of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Monday, 14th September 2026 at 7:30pm in Roxton Parish Hall
Present: M Andrew (Acting Chairman), L Fleming, V Mudd, A Sales
Also present: Clerk, Borough Councillor Sharan Sira, and 2 members of the public.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – STANDING ORDERS WILL BE SUSPENDED TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL IN RELATION TO THE BUSINESS ON THE AGENDA OR REQUEST MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.
• Resident attended to ask what was going on at new development at School Lane now construction has paused as the site is beginning to look shabby. Mulberry Homes did not fix her driveway as promised. Mulberry Homes has installed a temporary footpath but for how long. Noise from construction workers has kept her out of her garden for four years. Additionally, in the same period, she had been burgled twice. She has asked for unnecessary signage to be removed (and for the 20mph sign to be RE-installed). At the crossroads there needs to be a dead-end warning sign as there is no access to the A1 anymore. Resolved: Clerk to e-mail resident’s concerns to Cllr Sira who will raise these issues with BBC and advise Cllr Evans to take these up with Mulberry Homes. Cllr Sales reported that fencing around the new play park has been removed but fence posts have just been cut rather than removed and are a potential safety concern.
• Report from Ward Councillor: Cllr Sira’s reports can be viewed on the PC website. EWR confirmed they had over 5,300 responses to their public consultation. Black Cat roundabout likely to open in Spring 2027. Damage to roads caused by construction traffic will be inspected following completion and returned to condition pre-construction. Food and waste recycling has proved to be very successful. Government has introduced major changes to national planning policy. BBC’s library consultation currently still open.
There were no further matters raised, and standing orders were duly reinstated.
1 APOLOGIES
Cllr C Evans sent his apologies. Cllr Nugent, having missed meetings for 6 months, is no longer eligible to remain as a member of RPC. Resolved: Clerk to notify BBC.
2 CO-OPTION
One expression of interest received from Adam Roberts. Chairman nominated Adam with Cllr Fleming seconding the proposal. Members voted unanimously to co-opt Adam onto the Parish Council with immediate effect. Resolved: Clerk to forward relevant paperwork and sign Cllr Roberts up for New Councillor Induction Training with BATPC.
3 TO RECEIVE DECLARATION FROM MEMBERS IN RELATION TO PERSONAL OR PREJUDICIAL INTEREST IN ANY AGENDA ITEM
No interests were declared.
4 TO APPROVE DRAFT MINUTES
The draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th July 2026, having previously been circulated, were confirmed, and duly signed as a true record.
5 MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
1. Public Participation re: seasonal bulbs – tulips have been applied for from BBC. Two local residents are co-ordinating collection and planting.
There were no further matters arising.
6 PAVILION & PITCH
Cllr Evans is still waiting to hear about our application for funding from the FCC charity. Repairs to pavilion have been undertaken. Thanks to Patrick Fleming and Bob Williamson for all their help. Cllr Evans met with Blunham CC and Blunham FC on 2nd September to arrange handover. Dugouts need to be inspected for damage. Chairman and Cllr Evans to review.
7 HIGHWAYS
1. Black Cat Roundabout Works Update – no further update.
2. EWR Update – nothing to report
3. School Lane Update – Cllr Evans advised that at the meeting with Andrew Prigmore and Mulberry Homes, it was clear that BBC will insist on active traffic calming if a 20mph zone is implemented in Roxton. If a 20mph limit is implemented, then active traffic calming is not required as long as there is compliance with the new limit. This can be demonstrated by traffic monitoring that will record actual speeds. We agreed to this as a preferred option over the substantial traffic calming such as raised tables/speed humps currently required as part of the Planning Permission for the Mulberry Homes development. Not complying with the Planning Permission and the associated reduction in speed from 30mph to 20mph is not an option. RPC is keen to encourage compliance to in order to avoid this. Draft e-mail to Andrew Prigmore, BBC was approved. Resolved: Clerk to send e-mail to Mr Prigmore following this meeting. Cllr Fleming to draft a notice to be delivered to residents requesting their co-operation.
8 PLANNING
8.1 Planning Applications
1. 26/01276/FUL New highway crossover and parking area at 5 High Street, Roxton – no comment
8.2 Neighbourhood Plan
Julian Chillingworth, Chairman of the Roxton NP Group reported via e-mail: At our last meeting, we reviewed the Emerging Draft Plan which has been put together as one document in the last month. We have first drafts for the majority of our policies some are at third draft stage. However, being in a position to submit a final draft for review is dependent on receiving the Call for Sites information from BBC, which is likely to be Q1, 2027. In the meantime, we will continue to work on all the other policy drafts over the next 3 months.
8.3 ROXTON CONSERVATION AREA
Update on request for Roxton Conservation Area to be added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register
Chairman advised that she has chased BBC for their report and hopes to receive it prior to our November meeting.
POLICE
1. Crime Figures – Clerk advised that in July there was one Assault With Injury, one State or Public Order offence and one Arson Not Endangering Life reported at Great North Road, one Possession of Controlled Drugs (Cannabis) on the A421 Eastbound, and a further Possession of Controlled Drugs (Cannabis) at Hills Close. In August there was one Other Criminal Damage and one Public Fear, Alarm or Distress offence reported at Great North Road, one Residential Burglary – Home at Elizabeth Drive and one Controlling or Coercive Behaviour offence reported, site undisclosed.
FINANCE
1. To approve payments and note any income [Appendix 1] – approved.
2. To receive information regarding the current financial statement – noted.
3. To approve £100 donation to RBL Poppy Appeal and make arrangements to lay our poppy wreath. Approved. Cllr Mudd took possession of the wreath and will lay it on behalf of RPC.
MATTERS ARISING FROM CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED/A.O.B.
1. E-mail from St Neots Museum re: Little Barford/Tempsford Development. Resolved: Clerk to send Cllr Evan’s draft response.
2. BBC Library consultation which runs until midday on 2nd November 2026. Find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/LibraryConsultation.
3. E-mail from BBC re: Universal Studios – Bedford Borough hosts regional summit on Universal
4. Christmas Tree and lights – Chairman advised that the last tree was purchased by the Parish Hall. Lights are stored at the hall. Cllr Mudd confirmed that the Parish Hall Committee would erect a tree again this Christmas.
5. Letter from Richard Fuller re: Black Cat Roundabout remedial works. He is seeking information from PCs regarding damage caused by construction.
6. Cllr Sales asked about the Old Anchor foot bridge to Tempsford. It has all been fenced off. Only way to walk to Tempsford is now on A1 which is dangerous. Resolved: Clerk to query with ROW.
There were no further matters raised.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Monday, 9th November 2026 at 7:30pm in Roxton Parish Hall