Welcome
Marnhull Parish Council
Marnhull is a large village in Dorset's Blackmore Vale, three miles north of Sturminster Newton and home to 2,035 people at the 2021 census. The parish council is the village's first tier of local government — this is where you'll find its meetings, minutes, finances and news.
Public notices
Agendas for every council meeting are published here at least three clear days before the meeting, alongside statutory notices such as the annual Notice of Public Rights. On the live site this panel is kept current by the clerk — email a notice and it is published the same day.
Latest news
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The Marnhull Neighbourhood Plan has been made
Following the referendum on 19 March 2026 — 615 votes in favour, 55 against — Dorset Council formally adopted the Marnhull Neighbourhood Development Plan 2024–2038 on 21 April. The plan, prepared by the parish council, now carries full weight in planning decisions affecting the village.
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Parish precept held for a second year
The council's precept for 2025/26 is £41,497.71 — unchanged from last year, working out at £41.98 for a Band D household.
About the village
Thomas Hardy knew Marnhull as Marlott — the home village of Tess in Tess of the d'Urbervilles, with the 16th-century Crown Inn appearing as the Pure Drop Inn. The 15th-century tower of St Gregory's church is a landmark across the Vale, and the village's New Street and Burton Street areas have been conservation areas since 1971. Marnhull today has two primary schools, a GP surgery, a village hall on Burton Street, a recreation ground with pavilion and all-weather courts, and two pubs.
Next council meeting
Monday 3 August 20267.00pm, Marnhull Village Hall, Burton Street. The council meets on the first Monday of each month (except bank holidays) — everyone is welcome.
- Contact the clerk
- Agendas & minutes
- Where the money goes
- Report a road, bin or footpath problem (Dorset Council)
