Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 12 July 2016, 9:35 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, 5 July 2016

Present: Councillors Chris Riddet (Chairman), David Jaggar (Vice Chairman), Malcolm Nicholson, John Pullen and Derek Smith
Also in attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)

There were no members of the public or press in attendance.

32/16-17 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs John Nicholson, Paul Fuller and John Ward

33/16-17 Members’ interests
There had been no written requests received for Dispensation on items forming the agenda.

34/16-17 To receive a report on any local safety neighbourhood issues occurring since the last meeting held of the Parish Council
In the absence of any representative from the Local Neighbourhood Police team, the clerk read from the report she had received. Particular mention was made of:
• the seven crimes that had been committed during the month of June, compared to the four crimes for the same period in 2015;
• a speedwatch event that had taken place on 22 June in Pallance Road. 96 vehicles had passed through the checkpoint, with only one vehicle recorded as having breached the 30 mph limit;
• the April PACT meeting, when three priorities were agreed. These being the prevention and detection of non-dwelling burglaries in the Cowes wider area, the reduction in the number of reportable incidents at Cowes Enterprise College and the aim to reduce the number of incidents of speeding along Mill Hill Road, close to the zebra crossing near Love Lane.

Councillors expressed their frustration that no mention had been made with regard to the forthcoming move of Sgt Lyth from his role within the Neighbourhood Policing team at Yarmouth, at the end of September. Some councillors were aware of this change via other sources. It was a force requirement to staff custody centres, with police sergeants undertaking this role on a rotational basis. Sgt Lyth was to commence a tour of duty as the Custody Sergeant at Newport police station. Additionally, the sale of Cowes police station had also not been referred to. Councillors requested for the clerk to write Superintendent Sarah Jackson to express their concern over the lack of information on the forthcoming changes.

35/16-17 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 5 May 2016 and the Extra-Ordinary meeting held on 7 June 2016

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 5 May 2016 and the Extra-Ordinary meeting held on 7 June 2016 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

36/16-17 To receive any matters arising on the Minutes, not requiring a resolution
a. Minute 09/16-17 Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team – The clerk advised that the speedwatch activities referred to had all taken place between 07.30 – 08.30, at the bottom end of Pallance Road.
b. Minute 20/16-17 Picnic Table – Mr Ian Simmonds of the HMP Isle of Wight had confirmed that the HM Prison Service could make a picnic table as requested, but it would probably not be finished until around late August. The clerk had been in contact with Colin Newnham, the IW Council’s approved contractor to seek confirmation that he will be able to lay a concrete base within that timescale.
c. Minute 21/16-17 Transport and Traffic Issues Working Party – The clerk referred to the response from Iain Thornton, of Island Roads with regard to the works in Nodes Road, undertaken by Southern Electric. This response had been forwarded to councillors on 11 May.

37/16-17 To approve the Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Parish held on 5 May 2016

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Annual meeting of the Parish held on 5 May 2016, be approved.

38/16-17 Town and Country Planning
a. To consider the following planning applications 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/28075/A 8 Nodes Road, Northwood – Partial demolition of store; proposed single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raises no material planning objections in respect of the planning application TCP/28075/A at 8 Nodes Road, Northwood for a Householder Application, for the partial demolition of a store and proposed single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation

ii. TCP/30690/A Brickfields, Hillis Gate Road, Northwood – Demolition of part building; change of use from industrial unit to dwelling; single storey extension on the west elevation to form garage; single storey extension on the east elevation to form additional living accommodation

RESOLVED :

THAT subject to the IW Council being satisfied that reasonable endeavours had been made to sell the factory on the open market at a realistic price, Northwood Parish Council raises no material planning objections in respect of the planning application TCP/30690/A at Brickfields, Hillis Gate Road, Northwood for the demolition of part of the building, the change of use from industrial unit to a dwelling, a single storey extension on the west elevation to form a garage and a single storey extension on the east elevation to form additional living accommodation, with alterations.

b. The following decision taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council was noted:
TCP/30771/E, BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the removal of existing portakabin and platform; proposed portakabin, radar test cabin and pop up mast (corrected description)

c. The letter, dated 21 June, from the IW Council Planning and Housing Services with regard to the Protection of Trees listed in TPO/1993/43 Preservation Order at 13 Green Lane, Medham was duly noted.

39/16-17 To receive the Annual Report of the Parish Council for 2015/16

RESOLVED :

THAT the Annual Report of the Chairman of Northwood Parish Council for 2015/16 was received and duly noted.

40/16-17 To confirm that the Register of Interests forms from Cllrs Fuller, J Nicholson, Pullen, Smith and Ward are in order and correct
The clerk advised that she still awaited notification from Cllrs Fuller, J Nicholson and Ward of any changes to their situation. The clerk highlighted that any change in circumstances should be notified within 28 days.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllrs Pullen and Smith confirmed that their Register of Interests forms were in order and correct.

41/16-17 To consider any action required following the annual inspection of the Parish Council’s assets
In the absence of Cllr Ward this item was deferred until the next meeting of the Parish Council.
Cllr Pullen advised that as the lead of the Northwood in Bloom Working Party, he planned to inspect all the tubs and planters around the village as it had been noticed that a few showed some signs of disrepair. While doing this, he suggested that he could easily combine this with an inspection of all the assets held by the Parish Council.
RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr Pullen liaise with Cllr Ward with regard to the annual inspection of the Parish Council’s assets and to provide a full report on their condition to the next meeting in September.

42/16-17 To consider options on how to use the one-off payment of £5k to be used for the benefit of the residents in Northwood
The clerk confirmed that the £5K had now been received. Following the article in the Northwood News, two local residents had expressed their support for a MUGA. Since the last meeting the clerk and the Chairman had met with a further contractor who, disappointedly, declined to provide a quote for the works. Initially, councillors had suggested that as the payment was a one-off, care should be taken to not dissipate the money on small projects. However, as the play area was so popular and well used by children of all ages and accompanying adults, it was proposed that a further picnic table should be ordered.

RESOLVED :

THAT a second Extra Large picnic table be ordered from HMP Isle of Wight.

43/16-17 To note the list of old and poor condition Rights of Way signage and to consider if there were any more additions to the list for replacement
Cllr Pullen referred to his report. Only one signpost required some attention, CS22 from Pallance Lane to Parkhurst Forest. This sign had green moss covering part of the wording and Cllr Pullen agreed to clean this off, when he was next passing.
Mention was made of an old signpost, thought to have been at the junction of Wyatts Lane/Pallance Lane, advising of the way to Luton Farm. Cllr Pullen was currently investigating the reason for its disappearance, to try and uncover as to why and when this was removed.
It was noted that the footpaths were generally in a reasonable condition, with the vegetation not too overgrown.

44/16-17 To consider signing up to the Isle of Wight (IW) Council’s Health & Safety and HR services

RESOLVED :

THAT the invitation to sign up to the IW Council’s Health and Safety and HR services be declined.

45/16-17 To consider if the Parish Council wishes to participate in celebrating the new initiative to establish an Isle of Wight Day on 24 September
Councillors noted the initiative being promoted by the High Sheriff for the whole of the Island to establish an annual Isle of Wight Day, this year to be on 24 September. However, mindful that the next Parish Council meeting was not until 6 September, councillors agreed there was little time to organise a successful event. Instead, councillors were encouraged to take note of the celebrations and the various events due to take place. This would facilitate any plans to join in with next year’s festivities, so arrangements could then be made in good time.

46/16-17 To consider the report of the Northwood WI Working Party
The report of the WI Working Party provided a timeline of meetings arranged to date. An initial meeting with representatives of the WI had taken place, when it was once again re-iterated that the Parish Council had no available funding, but would just assist with the setting up of a Management Committee. On 15 July, representatives of the WI and Parish Council had arranged to meet with Philippa Daley, of Community Action IW to seek her advice on the way forward and receive details of possible funding opportunities. A meeting for local residents and users of the WI hall would take place on 19 July, to discuss with interested persons the forming of a Management Committee to run the hall.

47/16-17 To consider making appropriate responses on the following IW Council Consultations
a. Isle of Wight Parking Strategy 2016 – 2021

RESOLVED :

THAT the Parking Strategy Recommendations, as set out on pages 64 to 75 be supported, with a request that the IW Council should endeavour to prioritise Recommendation SR4, on page 67, – the provision of free on-street short-stay parking at parking locations in or near shopping or commercial centres.

b. IW Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2016 consultation

RESOLVED :

THAT all councillors should individually complete the IW Rights of Way Improvement Plan survey, found on line on the IW Council’s website.

48/16-17 To approve the finalised updated Parish map

RESOLVED :

THAT the final version of the updated Parish map be approved.

49/16-17 To receive an update on the new Parish Council website
In the absence of Cllr Ward, a request had been made for any comments or inclusions so that the site could then be made live. Councillors welcomed the work to date, raising the importance that it should be refreshed on a regular basis.

50/16-17 To receive an oral report on the Cluster meeting held with representatives of Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council on 29 June
The Chairman provided a brief oral report on the matters discussed at the latest Cluster meeting, on 29 June. All present had agreed that the meetings were a positive way forward. Working together on matters which effected all councils could be beneficial, in the future, particularly the funding of discretionary services. An update on the Community Bus route 32 service had been provided by Cllr Riddet, which underlined the value of joint working. The next meeting would be arranged for October.

51/16-17 To receive a report for information on Community Wellbeing
The report of Cllr J Nicholson was received and duly noted without comment.

52/16-17 To receive progress reports for information from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Riddet advised that there had been an increase in the number of volunteer drivers coming on stream. Passenger numbers had also slightly increased, although donations received had decreased. Having spoken to the chairman of the Management Committee of the IW Bus Scheme, Ian Ward, it was agreed that sufficient funds were in place to cover the service for at least another year. The Parish Council held over £2K to cover any funding shortfall in the Service 32.
b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
Cllr Pullen advised that all the summer bedding had been planted out. While doing so, it had been noticed that several of the tubs were in a bad condition, requiring a decision to be taken at the next meeting on whether they should be replaced or removed in the autumn. Thought should also be given as to whether it was more effective, in man hours and cost, for perennial plants to be purchased rather than the annuals normally obtained.
Although the plants all looked very healthy, they were starting to be overrun by chickweed. To attempt to keep the weeds to a minimum it was agreed that maintenance of the planters, on a regular fortnightly basis, should be delegated, so to prevent the task from being too onerous for one person. Cllr Smith volunteered to take on the upkeep of the planters near to the Noticeboard, Cllr M Nicholson to manage those in Nodes Road, Cllr Jaggar those at the top of Coronation Avenue, Mr R Willis of the Community Partnership to look after the tubs at the top of Uplands and Cllr Pullen those along the Newport Road and to generally oversee them all.
c. Parish Plan Working Party
Cllr Pullen agreed to organise a meeting of the Working Party, so to revise the Parish Plan, enabling an updated version to be included on the new website.
d. Green Space Project Working Party
In the absence of Cllr Ward, no report had been received.

53/16-17 To receive the report for information of Cllr J Nicholson, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
In the absence of Cllr J Nicholson, councillors noted his report attached to the agenda, without any comment This covered his work as the Ward Councillor and his responsibilities at the IW Council.

54/16-17 IWALC
a. To receive a report on the meeting of IWALC Executive held on 19 May
The Minutes of the latest meeting held on 19 May, were still awaited.

b. To identify any matters that councillors wished for the Chairman of IWALC to raise at a meeting with the Chief Executive of the IW Council, on 7 July
Councillors remarked on the very short notice allowed for responses to the Solent Devolution: Governance Review Consultation.

55/16-17 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of June 2016 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 95 were received and duly noted.

ii. Payment of cheques No 000481, 000460 and 000461

RESOLVED :

THAT the respective payments made with regard to the following cheques, be duly approved:
No 000481 for £764.42, in favour of Community Action IW for the clerk’s salary, on 12 May;
No 000460 for £165.20, in favour of Mr J Pullen for the summer planting on 7 June;
And No 000461 for £788.56 in favour of Community Action IW for the clerk’s salary on 18 June.

iii. To authorise payment of cheques:
Councillors agreed that the cost for the additional page in the Northwood News seeking views on the provision of a MUGA, was a necessary consequence of consulting with local residents.

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment:
000462, £52.25, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses;
000463, £20.00, Northwood Parish Church, additional page in the Northwood News re a potential MUGA.

iv. The provision of Public Realm Services to Northwood Parish Council

RESOLVED :

THAT the agreement with the IW Council regarding the provision of Public Realm Services at a cost of £693 towards the cost of an Environment Officer and £959 towards the Grounds Maintenance contract for Venner Avenue play area be approved and duly signed by the Chairman.

v. Consideration of the Application for Grant Funding received from IW Good Neighbour Scheme

RESOLVED :

THAT a grant of £250 be agreed to further develop the Age UK IW Good Neighbour Scheme in Northwood.

b. Administration
The letter from Mr M Cox, the appointed Internal Auditor for the 2015/16 accounts, was noted and it was requested that a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the Parish Council

56/16-17 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting. Particular mention was made of the invitations received –
Item kkk IW Best Kept Village Awards – Cllr Pullen would attend on 15 September and Item ddddd the launch of the “Men who died in the Great War, from Gurnard and Northwood” – Cllrs Pullen and Riddet would attend the event on 19 July.

57/16-17 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Pullen reported a local resident had mentioned the lack of availability of ramps to enable wheelchair access around the village. Councillors were not aware of any problem. Cllr Pullen agreed to look into this matter further.

58/16-17 Future Agenda Items
September
To consider the format of future agendas – Cllr Riddet

The suggestion to invite Lisa Toyne of the Age Friendly Island Project to attend a future meeting of the Parish Council, was declined.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 7.45pm

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