Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 9 February 2013, 9:25 pm

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held in Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Judith Ferris and Chris Riddet
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
PCSO Steve Oatley
Mr Mark O’Sullivan, the Manager & Development Officer, Age UK IW

There was one member of the public present

167/12-13 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs Simon Boyle, Paul Fuller, Ray Mew, D Smith and the IW Cllr Roger Mazillius

168/12-13 Declarations of Interest
No declarations of interest were made at this stage

169/12-13 Dispensation in respect of a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI)
a. The explanation received from the Society of Local Council Clerks in respect of Councillors needing a DPI dispensation was received and noted.

b. To consider delegating the power to grant dispensations that will affect all or most of the Members of the Council, to the Clerk (e.g. the annual setting of the Precept)

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the power to grant dispensations that will affect all or most of the Members of the Parish Council, be delegated to the Clerk;
ii. THAT a dispensation be granted to all Members present as the setting of the Precept formed an item on the agenda.

c. To agree that “Requests for Dispensation” becomes a standing item on future Agendas and that individual requests for dispensation will be considered and made by the Parish Council
The clerk circulated copies of the proposed form to enable councillors to request a dispensation. The form should be returned to her as soon as possible prior to the relevant meeting, for which the dispensation was required.

RESOLVED :

THAT “Requests for Dispensation” becomes a standing item on future Agendas and that individual requests for dispensation, submitted on the suggested form, would be considered and made by the Parish Council, as a whole.

d. To consider any requests for dispensations on the agenda under Section 33 of the Localism Act 2011

RESOLVED :

THAT no written requests for a dispensation had been submitted at this stage.

170/12-13 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
PCSO Oatley presented the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team, on events that had taken place since the last meeting. There had been a total of 17 calls, a slight increase on normal, to police, over the past 30 days. These were for a variety of reasons, with the following crimes of note:
• Two recorded crimes
• 1 Public Order incident with a person arrested and charged for the offence
• 1 drug related incident, as a direct result of the random stop and searching of vehicles being undertaken
• A couple of incidents of a mini moto being driven in Venner Avenue. This apparently had now ceased as the vehicle in question had been reported as stolen from an address in Newport
• Several calls reporting suspicious incidents
• Remaining calls related to persons suffering with mental health problems. These incidents had been dealt with in conjunction with the Mental Health teams. This included an incident the previous week when a police helicopter had been used.

171/12-13 To welcome Mr Mark O’Sullivan, the Manager & Development Officer, Age UK IW and to receive a progress update on the Good Neighbour Scheme
The Chairman welcomed Mr O’Sullivan to the meeting, to give an update on progress of the Good Neighbour Scheme. The Northwood scheme, launched last October, along with similar schemes in Gurnard and Cowes, was running well. The local cluster provided some 40 volunteers, this number being a huge asset. Across the Island there were now 365 volunteers within the 23 established schemes, providing over 22,500 hours of comfort care to nearly 450 island residents, since the scheme start in February 2012. This essential help enabled people to retain their independence and to stay in their own home.
The Good Neighbour Scheme had acted as a vehicle for the Lifeline project, which provided more specialist areas of support and had also been the instigation of various social clubs/schemes being established across the Island, which offered companionship for the elderly. Mr O’Sullivan reported in some detail about the “winter in a box” scheme. Extreme weather support volunteers were specially trained to notice where extra support such as heaters, electric blankets and gloves etc were needed – 120 households had received this support. In response to questions, Mr O’Sullivan advised that volunteers undertook CRB checks and both they and prospective clients were risk assessed to ensure their compatibility to the scheme. Mr O’Sullivan closed by informing on the financial implications and potential areas of future grant funding. The support of the Parish Council was very important in disseminating information about the scheme to those local residents in need. A supply of leaflets was left for councillors’ interest.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Chairman, on behalf of the Parish Council, to thank Mr O’Sullivan for his very interesting update on the worthwhile Good Neighbour scheme.

172/12-13 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 4 December 2012

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 2012 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

173/12-13 Matters arising on the Minutes
There were no matters arising.

174/12-13 Town and Country Planning
a. To consider the following application received and make comments in accordance with the guidance for material planning considerations listed at

http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/MakingCommentsInfo.aspx
i. TCP/21745B 406 Newport Road, Northwood – Demolition of porch; alterations – Proposed single storey extension to rear to provide living room, enlargement of roof to provide additional living accommodation within roof space, to include Juliet balcony on rear elevation, replacement porch, decking

RESOLVED :

THAT no material planning objections be raised in respect of TCP/21745B 406 Newport Road, Northwood – Demolition of porch; alterations

ii. TCP/28535C 28 Pallance Road, Northwood – Proposed single storey rear extension with pitched roof to provide enlarged kitchen and lounge

RESOLVED :

THAT no material planning objections be raised in respect of TCP/28535C 28 Pallance Road, Northwood – Proposed single storey rear extension

iii. AGN/13980/G Medham Farm, Medham Farm Lane, Northwood, for an open fronted storage building
It was reported that according to the IW Council website the application had been withdrawn. Accordingly it was therefore

RESOLVED :

THAT no decision be taken on AGN/13980/G Medham Farm, Medham Farm Lane, Northwood, for an open fronted storage building, as the application had been withdrawn by the applicant

b. The decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council were received and noted:
i. TCP/31184/A 58 Pallance Road, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the demolition of dwelling and outbuilding, proposed construction of 2 detached houses with carport and 1 detached house with garage; alterations to vehicular access (revised scheme)
ii. TCP/15284/C 2 Crockers Cottages, Pallance Gate, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the change of use of land for keeping horses, proposed stable block comprising two stables and hay store/tack room (revised plans)
iii. TCP/14203/E Chawton Farm, Chawton Lane, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the proposed installation of photovoltaic park with associated infrastructure and fencing (revised access arrangements, revised plans)

c. Councillors noted the decision of the Planning Inspectorate to dismiss the appeal in respect of land at rear of 5 Pallance Road, Northwood for the erection of a dwelling with car parking.

175/12-13 To consider and comment on the transfer of assets to Island Roads under the Highways PFI scheme
The clerk referred to the notes of a meeting she had attended on 14 December with Malcolm Smith, Highways PFI Technical Manager and Mark Roberts, Project Manager to discuss the proposed Parish Council/PFI Service provider responsibilities for when the project commenced on 1 April 2013. A copy of the notes had been circulated to representatives of the Community Partnership as they also held a number of assets around the village. A series of Ordnance Survey maps depicting the siting of the assets concerned were tabled for reference. Councillors confirmed their responsibility for three of the gardens, which had been formed as part of the Million Blooms grant received in 2008/09.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted.

176/12-13 To consider the update regarding replacing the three “No Cold Calling Signs”
Cllr Pullen advised that the additional wording of “funded by Northwood Parish Council” could not be included on any replacement signs, as this would infringe the official trademark. Having undertaken an inspection of all the signs, Cllr Pullen suggested that three of the four signs should be replaced.

RESOLVED :

THAT three replacement “No Cold Calling” signs be ordered from PCMI of Portsmouth at a cost of £32 each.

177/12-13 To consider any action in respect of the “Welcome to Cowes” sign, situated along the Newport Road at the entrance to Northwood, when travelling from Newport
Discussion ensued on the “Welcome to Cowes” sign, situated along the Newport Road at the entrance to Northwood, when travelling from Newport. Cllr Mazillius, by way of an email, reminded that this matter had been considered some 7 years ago by the Community Partnership, but not pursued. He suggested that the clerk of Cowes Town Council, Mr Roger Hendy, might be able to provide some clarity on the situation.

RESOLVED :

THAT the clerk writes to Mr Roger Hendy, the clerk of Cowes Town Council to seek his recollection and views on the possible re-positioning of the “Welcome to Cowes” sign, situated along the Newport Road, at the entrance to Northwood.

178/12-13 To consider the extract from the meeting of the Parish Council held on 4 September in respect of Green Towns project

RESOLVED :

THAT no further action be taken be taken on the Green Towns project.

179/12-13 To receive progress reports from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Riddet advised of information he had just been made aware of regarding a meeting, which had taken place in November between Mr P Hayward, of the IW Council and Southern Vectis. The outcome of the meeting determined that all bus donations received should be held by the IW Council, suggesting also the individual Community Transport schemes should take on the responsibility for the volunteer drivers. A draft letter had been drawn up to that effect.
In a subsequent meeting between Ian Ward and David Pugh, the leader of the IW Council, the draft letter had been rescinded and a new letter prepared. Mr Ward had accepted an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Northwood, Gurnard and Cowes Community Bus forum, when he would apprise representatives of the new proposals and financial implications. Following this meeting on 17 January, a detailed, written report would be presented to the next meeting of the Parish Council.

b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
Cllr Pullen passed a copy of the established planting scheme for the tubs and planters in the village, to the clerk. It was suggested for the scheme to be reviewed, particularly as no information had yet been forthcoming from the IW Council as to whether grant funding would be available again this year. Councillors considered that the planting scheme was rather generous and care was required now to ensure only a small contingency remained after filling the tubs. Mention was made of the timetable for ordering and receipt of the summer planting, which Cllr Pullen volunteered to undertake, subject to his availability.

c. Parish Plan Update Working Party
The parish had been divided into ten distribution zones for the Parish Plan survey drop and the name of a volunteer had been identified for each area. It was suggested for the deliveries and collections to be undertaken in pairs as this would be less time consuming. Therefore, Cllr Mazillius and other subsequent volunteers would be invited to choose the area where they would prefer to assist. The task should be undertaken between 14 to 28 January. At the next meeting of the Working Party consideration would be given as to how best to collate the findings set out in the returned survey forms. Following a question, the clerk advised that payment had been approved at the previous meeting for the cost of printing of the forms. However, the cheque had been returned and, as subsequently requested, cheque No 000296 was issued in the personal name of Mr M Jolliffe, the owner of the printing firm.

d. Northwood School Travel Plan Working Party
In the absence of Cllr Fuller, reference was made to his report setting out a number of recommendations in respect of the Northwood School Travel Plan, which he invited councillors to consider. In discussion, it was highlighted that the Travel Plan had already received approval from the School’s Governing Body, on 3 December. In addition, some of the recommendations, it was suggested, were not feasible and could also prove difficult for the Parish Council to implement. Councillors therefore considered it to be more appropriate for Cllr Fuller to progress the issues as a member of the Governing Body of the school or in his role as an IW Councillor. However, the Parish Council would be prepared to offer some level of support should he meet with little success.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr Fuller be thanked for the work he had undertaken in drafting his observations, but the Parish Council decline to progress the recommendations set out with regard to the Northwood Travel Plan as it was considered they be best progressed by Cllr Fuller in his role as a Governor of the school or as an IW Councillor.

180/12-13 To receive the report for information of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
In the absence of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood, the clerk read from an email she had received from him. The main matter that Cllr Mazillius reported on was that a hearing date for the mobile crushing unit operating licence at the proposed asphalt site had been set for Monday, 25 February at 10.00am.

181/12-13 IW Association of Local Councils (IWALC)
a. To receive an update on the meetings of the IW Association of Local Councils
A copy of the draft minutes of the meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 20 December had been circulated by the clerk on 2 January, along with copies of the two power point presentations provided by Mr D Burbage. These set out the IW Council’s reaction to the localisation of council tax benefit and future budget predications. A copy of the further letter sent by the Chairman of IWALC to Mr Steve Beynon, the Chief Executive of the IW Council had also been circulated on 7 January.

b. To consider joining the Local Council Human Resources service of HALC at a cost of £75 per annum

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council agrees to join the Local Council Human Resources service of HALC at the cost of £75 per annum.

182/12-13 Clerk’s Report
a. Administration
i. Attendance at training session on the Power of General Competence

RESOLVED :

THAT it be approved for the clerk to attend the training session of the General Power of Competence on 22 January at a cost of £10.00.

ii. Annual Meeting of the Parish

RESOLVED :

i. THAT it be agreed for arrangements to be made to hold the Annual Meeting of the Parish on Tuesday, 21 May commencing at 6.30pm
ii. THAT in the first instance a representative from EcoIsland be invited to be the key note speaker or if they be unavailable a representative from the Trustees of Northwood House

b. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of December 2012 was received and noted.

ii. To approve the Precept for 2013/14
The proposed Precept for 2013/14 had been advertised for comments in the Northwood News. However, no responses had been received from local residents. The clerk questioned whether at the meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 20 December, any financial implications for the Parish Council had been confirmed. The clerk queried if councillors wished to delay taking a decision on the Precept.

RESOLVED :

THAT the proposed Precept of £14,700 for 2013/14, as detailed in the report attached to the agenda, be approved.

iii. To authorise payment of cheques

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment
000297, £53.86, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000298, £13.61 Chale Parish Council, Photocopying

183/12-13 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.
Cllr Pullen agreed to attend the meeting of the Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard area Good Neighbour Scheme volunteers meeting on Thursday, 17 January at 2.30pm in St Andrews Hall, Cowes.

184/12-13 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Ferris advised that there had not been any further meetings of the Waste Management Committee as Lynne Clarke, the organiser was away on long term sick
Cllr Pullen reported of repair works undertaken on the black safety surface around some pieces of equipment at the Venner Avenue playpark.

185/12-13 Future agenda items

RESOLVED :

THAT the following agenda items be agreed
February Meeting
Navitus Bay Wind Farm – Cllr J Ferris. To be included only if the series of planned consultation meetings had taken place

186/12-13 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
It had been a reasonably short meeting, which covered a lot of ground albeit with a low turnout of councillors.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.15 PM.

Signed ……………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..