The Minutes of the Meeting of Kempston Rural Parish Council which was held at 7.30pm on Thursday 15th October 2026 in the Church Hall, Church End.
Present: Cllrs S Abood, L Hutton, D Bond, A Dennis, 3 members of the public and the Clerk (Mrs Sue Bottoms). Please note: in the absence of Cllr Farrow, the meeting was chaired by Cllr Dennis.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllrs I Farrow and S Bloch.
2. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda: None.
3. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2026: The minutes were signed as a true record of the meeting.
4. Public Open Session (15 mins):
26/01428/MAO Land East and West of Home Road, North of Wood End Road and South of Green End Road: Residents attended to ask if there was any update. At this stage there is no update.
5. To receive a report from the Borough Councillor: The report from Borough Cllr Abood had been circulated and the Clerk had put a copy on the website. Borough Cllr Abood spoke to her report.
6. Playspace:
It was agreed that Cllr Hutton should ask the person who refurbished the shed to repair the noticeboard. Mr Nicolson has cut back the overhanging foliage along the entrance path to the playspace from the road. It was agreed to accept the quotation from RPM for £4,775 ex. VAT to replace the junior swings with one swing and a nest. Action: Cllr Hutton and the Clerk.
7. Financial Matters:
i) Bank Balances at 12th October 2026 : £125,097.43
ii) Monies Received: Interest £91.07
iii) To agree accounts for payment:
BACS 36 Cloudnext Email Hosting £ 119.98
BACS 37 HMRC PAYE £ 349.35
BACS 38 S Bottoms Clerk’s Salary (Sept) £ 449.05
BACS 39 S Bottoms Expenses £ 84.50
BACS 40 S Young Churchyard Sept £ 400.00
BACS 41 Cloudnext gov.uk Domain £ 60.00
BACS 42 M Nicholson Grass – Playspace £ 203.00
BACS 43 A Muskett Quarterly lighting £ 116.64
BACS 44 S Bottoms Salary £ 387.40
BACS 45 HMRC PAYE £ 292.26
iv) To agree to purchase Poppy Day Signs: Cllr Abood reported that she has ordered 40. It was agreed to pay £150. Cllr Abood to purchase and forward the invoice to the Clerk. Action: Cllr Abood and the Clerk.
8. Planning:
New Applications:
26/01794/FUL 9 Ridge Road, MK43 9BP. One and two storey rear extension, garage conversion and alterations. The Parish Council had no objections or comments to make.
Applications Decided:
26/01405/FUL 65 Ridge Road, MK43 9BS. Single storey detached double garage to the side of the house. Permitted.
26/01591/PIP Land adjacent to 69 Box End Road, MK43 8RP. Permission in principle for the erection of up to 3 dwellings. Refused.
9. Police Matters: crime figures had been circulated.
10. Highway Matters:
i) To receive any update re: bicycle repair station and benches: These have arrived and are awaiting installation along with three benches. Clerk to add to the November agenda. Action: the Clerk and Cllr Farrow.
ii) Weatherspoons: Discussion took place regarding the parking problems in the vicinity. Cllr Bloch to take up with the Ward Borough Councillor. Action: Cllr Bloch.
11. Correspondence:
Kempston & District Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade to take place on Sunday 8 November 2026 at 2.30pm at Kempston East Methodist Church. Cllr Dennis to accept the invitation and attend. Action: Cllr Dennis.
BATPC AGM 2026 at the Rufus Centre, Flitwick, at 7pm for 7:30pm on Wednesday 14th October. Cllrs attended.
Email re:The Branston Way Closure (October 17 – November 2, 2026). The Clerk to reply that the parish council has no control over this. Action: the Clerk.
Email re: Housing Needs Survey. The Clerk to respond that at this stage the parish council is not intending to undertake a survey. Action: the Clerk.
Trustee for Kempston Charities: It was agreed that Cllr Hutton was to continue for the next three years. Action: the Clerk.
12. Any Other Business: sharing of information only and suggestions for future agenda items. No decisions to be made under AOB.
13. To review and agree action re: lease of land 41-47 Wood End Road : Under the Public Bodies (Admission to meetings) Act 1960 (as extended by s.100 of the LGA 1972), press and public are excluded from this item of the agenda.
14. Date of the Next Meeting: The next Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 19th November 2026 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, Church End.
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signed by the Chairman 19th November 2026