Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 3 November 2010, 12:00 am

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, 5 October 2010

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman), Keith Clatworthy, Colin Cramp
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
IW Cllr Roger Mazillius, Ward member for Cowes South and Northwood
PC Mark Thomas
There was one member of the public present.

74/10-11 Apologies
Apologies had been tendered by Cllrs Pat Bentley, Mrs Brenda Clews-Cartwright and John Fuller

75/10-11 Declarations of Interest
Cllr J Pullen declared a personal interest in Minute No 87/10-11 a. v. a Northwood School gardening club as he was a neighbour and friend of the applicant and a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 87/10-11 a. v. b as he was a volunteer driver for Optio

76/10-11 To consider the appointment of a co-opted councillor and to receive their declaration of acceptance of office and Register of Financial Interests.
The clerk advised that by the advertised deadline, no expressions of interest had been received in the required format. One member of the public had, however, sent an email indicating their wish to be considered but this was not in an acceptable form. A letter had subsequently been received from this person after the prescribed deadline. In accordance with legislation a further closing date had to now be advertised, which would enable appointment at the meeting in November.

RESOLVED :

THAT a further closing date of 15 October be agreed for the receipt of any expressions of interest in being appointed to the casual vacancy on the Parish Council.
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77/10-11 To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 7 September 2010

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 7 September be confirmed and the Chairman be authorized to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

78/10-11 Matters arising on the Minutes
a. Minute 57/10-11 b The Isle Of Wight Council’s Community Governance Review of the Isle Of Wight Council Local Authority Area – The clerk advised that she had received a request from IW Cllr R Mazillius for this item be re-considered. Since the last meeting it had been confirmed to him that if a good case could be made, then the Local Government Boundary Commission would give consideration to any arguments made indicating that such a change would improve community governance arrangements. This could occur despite the boundary of the parish of Northwood being classified as “protected”. Councillors however expressed they were content with their original decision and did not wish to discuss the matter further.
b. Minute 57/10-11d Consultation of Planning Applications, Notifications and Emails – Councillors confirmed that they had received the email circulated on 16 September, which advised of the projected annual savings identified by the IW Council’s Planning department in providing information electronically rather than printing multiple paper copies.
c. Minute 58/10-11 Pallance Road Traffic Management Survey – The clerk advised that in response to the Parish Council’s request for an extension of the double yellow lines at the top of Pallance Road, she had received an email response from the IW Council. This advised that there was currently an embargo on the introduction of any further parking restrictions, unless deemed essential on road safety grounds and supported by the police. The matter would remain on their file and be included as part of the next Northwood Traffic Regulation Order review, which was anticipated to begin in the last quarter of 2011.
d. Minute 62/10-11 Parking in the vicinity of the Travellers Joy Public House – Cllr Pullen reported his conversation with Mr Smith, the landlord of the Travellers Joy over perceived concerns of some nearby residents, highlighted at the previous meeting. Building work was due to commence in two weeks time. If a problem did develop Mr Smith had a remedial plan of action in place in order to try and resolve the matter.
e. Minute Northwood in Bloom – The Chairman reminded councillors of the decision taken at the meeting of the Parish Council on 1 December 2009, that the Parish Council would in future be responsible for the management of the Northwood in Bloom project, with the Community Partnership forming the Working Party along with any other interested local residents. Cllr Pullen advised, however, that a member of the Community Partnership had, without Parish Council approval, placed an order with Ryde House Nurseries for the autumn planting, which after using the remaining credits left a shortfall of £170. The member of the Community Partnership expected the Parish Council to fund this cost. Cllr Pullen reported that this was procedurally incorrect as they had no authority whatsoever to utilize the credits or to commit Parish Council funds and he had explained this to the person concerned. This to be an agenda item at the next meeting.

79/10-11 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
PC Mark Thomas expressed his apologies for not attending recent meetings due to an unfortunate cycling accident. He was now back at work and had resumed his normal duties. PC Thomas presented the report of the Safer Neighbourhood Officer on events that had taken place since the last meeting. September had again been a very quiet month, with virtually no crime of any note within Northwood. Particular mention however, was made of the following:
• The recent appointment of Sgt Mike Sizer
• Significant damage to the bus shelter in Nodes Road, near to Pallance Road. Two youngsters had been identified as being responsible;
• The burglary, which had taken place from a shed to the rear of the WI Hall. Five youths arrested, with one receiving an official reprimand;
• The withdrawal of the planned hand held speed camera scheme – this to be an agenda item for the next meeting

80/10-11 Town and Country Planning
a. To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Sub Committee held on 21 September 2010

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Sub Committee held on 21 September 2010 be approved.

b. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Planning Committee were noted –
i. TCP/26375/B 15 Nodes Road, Northwood, PO31 8AB – Replacement of planning permission (TCP26375/A alterations and single storey extension to form living room/dining area and utility room; decking and terrace areas) in order to extend the time limit for implementation
ii. P/00951/10 – 36 Venner Avenue, Northwood – Lawful Development Certificate for proposed conservatory
iii. TCP/21526/B 88 Pallance Road, Northwood, PO31 8LP – Refusal of Planning Permission for the Demolition of shed; construction of detached garage and parking space (revised scheme)

c. The appeal, which has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government against the IW Council’s decision to refuse planning permission in respect of land at 66 Nodes Road, Northwood, PO318AD – Replacement of planning permission P/01241/07/TCP/28442: demolition of garage and porch; construction of two storey end of terrace dwelling; vehicular access) in order to extend the time limit for implementation, was noted

81/10-11 To consider the need for improvements to the junction at Four Cross
Cllr Clatworthy referred to the briefing paper, which he had produced and circulated prior to the meeting. Councillors expressed their support for the two proposals outlined. These being to request the IW Council to consider the installation of a pavement on the west side of Place Road, adjacent to the junction with Pallance Road/Cockleton Lane, specifically on the grounds of the health and safety of pedestrians who cross Nodes Road at this point. Secondly, to request for improvements to the junction of Pallance Road and Nodes Road due to the poor visibility of cars exiting Cockleton Lane and the dangers incurred when turning right out of Pallance Road, onto Nodes Road due to the volume and speed of traffic, particularly at peak times. It was however, noted that this area actually fell within the boundary of Gurnard Parish Council. It was reported that they had previously discussed these issues and expressed some concern on the matters. IW Cllr R Mazillius provided a brief summary of events since he first raised the same issues over five years previously with the IW Council.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT a copy of the briefing paper be sent to Gurnard Parish Council for their consideration;

ii. THAT the IW Council be requested to actively consider the two proposals outlined for improvements at the Pallance Road/Cockleton Lane/Nodes Road junction.

82/10-11 To consider undertaking an inspection of the Council’s assets

RESOLVED :

THAT the Northwood in Bloom Working Party be requested to undertake an inspection of the Council’s assets and to report back to a future meeting.

83/10-11 To consider the appointment of a councillor to the Island Waste Advisory Group

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr Pat Bentley be elected to the Island Waste Advisory Group, with Cllr K Clatworthy as his deputy.

84/10-11 To consider holding Councillors surgeries

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Councillor’s surgeries take place once a month, at 6.00 pm immediately prior to the meeting of the Parish Council, with councillors attending on a rotational basis, to provide a 1-1 opportunity for community engagement;
ii. THAT, although any councillor could also be present, Cllr P Fuller volunteered to be in attendance in November, Cllr J Pullen in December, Cllr C Cramp in January and Cllr K Clatworthy in February.

85/10-11 To consider sending the Parish Council’s best wishes to Mr Peter Brooker
IW Cllr R Mazillius provided an update on the health of Mr P Brooker, advising that he was now out of hospital.

RESOLVED :

THAT a card be sent expressing best wishes to Mr Peter Brooker.

86/10-11 To receive an update on the Green Towns project and to consider any further action
Due to unforeseen circumstances Cllr Bentley had been unavailable to attend the meeting on 23 September, of the Green Towns project. Unfortunately, no other councillor had been able to deputize. It was therefore agreed for this to be an agenda item for the November meeting.

87/10-11 Clerks Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of September 2010 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 26 was received and noted.

ii. The half yearly budget statement to the end of September 2010 was received and noted. A meeting of the Precept Working Party would take place shortly enabling a draft precept report to be considered at the next meeting.

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000145, £51.78, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000146, £9.10, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000147, £25,000, Kompan, Interim payment for the provision of play equipment at Venner Avenue play park
000148 – 000163, Allotment Holders – Refund of allotment deposits following cessation of scheme

RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

iv. To give authorisation for Cllrs J Pullen and C Cramp to sign a cheque for the final balance outstanding, prior to the next meeting.

RESOLVED :

THAT the signing of the above cheque be approved, providing that the second stage payment of the Play Builder funding had been received from the IW Council.

v. Requests for Grant Funding
a. Northwood Primary School – Lunchtime Gardening Club

RESOLVED :

THAT as no further information had been presented, a reminder be sent to Mrs Toms, with an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Parish Council

Cllr Pullen having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business left the meeting chamber prior to any discussion or decision thereon.
Cllr P Fuller took the chair.

b. IW Rural Community Council (IWRCC) towards the Optio, the Island’s Voluntary Car scheme (Suggested donation £100)

RESOLVED :

THAT to enable a decision to be taken the IWRCC be requested to supply information as to where the funding had been received from in the past, why was this now to stop and for a Statement of the Optio project accounts, to be submitted.

Cllr J Pullen returned to the meeting room and resumed the chair.
c. IW Playing Fields Association

RESOLVED :

THAT the request for a donation towards the furtherance of the objects and aims of the IW Playing Fields Association be refused.

88/10-11 Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
The report of IW Cllr R Mazillius, which had been circulated by email prior to the meeting, including the addition to Paper I and background details of the Community Governance Review of the IW Council area, were noted.

89/10-11 Progress reports from Working Parties
a. Allotments Working Party

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for the padlock, chain and keys, and the rabbit proof fencing and posts to be donated to the Allotment Association for use on the new site in Pallance Lane/Wyatts lane.

b. Play Builder Working Party
Councillors were referred to the report advising that the play equipment had now been completed, subject to a few minor defects and modifications, which should be carried out by 11 October. It was suggested that an official opening of the playground take place and a list of invitees was drawn up. Cllr Paul Fuller agreed to liaise with the local school as to a suitable date and time.

c. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
No matters were reported.

d. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
This item had been referred to earlier in the agenda.

e. Village Design Statement Working Party
No progress reported.

90/10-11 Update on the IW Association of Local Councils
No report submitted as the two representatives of the Parish Council had been unable to attend the latest meeting.

91/10-11 Report of the meeting of Northwood Community Partnership on 28 September 2010
A report of the above meeting had not been submitted.

92/10-11 Correspondence.
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.

93/10-11 Councillors’ reports
Cllr C Cramp advised that some complaints had been made on the Northwood Village Forum regarding the lack of feedback from meetings of the Parish Council. It was highlighted that the minutes were posted on that website and a brief summary provided each month in the Northwood News, which was also posted on this site.
Cllr K Clatworthy referred to the increasing amount of un-solicitated mail/leaflets delivered through the letter-box. It was reminded that a recent article in the Northwood News advised of the “Royal Mail Opt Out” service, which could be contacted to prevent such mail.
Cllr P Fuller advised that the Northwood Primary school were tentatively looking at undertaking the management of the woodland at Northwood Glebe, known as Wards Copse. They were seeking sponsors to cover the cost of the lease for a period of five years, at a cost of £500 per year. This to be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Cllr J Pullen reported his attendance at the Community Transport meeting at the Quay Arts Centre, on 13 September.

94/10-11 Future agenda items
November Meeting
Woodland at Northwood Glebe – Cllr P Fuller
Draft Precept – Precept Working Party
Community Centre for the Village – Cllr J Pullen

95/10-11 To undertake a brief review of the meeting.
Not too bad!!

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.20 PM.

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