Support & Guidance
Welcome to the Support and Guidance section of the Poundbury Virtual Community Hub. Here, you'll find links to resources and information about frequently asked questions on various topics of interest to our community members. If you have a question or concern, this is a great place to start.
Remember, we're all part of making Poundbury a great place to live, work, and visit.
General Information, Especially for New Residents
Moving house can be daunting, especially when you don’t know who to contact when you have a problem. Below are some useful links.
Local Authorities and Decision Makers
Dorchester & Poundbury Councillors
Note that Dorchester councillors' residents' monthly surgery takes place at Dorchester Library, South Walks House, Charles Street, Dorchester DT1 1EE, call 01305 224440
01305 266861
01305 221000
Dorset Counsellors:
Your Councillors - Dorset Council
01305 250533
Poundbury MANCOs are responsible for the maintenance of certain common areas. This includes cleanliness and streetlighting in specific locations, as well as the upkeep of the common TV aerial.
If you're unsure who to contact regarding such matters, Poundbury MANCO managing agent Symonds & Sampson can provide guidance. For assistance, please call:
01305 756 968 or email: manco@symondsandsampson.co.uk
Emergencies and Crises
01305 251150 or 999
0300 123660
116123
General Support
A national service where you can register and select your local area to receive locally-driven updates from official and other sources
Local resources:
Regular emails noting upcoming events, items for sale, and more (supported by the Poundbury Community Trust) email Fran to join the distribution list
A Facebook group for residents administered, for people to post pictures and comments, ask and answer questions
Check out our Living section for further resources
Looking After Our Homes
Maintaining your Poundbury home preserves both your comfort and our community's unique character. Keep exteriors clean, gardens tidy, and gutters clear.
Report shared space issues to management promptly.
Choose appropriate exterior lighting and store bins discreetly.
For further specifics, see below.
General guidance only. LovePoundbury is not liable for any issues arising from this guidance. Always consult a professional for specific needs.
Making Changes to Our Homes’ Exteriors
Poundbury's distinctive architectural style is a key part of its charm.
Any changes to the exterior of your home must be carefully considered to maintain the overall aesthetic of the community.
Please read the Poundbury Stipulations and the Design and Community Code before making any alterations.
Wooden Window Maintenance
Clean windows with mild detergent (avoid harsh chemicals), inspect seasonally for damage to caulking and frames, and promptly repair any rotting, warping or drafts.
Regular maintenance extends window life and improves energy efficiency.
For specific issues, contact your builder (during NHBC protection) or the Duchy of Cornwall Poundbury
Render Maintenance
Clean exterior render with a stiff broom and hose or low-pressure steam (avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure washers).
Apply environmentally-friendly fungicidal sealant periodically to prevent mold.
Repaint every few years. Properly maintained render remains breathable, preventing dampness while improving fire safety.
For issues, contact your builder (during NHBC protection) or the Duchy of Cornwall Poundbury
Considering Our Neighbours
Living in a close-knit community like Poundbury means being mindful of those around us. Below is guidance on how we can all contribute to a harmonious living environment.
Antisocial Behaviour
Antisocial behaviour can include:
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Excessive noise, especially late at night or early morning
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Littering or improper waste disposal
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Vandalism or property damage
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Aggressive or threatening behaviour
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Misuse of public spaces
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Persistent parking in restricted areas
If you experience or witness antisocial behaviour, document the incidents with dates, times, and descriptions. This information can be helpful when reporting to authorities.
If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency situations, report it to the local police on 101 or contact Jane Goodwin, our community liaison officer.
Traffic and Parking
Poundbury is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly environment. To maintain this, please:
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Adhere to speed limits and be vigilant for pedestrians
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Park only in designated areas
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Do not block driveways or pedestrian pathways
-
Be considerate when parking large vehicles that may obstruct views
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Use visitor parking areas for guests
-
Consider car-sharing or using public transport to reduce congestion
For ongoing issues and to ask for help, contact Dorset Council Traffic Management.
Noise Complaints
An unreasonable amount of noise can significantly impact your life. This includes noise, especially at unreasonable hours, that frequently interferes with your sleep, reading, or enjoyment of your home, such as:
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Loud music: Music from parties, pubs, clubs, or car stereos
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Construction noise: Noise from construction sites, DIY projects, or demolition
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Alarms: Intruder, vehicle, or fire alarms
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Barking dogs: Persistent barking from dogs
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Noisy deliveries
First, try talking to your neighbours or those responsible, as they may not realise they are causing you a problem. If the problem is not resolved, please contact Jane Goodwin, our community liaison officer or ask your local council for help.
Places of Worship & Community Support
Poundbury and Dorchester offer various places of worship and vital support services for those in need. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or practical assistance, there's a welcoming community ready to help.
Christian Worship
Dorchester Churches: in association with Churches together
Church of England:
Parish of Dorchester & Winterbourne
Dorchester Community Church (Multidenominational Christian)
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Food Support & Other Community Support
Dorchester Community Church Food share
Dorchester Food Bank at Dorchester Baptist Church
The Community Share Dorchester
A wealth of local support services at:
Respecting Our Environment
Poundbury is committed to being an environmentally friendly community. By working together, we can maintain our green spaces, reduce waste, and create a sustainable living environment for all.
Antisocial Behaviour
Antisocial behaviour can include:
-
Excessive noise, especially late at night or early morning
-
Littering or improper waste disposal
-
Vandalism or property damage
-
Aggressive or threatening behavior
-
Misuse of public spaces
-
Persistent parking in restricted areas
If you experience or witness antisocial behaviour, document the incidents with dates, times, and descriptions. This information can be helpful when reporting to authorities.
If you feel in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency situations, report it to the local police on 101 or contact Jane Goodwin, our community liaison officer.
Traffic and Parking
Poundbury is designed to be a pedestrian-friendly environment. To maintain this, please:
-
Adhere to speed limits and be vigilant for pedestrians
-
Park only in designated areas
-
Do not block driveways or pedestrian pathways
-
Be considerate when parking large vehicles that may obstruct views
-
Use visitor parking areas for guests
-
Consider car-sharing or using public transport to reduce congestion
For ongoing issues and to ask for help, contact Dorset Council Traffic Management.
Noise Complaints
An unreasonable amount of noise can significantly impact your life. This includes noise, especially at unreasonable hours, that frequently interferes with your sleep, reading, or enjoyment of your home, such as:
-
Loud music: Music from parties, pubs, clubs, or car stereos
-
Construction noise: Noise from construction sites, DIY projects, or demolition
-
Alarms: Intruder, vehicle, or fire alarms
-
Barking dogs: Persistent barking from dogs
-
Noisy deliveries
First, try talking to your neighbours or those responsible, as they may not realise they are causing you a problem. If the problem is not resolved, please contact Jane Goodwin, our community liaison officer or ask your local council for help.
Green Space Maintenance
Our green spaces are vital to the character and well-being of Poundbury. Here's how you can help:
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Use designated paths to avoid damaging grass and plantings
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Do not litter or leave pet waste in green areas
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Report any damaged trees, benches, or play equipment
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Participate in community gardening initiatives where available
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Respect any wildlife you encounter in our green spaces
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Adhere to any seasonal restrictions or guidance provided by the management company
Poundbury MANCOs are responsible for the maintenance of certain green space areas.
If you're unsure who to contact regarding such matters, Poundbury MANCO managing agent Symonds & Sampson can provide guidance. For assistance, please call:
01305 756 968 or email: manco@symondsandsampson.co.uk
Litter and Waste Management
Poundbury is served by Dorset Council and rubbish collection dates vary across the area. Please contact Dorset Council waste services for missed collections.
To join the Poundbury Litter Pickers, please email: Councillor Frances Hogwood.
Dog waste bins are currently located on the Great Field, and dog waste can also be disposed of in the general litter bins at the Buttermarket, Woodlands Crescent green, and outside Waitrose.
