The Minutes of the Meeting of Turvey Parish Council held on Thursday 30th July 2026 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Present: Cllrs D Niblett, E Poll, A Bartoli, J Ludlow, D Clarke, G Morris, J Lynch, Borough Cllrs Dylan Simmons and Robert Rigby, Mr Andrew Prigmore, Head of Highways, Fleet & Traffic Operations, Bedford Borough Council, Mrs S Bottoms (Clerk) and 12 members of the public.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllrs J Skippins and R Kirk.
2. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda: Cllr Bartoli re: 10 and Cllrs Poll and Clarke re: 8iii and 8iv.
3. Public Questions (15 mins):
Parking on Norfolk Road, May Road, Carlton Road and The Loop: This will only be exacerbated when building works potentially start at Meadow House. It was noted that this ought to be considered as part of the planning application. The Highways Authority should note that the roads are unsuitable for heavy duty traffic. It was noted that the problem with parking restrictions are that they move the problem further along the roads.
Excessive road closure signs on the A428: when it is actually only closed at the bridge.
Update on the refresh of the NDP: This is under item 7ii.
25/02555/MAO AMENDED Land East of Newton Lane: Thank you to the Parish Council and Borough Council for attending the Planning Meeting at Bedford Borough Council and speaking against this application.
4. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28th May 2026: It was agreed that the minutes be signed as a true record of the meeting.
5. Finance:
i) Bank Balances at 22nd July 2026: £112,502.41
ii) Monies received since the May meeting:
Interest £ 96.97
Burials £ 400.00
Premier Residual Balance £ 64.00
iii) Accounts to be settled:
BACS 14 Clerk’s Salary (May) £ 374.75
BACS 15 HMRC – PAYE (May) £ 280.76
BACS 16 K Cockings – Grass £ 805.00
BACS 17 Premier – Fees £ 1,000.00
BACS 18 SportsCourts – Deposit £ 1,398.00
BACS 19 Play Safety – Inspection £ 225.60
BACS 20 Play Safety – Inspection £ 2.40
BACS 21 HMRC – PAYE (June) £ 281.16
BACS 22 Clerk’s Salary (June) £ 374.75
BACS 23 RPM – Multiplay unit £ 15,114.00
BACS 24 K Cockings – Grass £ 950.00
BACS 25 Clerk’s Salary (July) £ 374.75
BACS 26 HMRC – PAYE (July) £ 281.16
(Payments above have already been settled)
BACS 27 BATPC – Subs £ 304.00
BACS 28 WAVE – Water Pavilion £ 25.76
BACS 29 S Bottoms – Expenses £ 85.25
BACS 30 AC Carpentry – Pav o/s tap £ 408.00
(Monthly payments are made by direct debit to the following:
Rates £91)
It was agreed to accept the above payments.
iv) Request to have digital copies of maps held by Bedfordshire Archives £213.30: Following discussion, it was agreed not to purchase these digital copies. The Clerk agreed to contact the Archives Department. Action: the Clerk.
6. Report by Bedford Borough Councillors: A report had been received and circulated to all parish councillors. Borough Cllrs Rigby and Simmons spoke to their report. The Clerk had put a copy on the website.
7. Planning:
i) Planning Report:
25/02555/MAO AMENDED Land East of Newton Lane. Outline application with all matters reserved except access, for the erection of up to 90 dwellings, amenity space, areas for outdoor play, landscaping and all associated infrastructure. (originally 100). The Parish Council raised concerns and the Borough Council refused the application.
26/01392/FUL Meadow House, Norfolk Road. Demolition of the existing detached dwelling and associated outbuildings, followed by the erection of a replacement self-build detached dwelling and associated works. The Parish Council are still considering this application.
26/01245/TCA 1 Cranes Close. Tree A, Holly tree – Reduce by 2-3m and trim sides to shape. Tree B, Rowan tree – Remove as half of it is dead. Tree C, Magnolia – Reduce height and width by approx 1m. The Parish Council did not object or comment and it was permitted by Bedford Borough Council.
26/01156/LBC Richmond House, High Street. Single storey rear extension, rear roof extension, internal alterations, and alterations to fenestration and boundary treatments. The Parish Council did not object or comment.
26/01156/FUL Richmond House, High Street. Single storey rear extension, rear roof extension, internal alterations, and alterations to fenestration and boundary treatments. The Parish Council did not object or comment.
26/01122/FUL The Railway Swan House, Station Road. Application for the change of use of the ground floor of Swan House from office use (Use Class E(g)(i)) to a GP Medical Centre (Use Class E(e)), together with a single-storey rear extension to support the proposed clinical accommodation with associated parking and landscape provision. The proposal also includes the demolition of the existing outbuilding (currently Class B1 office) and the construction of a new two-bedroom bungalow within the curtilage of the site. The Parish Council raised concerns and objected.
26/01067/S73A Annexe Abbeydove House, Jacks Lane. Change of use to a self contained dwelling (development already carried out). The Parish Council did not object or comment.
Cllr Ludlow was thanked for his report.
ii) To consider and agree action re: review of the NDP: The consultant appointed to undertake this review has responded today. The revision will need to go out to public consultation. It is noted that the timescale is getting tight. All efforts are directed to fast tracking this to ensure it is in place when the current NDP reaches the end of its five year life in September. Action: Cllrs Kirk, Niblett and Ludlow.
8. Open Spaces including Turvey Rec, Play Areas and Cemetery:
i) To receive any updates on works to tennis courts and play area:
a. To consider and agree action re: quote for tennis court: The Clerk had accepted the quote and Cllr Morris said work was due to start on the 10th August. Cllr Morris will need to contact Cllr Clarke to switch on the new outside tap for the works to be undertaken. Action: Cllr Morris.
b. Play Inspection Reports: These had been circulated and Cllrs Morris and Kirk had looked at them in detail. The Clerk to compile a list of works to be undertaken and would circulate to Cllrs Morris and Kirk for approval before forwarding to the play area contractor. It was noted there was no disabled access into the Rec. Borough Cllr Simmons to investigate. Action: Borough Cllr Simmons and the Clerk.
ii) To receive any update re: wall/Lancelot’s Piece: Keith Cockings has completed the work. A local resident had emailed and thanked Keith and the Parish Council for the work.
iii) Request to install fencing along the edge of the reinforced grass section: It was agreed to approve this. The Clerk to contact the Treasurer of Turvey Football Club. Action: the Clerk.
iv) Request for a gated access from the rec to the cemetery: Cllr Kirk and Morris to investigate: Action: Cllrs Kirk and Morris.
9. Highways, Parking and Maintenance: Residents are encouraged to report any highways matters including potholes and blocked gullies/drains and footway issues direct to Bedford Borough Council on its report it section on its website. The link is on the Parish Council website.
i) Any update: re: request to change the average speed camera signage: Andrew Prigmore was present at the meeting. He explained that the supplier originally given the contract to produce signs had failed to do so. A new supplier had been appointed and the signs were expected any day now.
ii) Speed camera data: Mr Prigmore confirmed data would be available from September.
iii) Questions directed to Mr Andrew Prigmore:
Road and footways work on Carlton Road reference at 12i. It is not clear why it will take so long. Borough Cllr Simmons understood that all residents of Carlton Road will be able to access their properties, but he believed they would not be able to use on-street parking. The Parish Council were concerned that it would force traffic to use Bamfords Yard, a private road, which is full of potholes. Hopefully the contractor could drop some road surfacing materials to fill these in. There was concern that Carlton was having gas works at the same time. Mr Prigmore said he would ensure this did not occur. The Parish Council is still unclear as to what has changed with regards the stability of the Old Rectory wall which caused the previous footpath works to be cancelled. It was noted thatTurvey House have two big events on during the period of the closure and remain unclear regarding access arrangements.
Roadworks on the A428: There are nights when the contractors do not turn up so no work happens. One evening when work was happening, a resident of Priory Close was not allowed to access the Close. Mr Prigmore acknowledged that this was not good enough and explained changes currently being made with regards the work on this road. The road closure signs start at the Bromham roundabout and repeated every 500 yards when actually the road is only closed at the bridge. Mr Prigmore said this was to encourage large vehicles to use alternative A roads.
iv) Traffic relating to events at Turvey House: There were serious traffic issues the previous weekend. The signage was inadequate and failed to clarify parking opportunities. Cllr Clarke agreed to email Mr Prigmore with the details so he can ensure that this problem does not occur again. Action: Cllr Clarke.
10. Footpaths and Bridleways:
To consider proposals re: FP7 in response to email from Rights of Way: Mr Prigmore stated that Bedford Borough Council will not extinguish FP7 and that he would be happy to modify the FP7 line ,if evidence was provided . Cllrs Bartoli and Ludow agreed to forward such information to Mr Prigmore. Action: Cllrs Bartoli and Ludow. Mr Prigmore was thanked for attending and left the meeting.
11. Village Hall: Cllr Skippins was absent but had sent in her report.
The Village Hall AGM was held on 30th June 2026. The Committee was elected: Chair – Rebecca Corns, Deputy Chair – Keith Cockings, Treasurer – Phil Pickwick, Secretary – Lorraine Provost-Eames, Janet Cockings & Rosemary Gentry to remain trustees.
Rosemary Gentry has stepped down as chair; Tanya James has stepped down as secretary. The committee thanked them for all their hard work and service over the last 3 plus decades.
Rosemary thanked Janet and Keith for their hard work to keep the hall looking good and for being our face to the public. Rosemary thanked the committee for their hard work.
Maintenance
Dave Sharp has agreed to look over the buildings and give us a report as to what major works should be budgeted for over the next few years. Fire Service Report has been completed. Leaking pipe in men’s loo has been repaired.
Usage
The hall continues to be very well used.
Finance
25/26 accounts have been reviewed and approved by John Murray. Finances remain healthy with a bank balance of £41k.
Governance
All items on the governance checklist have now been completed. Data protection certificate has been completed. Village Hall Registration with HMRC Land Registry/Documents.
Premier solicitors have now submitted the application to HMRC land registry, they have advised it may take 8-10 months to receive a response due to the backlog at the land registry.
Next Meeting
The next Village Hall Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd Sep 2026 at 6.30 pm.
12. Correspondence Received:
i) Temporary road and footway closure for Carlton Road, from May Road to Turvey Loop in order to allow for footway resurfacing on both sides of carriageway. This temporary road and footway closure is anticipated to be in operation 08:00 – 18:00 hours from 20th August 2026 to 2nd September 2026
ii) Email re: Planned update of the NDP: This was discussed under 7ii above.
iii) Email re: tennis courts: The Clerk will update the resident following discussion under 8i)a above.
iv) Email from Commonwealth War Graves Commission: The Parish Council were happy that the Commission starts the procedure to refurbish one of the graves. The Clerk to respond. Action: the Clerk.
v) Road safety on Carlton Road: This was briefly discussed with Mr Prigmore under 9iii. The Clerk will forward the email from June 2025 from Mr Prigmore to Cllr Bartoli and she will also add it to the agenda for September. Action: Cllr Bartoli and the Clerk.
13. Date of the Next Meeting: Thursday 24th September 2026 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.