Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 5 March 2015, 8:41 pm

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held in Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Present: Councillors Chris Riddet (Vice Chairman), Paul Fuller, David Jaggar and John Nicholson
Also in attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
Anita Cameron-Smith, Director of Public Health and Community Well-Being
Bryan Hurley, Public Health section, Isle of Wight Council
There were no members of the public or press in attendance

183/14-15 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs John Pullen, Malcolm Nicholson, Derek Smith and John Ward and PCSO Derek Howard

184/14-15 Members’ interests
There had been no written requests received for Dispensation on items forming the agenda.
Cllr Jaggar advised of his Personal Interest in Minute No 189/14-15 b as he knew two of the Directors involved in the Planning Application

185/14-15 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer, plus an opportunity to discuss local policing priorities
In the absence of PCSO Derek Howard, the clerk read out the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team advising on matters arising since the last meeting. Particular mention was made of the following:
• Crime Update for January – Six crimes had occurred compared to four in January 2014. These related to one theft of a motor vehicle, one case of public order and harassment and four crimes of violence against a person. When questioned prior to the meeting Sgt Gary Knight had advised that the crimes of violence related to domestic incidents
• The police priority remained the prevention of cyclists riding along Cowes High Street. Four cyclists had been stopped during the month of January

Councillors agreed to bring forward the following item of business
186/14-15 Community Well-Being in the Community
Cllr Fuller entered the meeting room at 6.40pm
The Vice Chairman welcomed Ms Anita Cameron-Smith, Director of Public Health and Community Well-Being and Mr Bryan Hurley, of the Public Health section to the meeting. Ms Cameron-Smith congratulated councillors on their desire to promote Community Well-Being within the parish. It was stressed there was no easy “Quick Fix”. The initiative should be based on the needs of the community, rather than on what officials deemed were required. An invitation was extended for councillors to attend the free ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) workshops, to be held on 20 and 21 April, at the Riverside Centre. Copies of the planned programmes were circulated for information. The workshops were to be run by Mr Cormac Russell from Nurture Development. They aimed to provide details of a unique, proven, sound approach to community well-being. Councillors would be informed of the key skills required to take forward public engagement, in order to develop a stronger community. Councillors were able to attend either or both sessions, for part or all of the day. The Parish Council was urged to initially undertake an asset mapping exercise in order to identify the talents and skills of the local population, including those community activists who would be willing to take the initiative forward. The exercise should also include those local businesses prepared to work in partnership with the Parish Council. Examples were outlined of how other groups had been able to engage within their local communities, particularly with those socially isolated or vulnerable.
Questions were asked of Ms Cameron-Smith. Particular mention was made of the Good Neighbour scheme and other voluntary groups providing community support and how they linked into the scheme to prevent any duplication of work.
The Vice Chairman and Cllr J Nicholson both thanked Ms Cameron-Smith and Mr Hurley for their attendance.

187/14-15 To confirm and authorise the Vice Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 6 January 2015
The clerk highlighted the addendum to the Minutes with regard to the report presented by PCSO Steve Anker, on behalf of the Local Safer Neighbourhood team.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meetings held on 6 January 2015 be confirmed and the Vice Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

188/14-15 To receive any matters arising on the Minutes, not requiring a resolution
a. Minute 127/14-15 a Venner Avenue Football Pitch – The IW Council had now received the additional football sockets and planned to install them later during the week, subject to weather conditions. Unfortunately, some local children had continued to remove the orange web fencing in order to play on the repaired area. This had caused some damage and now needed a period of strong growth in order to sustain a degree of wear and tear.
b. Minute 173/14-15 Buckingham Palace Garden Party – Cllr J and Mrs Pullen were not successful in being selected to attend
c. Minute 175/14-15 a Abandoned Vehicles – The details of any vehicle had to be reported to Island Roads help desk on 822440 or by completing an online form. There was no nominated person who dealt specifically with the matter. An investigation was then undertaken to determine if the vehicle really had been abandoned, which could at times be quite time-consuming. If it was the case, the IWCounciI would then instruct Island Roads to remove the vehicle. The District Steward, Richard Baker played a part in the process.
d. Minute 175/14-15 b Memorial Seat – Cllr Smith had advised that the memorial seat had been removed from the play area and would be re-varnished once the weather had improved

189/14-15 Town and Country Planning
a. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council, were noted
i. TCP/31184/D land adjacent to 62 Pallance Road, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for construction of two detached dwellings; formation of vehicle access and parking (revised scheme)(revised red outline)(readvertised scheme)
ii. A/00137/X Northwood Garage, Newport Road, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for 3 x mesh facias with internally illuminated signage, 1 x internally illuminated totem sign
iii. TCP/24172/E 7 Fieldway Crescent, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the retention and completion of shed
The clerk advised that she had received an email notification advising that Application TCP//31184/E at 58 Pallance Road, Northwood for a pair of semi-detached houses; one detached house; formation of vehicular access and parking and turning area had been refused permission

b. Councillors noted the letter advising of the appeal to the Secretary of State with regard to TCP/31638 Outline for 86 dwellings; formation of vehicular access and associated works off Place Road, Gurnard (Revised and re-advertised application)

190/14-15 To consider the report suggesting the provision of picnic tables on the play park area
Cllr Fuller apologised for not providing details of picnic tables as requested at the last meeting.
The clerk however, had made some inquires with HMP Isle of Wight, who could supply a standard picnic table at a cost of £312.00 or an extra-large picnic table at £720. The benches at Gurnard Green were the extra-large type. Councillors noted that as they had some very urgent internal prison service work on at the moment they would not be able to produce these for 3-4 months. In addition, the clerk had contacted the Countryside, Parks and Open Spaces Manager to seek tentative permission to install one or two picnic tables, should councillors be so minded to progress the matter. Due to the current upheaval the department was under with how open spaces were going to be maintained and paid for after April, it was preferred to defer any sanctioning at this current moment. It was anticipated that in a couple of months’ time things would be clearer and a definitive response could then be given.

RESOLVED :

THAT consideration of the provision of picnic tables be deferred until the June meeting

191/14-15 To consider Minute 91/14-15, of the meeting held on 2 September with regard to the Best Kept Village awards mark sheet
The clerk reported on the large amount of litter strewn along Nodes Road, the previous Monday, following the collection of non-recyclable waste. It was suggested that this could have been due to a black plastic sack being left out the previous night and then split open by foxes. The majority of the rubbish had been used cat food pouches. This was picked up on Tuesday evening. Councillors suggested that Island Waste should be informed. A lot of litter had also been cleared from the hedgerow along Newport Road, next to the junction with Medham Farm Lane.

RESOLVED :
THAT consideration of how best to improve the marks awarded under the Best Kept Village scheme be deferred until the March meeting

192/14-15 To consider the urgent campaign to save ACRE

RESOLVED :

THAT no action be taken with regard to the campaign to save ACRE as DEFRA had now confirmed it would continue to fund England’s network of rural community councils

193/14-15 To consider making a response to assist with the proposed Rights of Way Improvement Plan for 2016-2024
Prior to the meeting Councillors had been furnished with a report produced by IW Cllr John Medland, which had been presented at the recent meeting of the Sustainability Forum. The report set out a suggested programme of improvements to the off-road public transport network and considered it vital that Town and Parish Councils were involved. It was requested that they contribute their local knowledge by completing a questionnaire setting out the five priority projects most wanted to be undertaken in their area, over the next few years. The report was to be discussed by IWALC’s Executive and IWALC representatives were invited to submit their completed questionnaires at the March meeting. The information would assist with the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, including any potential funding bid and immediate Plan of Action.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council’s preferred projects to the off-road transport network are:
i. To improve the existing network of bridleways, so to enable a connected access to the West Wight;
ii. Any newly established rights of way to be suitable for multi-purpose usage;
iii. To create a path bordering the River Luck from its source to where it flows into the sea, at Gurnard Marsh;
iv. Improved access links to the Coastal Path

194/14-15 To receive an oral progress report on the revision of the “Welcome to Northwood” booklet
Cllr J Nicholson advised that the Secretary of the Community Partnership was in possession of electronic copies of the original “Welcome to Northwood” booklet and the Parish Plan. Cllr Riddet agreed to contact her to obtain copies.

RESOLVED :

THAT the “Welcome to Northwood” booklet form an agenda item for the March meeting

195/14-15 To receive progress reports for information from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Riddet confirmed that the community bus was now operating on the five week days only. It was a concern that latest set of figures for donations and passenger numbers showed that contributions had halved on the Monday when Southern Vectis provided the driver.
Cllr Fuller reported on two meetings of the Cowes Community bus forum that had been held at very short notice. Unfortunately no Northwood representative had been able to attend due to the timescale. Mr Alan Stott, the Community Bus co-ordinator had circulated a list of passenger numbers, which indicated that a Saturday not a Monday would be the most beneficial day to run a service. It was suggested that this should be reviewed in the summer. Cllr Fuller also referred to the possibility that the IW Council could remove all funding for the Community Bus scheme in the next financial year, with the expectation that each bus route would have to be self-financing.

RESOLVED :

THAT a meeting be arranged of all representatives of the Cowes Community bus forum, with an invitation extended to Mr Alan Stott, the Community Bus co-ordinator and IW Cllrs Shirley Smart and Ian Ward

b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
No matters to report

c. Parish Plan Working Party
The clerk reported that Cllr Ward had been unsuccessful in providing an electronic copy of the Parish Plan that could be amended. The programme Adobe Acrobat Pro would enable the edit of the file but at a cost in the region of £289. Various other Adobe programmes could be obtained at a monthly fee. Cllr J Nicholson offered to check whether he was able to obtain a Word copy of the Parish Plan

d. Emergency Plan Working Party
Cllr Smith advised that in the absence of Cllr Pullen he had no progress to report on the Emergency Plan

e. Northwood Post Office Working Party
Cllr J Nicholson referred to the meeting of 13 January, he had attended with Cllr Riddet, held on site at the Pallance Road post office with the current post mistress and representatives of the Post Office Ltd. They had both been reassured of the commitment to maintain a Post office service in Northwood. However, no firm expression of interest had been received. Although the current postmistress had offered to remain open for 3 mornings per week the Post office had considered this untenable, stating that the significant demand would be too much for such limited hours. She was due to retire on 14 April. The response from Andrew Turner MP had been circulated to councillors. This advised of fresh interest. Unfortunately this had now not come to fruition, after all

196/14-15 To receive the report for information of Cllr J Nicholson, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
Cllr J Nicholson referred councillors to his report. This covered his work as the Ward Councillor and his responsibilities at the IW Council. Particular mention was made of the following:
• The drainage works in Pallance Road
• The barriers closing the pavement along Seaclose Road
• Hillis Gate Planning application
• The cyclist dismount sign at the top of Shooters Hill
• Double yellow signs along Place Side
• Place Road Planning appeal
• The appointment of the Director of Public Health

197/14-15 IWALC
a. To receive a report on the meeting of IWALC held on 15 January 2015
In the absence of Cllr Ward no report was received. Councillors confirmed receipt of a copy of the Minutes of the meeting held on 15 January

b. To consider the continued membership of IWALC for 2015/16, following the very large increase in the subscription to £405.20.
The clerk advised that she was rather confused by the amount requested and would be contacting the IWALC Treasurer to clarify the situation

RESOLVED :

THAT the continued membership of IWALC form an agenda item at the March meeting

c. To consider councillors attendance at the training sessions to be provided by IWALC

RESOLVED :

THAT councillors should advise the clerk of their interest in the IWALC councillor and chairman training sessions available

198/14-15 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of January and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 787, were received and noted

ii. To authorise retrospectively the payments made with regard to the clerks salary:

RESOLVED :

THAT approval be granted retrospectively of payment
000389, Community Action IW, £788.25, for the clerk’s salary, on 14 January

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment
000390, £48.88, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks expenses
000391, £13.64, John Pullen, for Ronseal for refurbishing the memorial bench on the play area
000392, £35.00, Information Commissioner, Data Protection Registration
000393, £229.76, Go South Coast Ltd, Supply of driver for Service 32 for 4 weeks at £57.44 per week – from the Bus Account
000394, £200.00, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Committee , re IW Armed Forces Day 2015

iv. To consider appropriate action with regard to the demand received from HM Revenue & Customs relating to unpaid PAYE
The clerk advised that since the despatch of the agenda Douglas Tonks, the previous payroll provider, in a telephone conversation, had confirmed that some monies were still outstanding. They had sent a copy of a Bill Payment made on 30 January for £358.60. This left an outstanding sum of approximately £6.50, which comprised of the interest charges incurred due to non-payment of PAYE in March, April and June 2014

RESOLVED :

THAT payment be made to clear the outstanding debt with HM Revenue and Customs and an invoice for the outstanding monies sent to Douglas Tonks

b. Administration
i. To consider arrangements for the Annual Meeting of the Parish to be held on 5 May 2015
The clerk confirmed that it was obligatory to hold an Annual Meeting of the Parish, which must be held between 1 March and 1 June. The meeting may discuss any matter of relevance to the parish.

RESOLVED :

THAT arrangements be undertaken to hold the Annual Meeting of the Parish on 5 May 2015, at 6.00pm at Northwood Primary school

ii. To approve the attendance of any interested persons at the Spring Seminar – Taking the Isle Of Wight Forward
Councillors noted that the Spring Seminar was to be held at the Riverside Centre on Monday, 16 March 2015 at a cost of £25.00 per delegate, or at the offer price of 5 for the price of 4.

iii. To consider the use of electronic communications in the sending of summonses for attendance at Parish Council meetings

RESOLVED :

THAT those councillors present were content to continue with the current practice of receiving hard copies of the agenda and relevant papers for meetings of the Parish Council

iv. To note that the WI hall is now available for hire on a Tuesday evening at 6.30pm at a cost of £8.50 per hour and to consider arrangements for future meetings

RESOLVED :

THAT it be noted the WI hall was available and to review only if charges were imposed for using the current venue, in the future

199/14-15 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting. The clerk mentioned item qq The letter from the IW Council with regard to Discretionary Services, in particular the refusal of the contribution towards Beach Cleaning. This matter would be discussed further at the March meeting.

200/14-15 Councillors’ reports
None made

201/14-15 Future Agenda Items

RESOLVED :

THAT the following future agenda items be approved:
March
Mr Douglas Loxton, Field Change Advisor Network Transformation Team, Post Office Ltd
April
Paul Savill, Voluntary Sector Locality Link Officer of the new project “My Life – A Full Life”

202/14-15 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
No comment was made

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE VICE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.17pm
Signed ……………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..