Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 4 June 2013, 10:14 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, 7 May 2013

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Chris Riddet (Vice Chairman), Paul Fuller, John Nicholson, Derek Smith
also In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
PCSO Lisa Paul
There were two members of the public present.

1/13-14 To elect a Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr John Pullen be elected as Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year

2/13-14 To receive and sign the Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office

RESOLVED :

THAT the signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office of the Chairman be received and duly sign by the clerk

3/13-14 To consider any applications to fill the vacancy left unfilled at the recent election
The clerk advised that no written applications had been received to fill the vacancy on the Parish Council, which had arisen due to insufficient nominations in the recent local elections. It was suggested for a new date of 29 May to be set, for requests to stand as a co-opted councillor to be received.

RESOLVED :

THAT a further deadline date of 29 May 2013 be set, for the receipt of applications for the outstanding vacant position of co-opted councillor

4/13-14 To receive the signed Declarations of Acceptance of Office from councillors

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the signed Declarations of Acceptance of Office be received from Cllrs Fuller, Pullen, Riddet and Smith.
ii. THAT the date of 21 May be agreed, by which time those Declarations of Acceptance of Office, as provided by law, shall be received by the clerk from Cllrs Ferris, Mew and Nicholson

5/13-14 To elect a Vice Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr Chris Riddet be elected as Vice Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year

6/13-14 To receive and sign the Vice Chairman’s declaration of acceptance of office

RESOLVED :

THAT the signed Declaration of Acceptance of office of the Vice Chairman be received and duly signed by the clerk

7/13-14 To appoint councillors to the following Outside Bodies

RESOLVED :

THAT the following appointments to Outside Bodies be approved:
Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils Executive Committee – Cllr Chris Riddet, with Cllr John Pullen as deputy, until such time as the Parish Council has a full complement of councillors
Management Committee of Cowes Youth Centre – As this organisation was no longer in being no appointment was made
Northwood Community Partnership – Cllr Derek Smith and Cllr John Nicholson (Subject to receipt of Cllr Nicholson’s signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office)
Councillor to the IW Council’s Steering Committee for Northwood in Bloom – Cllr John Pullen
A communications councillor – Cllr Chris Riddet
Island Waste Management Committee – Cllr Derek Smith to attend the next meeting
District 1 Highways PFI Group – Cllr John Pullen

8/13-14 To appoint members and the lead councillor to serve on the following Committees/Working Parties for the ensuing year:

RESOLVED :

THAT the following appointments and lead councillors to Committees/Working Parties be approved:
Planning Committee – All councillors of the Parish Council. The Chairman of the Planning Committee to be deferred until the next meeting of the Parish Council
Northwood in Bloom Working Party – Cllr John Pullen (lead councillor), Cllr Derek Smith
Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party – Cllr Chris Riddet (lead councillor), Cllr Paul Fuller
Parish Plan Working Party – Cllr Paul Fuller (lead councillor), Cllrs John Nicholson, John Pullen, Derek Smith

9/13-14 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllr Ray Mew

10/13-14 To confirm that all Members’ Register of Interests are in order and complete

RESOLVED :

i. THAT it be noted completed Members’ Register of Interests had been received from Cllrs Pullen, Riddet and Smith
ii. THAT Cllrs Ferris, Fuller, Mew and Nicholson had until the 30 May to complete and return, to the clerk, their signed Members’ Register of Interests

11/13-14 To receive any declarations of Members’ interests and to approve any written requests for Dispensations on items forming the agenda
No declarations of interest were made at this stage. There had also been no written requests for Dispensation received

12/13-14 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
The Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) officer, PC Lisa Paul, explained that she had now taken over responsibility for the Beat Area for Northwood and Gurnard, replacing PCSO Steve Oatley who had been transferred to East Cowes. She considered Northwood to be a lovely place to live, with very little crime taking place. Since the last meeting calls had been taken reporting go-carts being driven in Bookers Car Park, also two incidents of anti- social behaviour. These related to mini motes once again being driven along the Cowes/Newport cycle path and excessive noise caused by a few people walking along Nodes Road. The landowner of the land the river side of the cycle path, did not live in the area, so subsequently was un-perturbed by the disturbance raised by the mini motes. However, real concerns had been reported with regard to the noise and speed of the vehicles, to the safety of any persons walking or cycling along the cycletrack
A member of the public mentioned that a window in the bus shelter outside of Northwood stores had been broken.
Cllr Riddet referred to the traffic gridlock caused by the large crowd that had attended the flypast by the Lancaster bomber, during the afternoon of 6 May. The holdup would have prevented any emergency vehicles from accessing the Esplanade, if it had been necessary, due to the volume of traffic. Cllr Riddet requested for thought to be given for a 1-way system to be put in place during any planned major events, such as Cowes week.
Cllr Smith also reported on the parking on double yellow lines in Oxford Street, particularly at the end of the school day. PC Paul advised that this had been investigated on several occasions, but no problem had been evident. It was suggested for Cllr Smith to advise local residents to report any incidents to the IW Council Highways section, as they had the authority to take action. PCSO Paul suggested that the best contact was now Derek Kerley

13/13-14 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 2 April 2013
As the Chairman had not been in present at the previous meeting, it was duly

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 2 April 2013 be confirmed and Cllr Fuller be authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council

14/13-14 Matters arising on the Minutes
Minute 229/12-13c WW1 Centenary Project – The clerk advised that Gurnard Parish Council had provided the names of three persons who had volunteered to work on the WW1 Centenary Project. The clerk had forwarded the names to Cllr Pullen

15/13-14 Town and Country Planning
a. To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 16 April 2013

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 16 April was approved by those councillors who had attended the meeting

b. To consider the following application received and make comments in accordance with the guidance for material planning considerations listed at
http://www.iwight.com/planning/MakingCommentsInfo.aspx

A/00035/K Aldi Stores Ltd, at BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Limited, Newport Road, Cowes – 2 x internally illuminated pole mounted signs; 2 x internally illuminated wall hanging signs

RESOLVED :

THAT this Parish Council raises no material planning objections in respect of the application A/00035/K Aldi Stores Ltd, at BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Limited, Newport Road, Cowes

c. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council were duly noted:
i. TCP/31399 1 The Dell, Northwood, PO31 8QQ – Conditional Planning Permission for Alterations and single storey extension on front elevation to form garden room single storey extension on side elevation to forma dressing room
ii. TCP/31394 Ferndale, Hillis Gate, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the Demolition of single storey flat roof extension, proposed single storey extension to form kitchen and dining room with new porch

16/13-14 To confirm the adoption of Standing Orders

RESOLVED :

THAT the Parish Council’s Standing orders be re-affirmed, subject to the amendment of Clause 32, to state that “the Code of Conduct was adopted by this Council at the July 2012 meeting”

17/13-14 To confirm the adoption of Financial Regulations

RESOLVED :

THAT the Parish Council’s Financial Regulations be re-affirmed without any amendment

18/13-14 To approve the Risk Assessment Schedule and authorise the Chairman and the clerk to sign that the information provided is a correct record
The clerk highlighted that an inspection of the Council’s assets would need to be undertaken. It was also questioned as to whether the seat on the playpark, installed in memory of a local resident should be included in this. All other seating in the Parish now came under the Highways PFI scheme.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the Risk Management Schedule be re-affirmed and the Chairman and clerk be authorised to sign it as being a correct record:
ii. THAT an inquiry be made as to whether the seat on the playpark should be included in the annual inspection of Council’s assets.

19/13-14 To discuss proposals for changes to the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area Settlement Boundary
Councillors suggested that it would be very helpful if Peter Griffiths attended a meeting of the Parish Council, requesting that he bring with him a detailed map of the area. In addition options on keeping the boundary the same, for its modification or removal would assist in the discussion.

RESOLVED :

THAT Peter Griffiths, Principal Officer, Housing Policy be invited to attend the next meeting of the Parish Council to discuss further options on the suggestion to change the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area Settlement Boundary

20/13-14 To discuss the need for a Housing Needs Survey following the results of the Parish Plan Survey
Cllr Fuller declared a non-pecuniary interest as he had worked on the Housing Needs survey for Gurnard.

In discussion councillors questioned the validity of undertaking a Housing Needs survey, given the prohibitive costs and return rate experienced by other parish councils.
Cllr Fuller advised that potentially funding streams were available, should the parish council decide in favour of undertaking one. However, prior to the next meeting contact should be made with Gurnard Parish Council to ascertain their aspirations in undertaking such a survey.

RESOLVED :

THAT Peter Griffiths, Principal Officer, Housing Policy be requested for his views on the benefits of undertaking a Housing Needs Survey, when he next attended the meeting of the Parish Council

21/13-14 To note the results of the IW Council local elections held on 2 May and to consider sending good wishes to Roger Mazillius, the previous local member
Councillors noted that in the recent IW Council local elections held on 2 May, Cllr John Nicholson was duly elected the new Ward member for Cowes South and Northwood.
Councillors were united in agreeing to extend good wishes to Roger Mazillius, the previous long serving member. Over the past 15 years Roger had worked tirelessly and achieved much for the people of Northwood. Roger and Jill, his wife, were wished the best of luck for the future and for a long and happy retirement.

RESOLVED :

THAT the clerk send a letter of good wishes on behalf of the Parish Council to Roger Mazillius, the previous ward member for Northwood.

22/13-14 Highway Issues
Councillors considered the response received from the IW Council Highways PFI Contract Team in respect of the following:
a. The request for an additional Traffic Island in Nodes Road, near to the junction with Uplands Road

RESOLVED :

THAT it be noted that the IW Council had passed on the request for an additional Traffic Island in Nodes Road, near to the junction with Uplands Road to Island Roads, for review in their Annual Network Integrity report and Network Safety Improvement report

b. The reversal of the priority direction for traffic approaching the pinch points situated at the top of Pallance Road
The IW Council had indicated that they would share the request for the reversal of the priority direction for traffic approaching the pinch points, which were situated at the top of Pallance Road with Island Roads, for review in their Annual Network Integrity report and Network Safety Improvement report. However, Councillors stressed the importance of ensuring that there were no long term plans for further traffic calming measures along the lower section of Pallance Road, before being content with that line of action.

RESOLVED :

THAT the clerk to seek confirmation that no long term plans were being considered by either Island Roads or the IW Council for further traffic calming measures, along the lower section of Pallance Road.

c. The position of the bus stop being perceived by passengers and bus drivers as being in the wrong position
RESOLVED :

THAT Councillors note the IW Council’s view that there was no other location for the bus stop near to the junction at Four Cross and the cost of moving the shelter just a small amount would be prohibitive.

23/13-14 To consider the responses received with regard to the suggestion to move the Twinning signs nearer to the boundary with Cowes
Copies of letters received from the Cowes Deauville Twinning Association and the Cowes Rotary Club were noted. It was suggested that the Chairman and Vice Chairman should contact the Cowes Deauville Twinning Association to discuss the matter further.

RESOLVED ;

THAT the Chairman and Vice Chairman to contact the Cowes Deauville Twinning Association so to discuss further a move of the Twinning signs nearer to the boundary with Cowes

24/13-14 To consider organising a Big Tidy Up

RESOLVED :

THAT arrangements be made for a Big Tidy Up to take place on Thursday, 6 June, with Councillors and any volunteers meeting at the roundabout at the junction of Pallance Road and Rew Street, 10.00 am.

25/13-14 Clerks Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of April 2013 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 57 were received and noted
ii. End of 2012/13 Year Accounts
A Annual Return for the Year ended 31 March 2013

RESOLVED :

THAT the Statement of Accounts and the Annual Governance Statement for 2012/13 be approved and the Chairman and clerk authorised to sign the Statements on behalf of the Parish Council

B The letter from Mr M A Cox, the appointed Internal Auditor for the 2012/13 accounts was noted and thanks expressed for the work Mr Cox had undertaken.
C The report detailing the Actual Spend against Budget for the year ending 2012/13 was noted.

iii. To authorise payment for the 47 hours additionally worked by the clerk to collate the Parish Plan Survey
The Clerk declared a pecuniary interest in the following item of business.
Councillors requested that the results of the Survey be uploaded onto the Parish Council website.

RESOLVED :

THAT payment for the 47 hours additionally worked by the clerk to collate the Parish Plan Survey, as requested to do so, be approved

iv. To authorise payment of the following cheques

RESOLVED :

THAT payment of the following cheques be approved:
000314, £101.99, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000315, £20.65, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000316, £72.50, Society of Local Council Clerks, Annual Subscription
000317, £30.00, Northwood House Charitable Trust Company Ltd, Annual Subscription
000318, £10,000.00, Scottish Widow, transfer of funds

b. Administration
i. To confirm that Cllrs Fuller, Pullen and Riddet continue as authorised signatories to all the bank accounts and to consider making one further appointment

RESOLVED :

THAT consideration of signatories for the Parish Council bank accounts be deferred until further councillors were in attendance

ii. To confirm the agenda for the Annual meeting of the Parish to be held on Tuesday, 21 May

RESOLVED :

THAT the proposed agenda for the Annual Meeting of the Parish on 21 May 2013, be confirmed subject to including a report on the No 32 community bus scheme by Cllr Chris Riddet

26/13-14 To welcome the new IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood and to hear of their aims for the parish
Cllr John Nicholson was welcomed to the meeting in his role as the Ward member for Cowes South and Northwood. Cllr Nicholson spoke of his thrill in being able to work with the Parish Council and of the contented views of the majority of parishioners that he had met whilst out canvassing, prior to the election.
Since his appointment he had received representations from a couple of residents in Medham, who expressed their doubt over the planning viability of the proposed Asphalt plant and had provided detail of the historical use of the land. However, little concern had been voiced to him personally before the election. Excessive speeding in parts of the village and the need to prevent unscrupulous planning were two issues that had been raised.
Cllr Fuller mentioned that the new IW Council were to investigate, in more depth, the potential benefits of the Community Asset Transfer scheme and the Community Right to Buy scheme. It was suggested that this could form an agenda item for a future meeting, when discussion could include thoughts on the need for a Community Centre in the village.

RESOLVED :

THAT an officer of the IW Council be invited to a future meeting to give a presentation on the Community Asset Transfer scheme and the Community Right to Buy scheme and possible implications for Northwood

27/13-14 To receive progress reports from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Riddet circulated a flyer he had obtained, which provided contact details of Island Roads, so to report any highway faults.
A copy of the letter received from the IW Council setting out the future funding arrangements for the Community bus scheme across the island was also circulated for information. Cllr Riddet spoke on the problems affecting the Whippingham to Wootton community bus service
b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
Cllr Pullen advised that the summer planting was due to be delivered on 21 May. It was suggested that planting could take place during the next week, with the watering contract tentatively to commence the week following that. Cllr Pullen would confirm the timings, which would be subject to the weather conditions.
c. Parish Plan Update Working Party
No matters were reported

28/12-13 IW Association of Local Councils (IWALC)
No matters were reported

29/12-13 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting

30/12-13 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Riddet read from an article by Charlotte Hoffman, which had appeared in the County Press questioning the value of Parish Councils
Cllr Smith advised that the Travellers Joy Public House would be put on the market by the end of the week.

31/12-13 Future agenda items
No further additional items were raised.

32/12-13 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
Councillors considered that the meeting had been cracking and conducted well

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.25PM.