Q&A Series: Road Adoption in Poundbury - Where Are We?

This week's Q&A addresses another infrastructure topic raised at our General Meeting in September: the current status of road adoption across Poundbury.

What is the current status of road adoption across Poundbury? What is the timeline for completing outstanding agreements, and what documentation processes ensure continuity?

It's a complex topic, but understanding road adoption matters because it determines who maintains our streets—and how long that responsibility remains with developers versus transferring to Dorset Council.

Road Adoption Progress

Road adoption is actively progressing, though Poundbury's distinctive design creates unique challenges. Currently, approximately 15% of Poundbury roads are adopted, including Phase 1, the eastern sections of Peverell Avenue East and Middle Farm Way amongst others.

What Triggers Road Adoption

Roads become eligible when several conditions are met:

• Construction completion: Roads built to specifications approved by Dorset Council

• Maintenance period: Typically 12 months post-completion to identify defects

• Technical compliance: Infrastructure meets Dorset Council maintenance and safety standards

• Legal agreements: Section 38 agreements finalised, including financial arrangements

• Developer readiness: The Developer and Duchy confirm areas are ready for handover

Triggers aren't automatic—they require active negotiation between the Duchy and Dorset Council on each phase.

Poundbury's Unique Infrastructure

Poundbury's custom lighting, distinctive curbing, architectural street furniture and integrated infrastructure do not always reflect generic Council specifications, but importantly, have been designed through liaison with Dorset Council throughout the project. Section 38 agreements include substantial "commuted sums"—payments covering 60 years of maintenance costs with inflation and interest calculations. Resolving these technical and financial complexities requires detailed negotiation to determine a fair basis for all parties.

The Duchy of Cornwall and Dorset Council are finalising agreement terms, technical specifications, and financial arrangements. Both parties anticipate adoption will progress soon, although the complexity means multiple phases remain ahead. Roads will be adopted by adjacent zones as agreements are finalised.

Checking Your Street

Dorset Explorer provides maps showing adopted versus unadopted roads. Use the adopted roads filter in the Layers Highways menu on Dorset Explorer to check your street's status.

Key Contacts:

• Unadopted Roads: Duchy of Cornwall (01305 250533, poundbury@duchyofcornwall.org)

• Adopted Roads: Dorset Council - Councillor Richard Biggs (01305 221000, cllrrichard.biggs@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

• Documentation: If unclear, contact both organisations and document issues. Persistent reporting ensures nothing falls through cracks during handover

Report persistent issues with unadopted roads to the Duchy promptly. Documentation helps both parties resolve technical compliance matters efficiently.

Your Questions Shape Our Community

Understanding infrastructure responsibilities helps us all maintain Poundbury effectively. Have a question about life in Poundbury? Email us at secretary@lovepoundbury.org and it could well feature at the next General Meeting.

This answer is now available in our FAQ section for future reference.

Thank you to Richard Biggs (Dorset Council) and Jason Bowerman (Duchy of Cornwall) for fact-checking this article.