duchy of Cornwall and Ryan Holmes at the Poundbury MANCOs for their written responses.
Your questions shape our community
Have a question about life in Poundbury? Email us at info@lovepoundbury.org and it could feature at the next General Meeting.
This answer has been added to the FAQ section of our website, which includes many other questions and answers as well.
Looking for more help and guidance? Take a look at our Support section, and see the full Q&A series in our Help & Support library.
Also see our Q&A series in full in our Help & Support articles library. Here.