Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 20 December 2011, 9:52 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, 1 November 2011

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Pat Bentley (Vice Chairman), Judith Ferris, Paul Fuller, Ray Mew and Chris Riddet
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
Sgt Mike Sizer
PCSO Steve Oatley

There were nine members of the public present

120/11-12 Apologies
Apologies had been received from Cllr D Smith.

121/11-12 Co-opted Councillors
a. To consider the appointment of a co-opted councillor

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Mrs Judith Ferris be appointed as a co-opted councillor;
ii. THAT the signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office and the Members’ Register of Financial Interests from Cllr J Ferris, be received.

b. To consider a deadline for applications for the remaining vacant position of co-opted councillor

RESOLVED :

THAT the deadline for any applications for the position of co-opted councillor be set as Monday, 28 November 2011.

122/11-12 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest made at this stage.

123/11-12 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
PCSO Steve Oatley presented the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team on events that had taken place since the last meeting. October had again been a very quiet month, with virtually no crime of any note within Northwood. The majority of those incidents reported were domestic related or had involved neighbourhood disputes. However, particular reference was made of the following:
• The theft of a bicycle from an insecure back garden, in Wyatts Lane
• The success in solving three incidents of vehicle crime by the arrest of a suspect who lived in Cowes, who had admitted the offences. In each case the cars had been left unlocked. A reminder was given that all cars should be kept locked and any valuables kept hidden from view to prevent the opportunist thief.
• The apprehension of a person, who lived in East Cowes, who had been responsible for numerous incidents of graffiti across the island
Sgt M Sizer advised that this had been an excellent period for the team. Car crime had been identified as one of the priorities for action, by the Local Action Group (LAGs). This had provided an opportunity to review many unresolved car related crimes and that had led to the recent success.
Sgt Sizer also provided statistics relating to various types of crime committed in the greater Cowes area and the % variances on last year. These in the main showed a welcome decrease, with the detection rate increasing. Reference was also made of the investigation into the disappearance of Damien Nettles. Sgt Sizer confirmed that two persons had been arrested and a search of a property in Marsh Lane, Gurnard was underway.
Mention was made by a member of the public of a car fire in Pallance Lane, which had caused damage to the boundary hedge of a field containing livestock. The police were unaware of the incident.

124/11-12 To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 4 October 2011

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 4 October be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council, subject to amendment of the spelling of the name of Mr Le Pen.

125/11-12 Matters arising on the Minutes
i. Minute 108/11-12 Highways PFI – The clerk reminded that the IW Council had confirmed the attendance of Cllr Edward Giles and Mr Jay Jayasundara at the next meeting of the Parish Council, on 6 December, to address any issues or concerns regarding the Highways PFI and to take questions on any other highways matters raised by councillors and members of the public present.
ii. Minute 110/11-12 Empowerment of Parish and Town Councils – The clerk advised that an acknowledgement had been received, from Andrew Turner MP, of the letter dated 7 October 2011 regarding the proposal by Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council.

126/11-12 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. A/00001/D Northwood Honda, 258 – 260 Newport Road, Cowes – relocation of 5.2m illuminated totem sign

RESOLVED :

THAT this Parish Council raises no material planning objections to the application for A/00001/D Northwood Honda, 258 – 260 Newport Road, Cowes.

ii. TCP/30771 BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Northwood – Alterations and construction of an external catering lift (dumb waiter)

RESOLVED :

THAT this Parish Council makes no comment in respect of the application for TCP/30771 BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Northwood.

iii. TCP/30768 land rear of 7 and 9 Pallance Road – Proposed chalet bungalow with detached bungalow; chalet bungalow; formation of access off Selman Gardens
During this item of business Cllr P Fuller entered the meeting room and declared a personal interest in Minute 126/11-12a, as he was a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee. Cllr Fuller remained in the public seating area.

Cllr P Bentley circulated and referred to the notes he had made of concerns raised by local residents, when he had visited the proposed site. Several local residents were present and addressed the Parish Council, confirming the impact that the development could have on the other dwellings in Selman Gardens, specifically during the construction stage and gave reasons as to why unfettered access was required to their properties at all times.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raises strong objections to this application TCP/30768 land rear of 7 and 9 Pallance Road, Northwood citing the following reasons:
i. Overdevelopment of the site – The area is already very compact, there is very little free space and no provision for overspill parking (Policy D1 (g), (d) (i) and (j));
ii. The access to this part of Selman Gardens is via a dangerous blind spot where the road leads in from the original estate. Any extra traffic caused by the two proposed dwellings would exacerbate the problems in an area that is very short of parking and turning space;
iii. The nature of the road surface requires that it is kept free of large accumulations of mud, which could seriously impair the roads ability to self drain, and as there are no drains, could cause flooding and other long-term damage. Builders vehicles could cause the deposition of mud and other detritus on the ‘porous’ road surface, which is privately owned by the residents of Selman Gardens, and for which they are financially and legally responsible;
iv. Concerns were raised regarding the possible loss of the communal grass areas, for which the local residents are jointly responsible;
v. The proposed plans would cause loss of privacy and visual amenity to existing neighbouring properties;
vi. Concern was expressed over the increase in on-road parking the development would cause and possible obstruction to emergency vehicles. It was essential that local residents maintained unfettered access to their properties.

Cllr P Fuller moved to sit in the meeting forum.

b. The following decision of the Local Planning Authority, taken since the last meeting, was noted.
TCP30690 Brickfields, Hillis Gate Road, Northwood – Planning Permission granted for a proposed new white PVCu conservatory onto a prepared base with dwarf walls.

c. The formal notice regarding the Tree Preservation Order TPO/2011/24 16A Oxford Street, Northwood, was noted.

127/11-12 To consider the application for a premises licence for V-Dub Island, County Showground, Newport Road, Northwood
Cllr P Fuller declared a personal interest in the following item of business as he was a member of the IW Council’s Licensing Committee.

RESOLVED :

THAT no objections be raised to the application for a premises licence for V-Dub Island, County Showground, Newport Road, Northwood

128/11-12 To appoint a further member to the Northwood in Bloom Working Party

RESOLVED :

THAT no further appointments to the Northwood in Bloom Working Party be made at the present time.

129/11-12 To consider the recommendations of the Precept Working Party for the Precept for 2011-12

RESOLVED :

THAT a copy of the draft recommendations for the Precept for 2011-12 be included in the next issue of the Northwood News, requesting comments from local residents to the proposals to be sent to the clerk by 30 December 2011.

130/11-12 To approve the costs for the installation of the additional seat on the play park
Cllr J Pullen advised of quotations for providing brackets to attach the seat to the concrete base on the play park. The cheapest option, by far, was to have the brackets made at the Forge in Whippingham at a cost of £45.00, in total. No cost would be incurred for the installation of the seat.
RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for the necessary brackets to secure the new seat at the play park, be ordered from the Forge in Whippingham, at a cost of £45.00, in total.

131/11-12 To consider Youth Representation at meetings of the Parish Council
Cllr P Fuller referred to his report, which set out details of an initiative to involve young people from Cowes Enterprise College in attending meetings of the Parish Council, in an advisory capacity. Gurnard Parish Council had successfully introduced a Youth Advisor Scheme about three years ago, based on a similar model followed by Ringwood Town Council. Mr Nigel Mason, the assistant principal of the Enterprise College, had advised that the school would shortly appoint a “Student leader”, to help to take ownership of the selection process of willing candidates to sit on Gurnard Parish Council. It was suggested that the scheme could also be rolled out to Northwood Parish Council and Cowes Town Council, if their respective councillors agreed to participate.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council welcomes taking part in the Youth Advisor Scheme and the clerk be instructed to register councillors’ interest, inviting Mr N Mason, the assistant principal of the Enterprise College to contact her with further details.

132/11-12 To consider the results of the inspection of the Council’s assets
A copy of the inspection report of the Council’s assets had been circulated prior to the meeting. Mention was made of the deteriorating condition of the three other Gateway signs in the Village. AJ Wells had agreed to inspect these when the Parish Council made the latest purchase. Cllr Pullen agreed to investigate which organisation was actually responsible for these signs and report back.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted.

133/11-12 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance

i. The interim budget statement to the end of October 2011 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 39 were received and noted.

ii. Payment of cheque No 000232, £84.49, Ryde House Nurseries, which formed part of the previously approved budget for winter planting, was approved as monies had been required on delivery of the plants.
iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000233, Post Office, Clerks salary for September
000234, £49.94, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000235, £7.39, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000236, £50.00, The Cowes Concert Band
000237, £37.75, Mr J Pullen, Compost and additional winter planting.
000238, £25.00, Royal British Legion, Poppy Wreath
000239, IWALC, £25.00, replacement of cheque No 000209, which had not been received by the payee
000240, £107.84, C&K Watering Services, Monthly watering services
RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

b. Administration
i. To consider appointing the Riverside Centre to undertake payroll services wef 1 January 2012

RESOLVED :

THAT this item be deferred until the meeting in December as the clerk was awaiting details from a further payroll services provider.

ii. To consider two representatives to attend the Conference on Neighbourhood Planning on 26 November
It was noted that Cllr J Pullen had already registered his interest in attending. However, he was willing to stand aside if there were not sufficient places available.

RESOLVED :

THAT the clerk request that three places be made available in order that Cllrs P Bentley and Mrs J Ferris can also attend the Conference on 26 November.

134/11-12 Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
The report of Cllr Roger Mazillius, which had been circulated by email prior to the meeting, was received and noted.

135/11-12 Progress reports for information from Working Parties
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr C Riddet advised that a new coordinator, Mr Alan Stott, had now been appointed on a short term basis. His salary was within the existing budget, which was currently funded by the IW Council. Following advice from the Rural Community Council on the appropriate vehicle to manage the scheme and after consideration of a wide range of options, it was suggested that a company limited by guarantee be set up, and then for it to be registered as a charity. The management team would continue with one representative from each scheme, supported by the coordinator.
Volunteers were continuing to be trained and added to the roster as they qualified. A weekly performance reporting system was to be established, in conjunction with the new coordinator. The installation of ticket machines on all the buses would be completed shortly. Work, with Southern Vectis, was underway to produce an overall marketing plan, which would also address the potential areas for sponsorship. The continuing problem regarding the first bus of the day had still not been resolved. It was also reported that plans were being formulated to issue every volunteer driver with written instructions, in case of an emergency situation.
b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
This item was covered earlier on in the agenda.
c. Village Design Statement Working Party
Cllr P Bentley circulated his thoughts in a first draft of a proposed ‘plan of action’, to enable the Parish Council to produce a Neighbourhood Plan for Northwood. The draft set out a number of points, which would need to be considered, including a list of groups that would need to be involved in the process. Councillors were requested to give the report their consideration before the next meeting, so that an informed discussion could take place on the next step forward.
d. Football Pitch Working Party
Councillors were referred to the report, which advised of the outcome of conversations with Andrew McIntyre, the IW Council’s Parks Officer. Unfortunately, due to restricted finances, the IW Council had to refuse to provide the finances for the re-instatement of damage to grass areas, on open spaces. However, they were prepared, in this instance, due to the health and safety issues, to cover half the cost, providing that the Parish Council were prepared to pay the remainder. Unfortunately, while the turf established, the goal posts would have to be removed, until the early spring of next year.
Councillors were still minded, that in the long term, for investigations to continue into the feasibility of the provision of an all-weather facility, on the play park. Although capital finance might be possible to obtain, councillors were fully aware that the costs of any on-going maintenance for such a project, would prove to be more difficult to source. It was noted that a Funding fair was due to take place on 9 November, at the Riverside Centre, which members of the Working Party were due to attend, to investigate available funding streams.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Parish Council agrees to contribute half the costs for the IW Council to undertake re-instatement of the football pitch area, up to a maximum cost of £465.00.

136/11-12 Update on the IW Association of Local Councils
Councillors were referred to the report on recent meetings of IWALC. It was noted that these were now held at the Riverside Centre, not at County Hall.

137/11-12 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.

138/11-12 Councillors’ reports
Cllr P Bentley reported that a local resident and member of the Royal IOW Agricultural Society had advised him of an idea being muted for inclusion in next year’s County show. The show committee president was looking to expand the event, suggesting for the Parish Council, the Allotment Association, the Village Partnership and the Northwood School Gardening Club to be invited to participate in a village garden display.
Cllr J Pullen advised that the Noticeboard had now been repaired.

139/11-12 Future agenda items
December
The Queens Golden Jubilee celebrations

140/12-12 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
It had been nice to see more local residents attending.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.45 PM.
Signed ……………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..
NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL