Minutes of BROGBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on Wednesday 17th June 2026 at 7.05pm at the Village Hall, Ridgeway Road, Brogborough.
PRESENT:- Parish Councillors, Denise Tuitt (Chair), Jeannette Newbery, Neil Wright, Wendy Mott, Unitary Councillors Robert Morris, Saverio Bongo, Sue Clark, the Clerk Lizzie Barnicoat, and no members of the public.
1. WELCOME BY CHAIR, APOLOGIES FOR ABSENSE:-
Cllr Tuitt welcomed all to the meeting, apologies for absence received and accepted from Tom Elsdon and Ward Councillor Robert Morris.
2. DECLARATION OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTEREST TO BE DECLARED:- There were no declarations received for the meeting.
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
3. OPEN FORUM:-
No public statement received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
4. PARISH COUNCILLOR VACANCY:-
Vacancies remain it was noted. Cllr Mott had completed Register of Interest form.
5. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT MATTERS:-
a) CB/26/01617/DOC Discharge of Condition 27 Part B against planning permission ref. CB/22/02213/OUT (Hybrid Application: Outline Application: Erection of up to 68,000 sqm storage and distribution facilities (Use class B8) with ancillary light industrial (B2) and ancillary office accommodation (E(g)), with all matters reserved other than landscaping (structural landscaping, all groundworks and diversion works to the existing on-site pipeline) and Full Planning Permission for the erection of 62,000 sqm (gross) of storage and distribution facilities (Use Class B8) with ancillary light industrial (B2) and ancillary office accommodation (E (g)) within 3 no. units: HGV and car parking (including a dedicated lorry park with associated (E(b)) food and drink uses and a separate recreational use car park); the erection of a welfare, security and amenity building; works to footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways; site access to include provision of a 3 arm roundabout on the A507 and internal estate roads; works for the diversion of existing pipeline; landscaping (off-site and on-site provision); drainage; groundworks; and associated works. EIA development accompanied by an Environmental Statement) at Land to the south east of Prologis Park, Marston Gate – Cllr Clark to follow up to understand what Condition 27 relates to.
b) Ratification of East West Rail public consultation response – Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the comments submitted, resolution passed. Comments noted were: As previously communicated, the Parish Council are concerned that with this project it will bring enormous disruption to the village and surrounding local communities which are all rural in nature. Having reviewed the latest consultation literature, the views of the Parish Council remain unchanged. This knock on impact will be felt not only during the operational phase of the project but will be heightened for local residents in the construction phase which is a worry. The local highways network alongside the main traffic routes, are already saturated, under much pressure, so the proposals will in turn mean that accessing the village will be even more challenging, with Junction 13 already exceedingly busy. This is going to be experienced during construction as well as when the line is up and running given the expected increase in local crossing barrier down times. The very unexpected inclusion of proposing to close the Millbrook Level Crossing is of significant worry and concern to the Brogborough community. The traffic displacement is going to cause further issues on the local and strategic road network. The Parish Council strongly object to the
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closing of the Millbrook Level Crossing and stand united with the local communities who share this concern. Brogborough Parish Council have some comments to feedback in regards to the proposals relating to Ridgmont station as it is the station in closest proximity to the parish. It is noted the proposed new station is due to be programmed for works for delivery in a later part of the works cycle then some of the other local station proposals. The Parish Council would urge East West Rail to consider this, seeking for the changes to Ridgmont to be taken forwards as a priority. The station is located closest to a key strategic road network, not just for general traffic movements, but also importantly for the visitors to the Universal Studios theme park resort. The consultation also references the delivery of the Ridgmont station being linked to a housing development. The Parish Council do not feel it is in the best interest of a national infrastructure project to be held ransom by a house builder if the delivery of the station is reliant on 3,000 homes being delivered. It is absolutely imperative that the Ridgmont station is delivered much earlier and not only on the basis of 3,000 homes being built, which is not in any way in East West Rail’s control. Enabling the new Ridgmont station to be a destination station, would alleviate the pressure on the local rural road network, hence another reason why this improvement needs to be taken forwards at an earlier stage than originally planned for by East West Rail. The proximity of the station to Junction 13 is pivotal and should be fully utilised. The Parish Council feel the car park at the proposed new station looks small, given as detailed above it is so well placed strategically, which means it will be attractive for passengers to use. Any changes implemented to the car park design should be in keeping with the local rural character as much as possible. Brogborough Parish Council wish to see a safe access route from the village to the new proposed station, it is not clear on how it is proposed for Brogborough residents to access the new station given the M1 highways is a barrier, so getting across Junction 13 at peak times would be challenging. Brogborough Parish Council welcome and would encourage any opportunity to enable active travel by those that can use such methods of transport to the new station. The current proposals are not adequate. Any footpath or cycleway connection must be direct and attractive to use. It is important to recognise the new location for Ridgmont station being at least a 20 minute walk further away from its current location. This is expected to cause issues with regular train users from Brogborough village and the Prologis warehouses. There is a need for alongside a quality foot and cycle way for a regular shuttle bus to take people to the new location from Brogborough and Prologis, this would encourage residents and those employed locally to carry on using the train service and not to revert to the use of cars for their journeys. With the station proposals comes questions on how will parking at the station be managed, given it is well known that commuters will look for a cheaper alternative, with local on road parking often being seen which brings great congestion and challenges for local residents. There needs to be safeguards and measures put in place to ensure local residents are not adversely affected by station parking. The closure of the old Ridgmont station must dovetail in with the opening of the new station. A replacement bus to Woburn Sands is an unacceptable alternative and will adversely impact Brogborough residents. Also during construction it is inevitable that there will be damage to the local highways network, Central Bedfordshire Council as a local authority have financial constraints, which from the nature of the displaced traffic during construction means higher vehicle volumes on unclassified village roads, like those in Brogborough. The maintenance of highways is always a challenge with limited local authority resources and it is a worry that this will be impacted and heightened further during construction. It is important that EWR as a national government infrastructure project maintain the local highways network at the cost of EWR and not at the cost to the residents and council tax payers in the village.
c) Planning applications received after the publication of the agenda – none received.
There was no new planning decisions to note in the parish.
6. UNITARY WARD COUNCILLOR REPORTS: –
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Cllr. Clark gave update on East West Rail response that had included traffic counting following the closure of Millbrook level crossing route for a period during the consultation. Continues to be working with local MP on the cumulative traffic impact in the local area with Marston Valley and Universal given the improvements needed at Junction 13. It was noted there was no update on CB/25/03907/FULL Change of use from an agricultural barn to car sales and storage (Sui Generis) with associated hardstanding (Retrospective) at Highfield Barn, Highfield Farm, Bedford Road.
Cllr. Clark added the skylark nests at the landfill had been moved.
Cllr. Bongo noted that kurb stones and surfacing had been carried out on the access track at site CB/25/03907/FUL, so an amendment to the application is expected.
The removal of call in to the Development Management Committee at the local authority has noted. Check to be made on the 82 houses application at Bedford Road, Clerk to action.
7. VILLAGE MATTERS:-
Open Spaces – Clerk continuing work into registering directly the land owned by the Parish Council formally with Land Registry, mapping of area to be carried out prior to Clerk attempting registration is ongoing.
Village Amenities – air raid shelter in garden, question if able to be protected in some way such as through listing, to be followed up. Village Hall car park signage agreed to purchase two 600×400 signs, Clerk had ordered.
Play Equipment Inspection – CPM Playgrounds Ltd quoted work due to take place shortly. External inspection had taken place and report circulated, Councillors to review.
Grass cutting – still no communication from local authority on the season ahead, cutting was taking place though it was noted.
Newsletter – no update. New website had been launched, Clerk to issue Councillor emails and login details as well as details on setting up email signatures. Noted that website pictures need updating, Clerk to action.
Footpaths – no new items.
Highways – structure placed over Prologis storm drain had been reported.
Dumping of garden waste as well as toxic bottles continues to be an issue, Cllr has followed up on these dumped items, Ward Councillor support to be sought. Potholes are an issue in the Village Hall car park, as well as planning enforcement matter regarding a property on Ridgeway Road remains ongoing.
8. FINANCE MATTERS:- Latest transaction report provided to all Councillors
a) Quotations for consideration –
Councillor unanimously agreed to accept the quotation from Firwood for the identified tree work at a cost of £1080.00, resolution passed.
b) Payments for approval
Warners of Bedford Ltd grass cutting 18721 £382.80
Warners of Bedford Ltd grass cutting 18770 £382.80
Backlight Ltd admin services £578.37
ROSPA play area inspection £242.40
J K Betts internal audit £165.00
Eyelid Production new website £750.00
It was unanimously agreed to approve the above items for authorisation, payment to be made electronically, once Warner invoice checked to ensure not a duplication, resolution passed.
c) Internal audit report – Clerk had uploaded the finance documents for year to the website as well as sharing all appropriate documents with the internal auditor. Report from internal auditor received, IT policy document to be a future agenda item it was noted.
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d) To consider approval of Annual Return Accounts statement Section 1 and 2 – all Councillors had received the full transaction information for the financial year, bank reconciliation, copy of bank statements, completed Annual Return, financial analysis, and asset register also circulated. It was unanimously agreed by all present, resolution made to approve Section 1 and Section 2 of the Annual Return, form to be signed by Chair and Clerk. Clerk to make external audit submission and to arrange for the audited items to be placed on Council website.
9. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:-
Draft minutes from 6th May had been shared with all Councillors, it was unanimously agreed to approve the meeting minutes and the electors minutes as a true and accurate record unanimously agreed, resolution passed. Chair to sign.
TO CONSIDER MATTERS ARISING: –
It was noted that Register of Interest forms Cllr Wright recently completed but still not showing online yet. Cllr Elsdon form not online, even though completed, follow up actioned had been taken directly with local authority to help resolve.
Attempts have continued to electronically register Parish Council for Government Gateway online account in order to resolve the HMRC payment matter last minuted as: Remaining outstanding payment item previous minute reflected, it was noted that the PAYE April to September 2023 cost had thought to have been paid, however, this appeared to be outstanding, along with payments for associated PAYE costs dating back to the last paid 22/23 1st quarter.
Cllr Clark item to be followed up to check on progress regarding the concern raised at the last meeting relating to the northbound slip road of Junction 13 coming off the motorway, the traffic lights appear to have been removed. New white lines have been painted at the junction but the removal of the traffic lights is now making the junction dangerous, with there being no poles in situ it was noted. Cllr Clark to follow up with contact at National Highways, awaiting update.
Street lighting – Clerk had contacted broker again, to instigate agreed move from Npower to SSE for a fixed rate three year contract expecting a saving of £150.00 per year awaiting feedback, had been chased again it was noted.
Clerk had again contacted local authority Officer Jack Bowers again copying in Unitary Councillors to the communication to chase what steps were being taken in improve highways safety after the recent fatality on Bedford Road, chased since last, Unitary Councillors asked to support.
Grant application for Vehicle Activated Sign ongoing as Police fund not opened to date. Noted Parish Council funding support to be that the Parish Council contribute £500 financially in principle and Clerk to obtain funding for two units expected to be in the region of £6,000 funding in total required for two devices. Ongoing.
10. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED:-
Workplace Health Bulletin
M1 junction 10 to 13 – Traffic Management update – circulated
Unmetered Supply Renewal – Street Lighting quotation communications – ongoing
CBC Update for Town and Parish Councils – circulated
Warners of Bedford Ltd invoices – agenda item
Bedfordshire Police crime statistics – circulated
CPM Playgrounds communications regarding work to be completed
Play inspection report and invoice – circulated, agenda item
Partnership & Collaboration Opportunities with Sporting Aid
New invoice INV-4289 available Eyelid Productions – circulated, agenda item
Internal auditor communications – responded to
TE, RM apologies for the June meeting – responded to
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Call in for Planning application Highfield Barn, Highfield Farm, Bedford Road, Brogborough, Bedford, MK43 0XY CB/25/03907/FULL Officer update communication – circulated, noted
CBC102274 – BEDFORD RD, BROGBOROUGH Streetworks communication – circulated
CBC Request for Updated Information – Leisure Parish Schedules – circulated
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: – Wednesday 29th July 2026 at 7.00pm, meeting closed 8.15pm.
Signed ……………………….… Dated ……………………….…