Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 9 December 2010, 12:00 am

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held in Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 2 November 2010

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman),Colin Cramp, John Fuller

In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
PC Mark Thomas
Mrs P Toms for the application for grant funding submitted by the Gardening Club of Northwood Primary School

There was one member of the public present.

96/10-11 Apologies
Apologies had been tendered by Cllr Pat Bentley and IW Cllr Roger Mazillius, Ward member for Cowes South and Northwood.

97/10-11 Declarations of Interest
Cllr P Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute No 98/10-11 – Northwood Primary School Gardening Club as he was a governor at the school, a personal interest in Minute 104/10-11b, as he was a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee and Minute 106/10-11 as he was a member of the IW Council’s Licensing Committee.
Cllr J Pullen declared a personal interest in Minute No 98/10-11 – Northwood Primary School Gardening Club as he was a neighbour of the applicant and a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 112/10-11 a.iv.a as he was a volunteer driver for Optio.

98/10-11 To consider the application from the Northwood Primary School Lunchtime Gardening Club for a donation towards the £620 cost of the supply and installation of a plug socket and light in the brick shed
Mrs P Toms, the applicant was present and addressed the Parish Council, providing answers to a number of questions raised. A second quotation for the work had been received, which was tabled for information. It was noted that no additional funding had been obtained. Councillors suggested other organisations that Mrs Toms could approach in order to seek further donations.

RESOLVED :

THAT a donation of £200 to the Lunchtime Gardening Club be approved, for the supply and installation of a plug socket and light, subject to all funding being in place by the end of August 2011.

99/10-11 To consider further arrangements for the appointment of a co-opted councillor
The clerk advised that unfortunately the prospective candidate, referred to at the previous meeting, had withdrawn her application due to personal reasons. No other expressions of interest had been received. Mrs Brenda Clews-Cartwright and Mr Keith Clatworthy had also tendered their resignations. A notice advising of these vacancies would be displayed the following day to determine if an election would be required, should sufficient persons apply for the vacant positions.

RESOLVED :

THAT a further closing date of 31 December be agreed for the receipt of any expressions of interest in being appointed to the vacancies on the Parish Council.
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100/10-11 To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 5 October 2010

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 5 October be confirmed and the Chairman be authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

101/10-11 Matters arising on the Minutes
Minute 81/10-11 Proposed Traffic Measures – The clerk read out the email response received from Mr K Burton, the IW Councils Transport Strategy Manager. Mr Burton acknowledged the suggestion for the footpath to be extended in Place Road to the junction of Pallance Road, on the north-west side, but stated that there were no plans currently in the capital programme for such improvements. With regards to the idea for a mini-roundabout at the junction, it was confirmed that this would not be appropriate due to the existing site characteristics and traffic flows.

102/10-11 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
PC Mark Thomas presented the report of the Safer Neighbourhood Officer on events that had taken place since the last meeting. Particular mention was made of the following:
• Two separate incidents of damage to bus shelters in Nodes Road. Two offenders for each incident had been identified and they had all admitted the offence. The IW Council was to take civil action in order to recoup the costs of the damage inflicted.
• A number of cycle thefts had taken place in Gurnard and Cowes recently. It was requested for this to be mentioned in the next edition of the Northwood News
• Several thefts had also taken place from unlocked motor vehicles in Gurnard and Cowes. It was highlighted that if it was noticed that someone was acting suspiciously, at anytime of the day or night, to ring 101 immediately to advise the police.
Cllr J Fuller highlighted recent incidents he had witnessed of motor cyclists speeding along the Newport Road, near to the traffic lights in Northwood. PC Thomas agreed to pass this information to the Police Roads Unit, based in Shanklin.
Cllr P Fuller inquired as to the reporting of any damage to 2nd homes. PC Thomas confirmed that the police should be advised on phone number 101.

It was agreed to bring agenda item No 11 forward, while PC Thomas was still in attendance.
103/10-11 To consider if any action is required to be taken in respect of the withdrawal of the hand held speed camera scheme in the Cowes wider area
PC Thomas explained the reasoning as to why the hand held speed camera scheme had been withdrawn prior to its operation. It had been hoped that the scheme would be an addition to existing traffic speeding prevention measures. However, due to the inconstancies its practice would have caused, it had regrettably been withdrawn.

RESOLVED :

THAT a letter be sent to Mr T Clawson, the Safer Neighbourhood West Inspector expressing disappointment of the withdrawal of the scheme prior to its commencement.

104/10-11 Town and Country Planning
a. To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Sub Committee held on 19 October 2010

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Sub Committee held on 19 October 2010 be approved, subject to an addition to the objections raised in respect of application TCP/30317 61 Pallance Road, Northwood, in that concern was raised over the loss of privacy to the property at No 63, due to the proposed 1st floor south west facing window, which would overlook this property and particularly into their (north east facing) ground floor window and back garden.

Cllr P Fuller having previously declared a personal interest in the following item of business retired to the public seating area, prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

b. To consider the following 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/30325 103 Pallance Road, Northwood, PO31 8LS – Rebuild garage and lounge and add 1st floor extension to bungalow

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raise no material planning objections to the application TCP/30325 – 103 Pallance Road, Northwood

ii. TCP/25467/A 34 Oxford Street, Northwood, PO31 8PT – Proposed two storey extension and replacement garage

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raise objections to the application TCP/25467/A – 34 Oxford Street, Northwood as it was considered for the proposal to be out of character to neighbouring properties and detrimental to the street scene.

iii. TCP/26203/C land at 34 Wyatts Lane, Northwood – alteration/ conversion and change of use of barn from light industrial into single residential unit, new and repositioned boundary walls parking and alteration to vehicular access.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raise no material planning objections to application TCP/26203/C at 34 Wyatts Lane, Northwood. However, concern was expressed as to whether the three proposed new velux windows to the rear, facing south, would overlook adjacent properties causing loss of privacy, as councillors were unable to ascertain this without access to the property.

iv. TCP/27600/D land at Nodes Farm, Nodes Road, Northwood, PO31 – Alterations to existing telecommunications equipment to include extension of 12m high monopole mast to 15m complete with 3 no Vodaphone antennas and 3 no O2 antennas, the installation of additional equipment cabinet and associated works

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raise no material planning objections to application TCP/27600/D on land at Nodes Farm, Nodes Road, Northwood.

Cllr P Fuller returned to the meeting forum

c. The following decision taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Planning Committee was noted –
TCP/04016/B 84 Wyatts Lane, Northwood, PO31 8QA – Conditional Planning Permission for a single storey extension to form utility room with wc and enlarged kitchen/dining room and lounge; two single storey extensions to enlarge garage

d. The appeal, which had 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 the removal of condition No 23 on P/01589/09 –TCP/21760/X, which restricts the times and deliveries to/dispatches from the approved retail foodstore on the site of BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Cowes, was noted.

105/10-11 To consider the recommendations of the Precept Working Party for the Precept for 2011-12
It was noted that the proposed Precept would entail an approximate 1% increase on the figure for the current financial year.

RESOLVED :

THAT the proposed Precept for 2011-12 be advertised for any comments, enabling finalisation at the January meeting.

106/10-11 To consider what response, if any, to make with regard to the consultation on the IW Council’s Sex Establishment Policy
Cllr P Fuller having declared a personal interest left the meeting room prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

RESOLVED ;

THAT Northwood Parish Council makes no comment on the IW Council’s Sex Establishment Policy.

Cllr P Fuller returned to the meeting room.

107/10-11 To consider items at the request of Gurnard Parish Council
a. Community Transport Schemes
Councillors had before them a report on the Community Transport Scheme event held by the IWRCC on 13 September and discussed whether a joint scheme with Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council would be considered beneficial to Northwood residents.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllrs John Pullen and Paul Fuller be appointed as the Parish Council’s representatives to meet informally with representatives of Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council, in order to investigate the ramifications and feasibility of any joint Community Transport scheme.

b. Northwood House
The extract from the minutes of the October meeting of Gurnard Parish Council was considered, which set out details of the presentation made by the Trustees of Northwood House on the current situation and challenges they faced. Gurnard Parish Council had suggested establishing a joint forum to consider how the three local councils could work together in some way, to best support the Trustees for the benefit of the wider Cowes Community.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Gurnard Parish Council be advised that Northwood Parish Council tentatively expressed their willingness to offer support to the Trustees of Northwood House, but would require further detailed information prior to determining any level of involvement;

ii. THAT Cllrs Paul Fuller and John Fuller be appointed as the Parish Council’s representatives to meet with representatives of Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council to consider possibilities of how to best support the Trustees.

108/10-11 To consider any further action in respect of the Green Towns Project

RESOLVED :

THAT no further action be taken in respect of the Green Towns project.

109/10-11 To consider if there is a need to purchase a further seat adjacent to the new play area
Comments had been received from members of the public that further seating was required on the play park, near to the recently installed equipment. A concrete hard standing had been noted near to the waste bin and teen shelter that would be most suitable for a further seat to be situated. A suggestion was made as to whether a picnic table would be more appropriate.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr John Pullen be requested to seek three quotations for an additional seat, plus fixture and fittings thereof, for consideration at the next meeting.

110/10-11 To consider if there is a need for a Community Centre for the Village

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllr John Pullen prepares a written report to enable a more informed discussion on the need for a Community Centre in Northwood, at a future meeting in the new year.

111/10-11 To consider any action in respect of Northwood Glebe, known as Wards Copse

RESOLVED :

THAT following talks with the Woodland Trust, Cllr Paul Fuller to prepare a written report on suggested action in respect of Northwood Glebe, to be presented to a future meeting in the new year.

112/10-11 Clerks Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of October 2010 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 27 was received and noted.

ii. The payment of cheque No 000164, £30,041.28. Kompan Ltd for the outstanding balance of the playground equipment, as approved at the last meeting, was noted.

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000165, Post Office Ltd, Clerks Salary for September
000166, £80.60, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000167, £11.90, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000168, £16.50, Royal British Legion, Poppy Wreath
000169, £675.63, Kompan Ltd, Independent Post Installation Inspection
000170, £493.74, Kompan Ltd, The supply and laying of turf
000171, £4,000.00, Scottish Widows Bank A/c Northwood Parish Council, transfer of funds
000172, £40.06, Biffa Waste Services, Emptying of Dog Bins as payment was required prior to the next meeting of the Parish Council. It was noted that this contract had now been taken over by

RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

iv. Requests for Grant Funding
Cllr John Pullen having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business left the meeting room prior to any discussion or decision thereon. Cllr Paul Fuller took the chair.

a. IW Rural Community Council towards the Optio, the Island’s voluntary car scheme (Suggested donation £100)
The information requested at the previous meeting had been submitted by the IW RCC.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for a donation of £30 to be made to the IWRCC towards the Optio voluntary car scheme.

Cllr John Pullen returned to the meeting room and resumed the chair.

Cllr Paul Fuller declared a personal interest in the following item of business as he was the Parish Council’s deputy representative on the Community Partnership.
Cllr Colin Cramp declared a personal interest as he was a neighbour of the Secretary of the Community Partnership.

b. Northwood Community Partnership for £172.00 being the outstanding amount for the winter planting and to consider any action to be taken in respect of this irregular activity
Councillors were informed that the Community Partnership had suggested for the Parish Council to take over the management of the Northwood in Bloom project at their meeting on 24 November 2009. This had then been confirmed by the Parish Council at its December meeting. However, in September the Secretary of the Community Partnership purchased the winter planting from Ryde House Nurseries without prior instruction or approval, using the credit note supplied to the Parish Council. Additional plants totalling £172.00 had also been purchased. The clerk advised that this action was against Financial Regulations. Not conforming to the agreement made between the two organisations, also resulted in an extra charge of £25.62 being incurred. The VAT element would have been able to be reclaimed by the Parish Council, if they had bought the plants. Consideration was given to the letter from the Northwood Community Partnership requesting a donation towards the cost of the planting.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT a donation of £146.38 be made to the Northwood Community Partnership towards the cost of the winter planting;

ii. THAT a letter be sent to the Chairman of the Community Partnership reminding of the agreement between the two organisations and to request that this situation does not re-occur again.

c. The invitation to ’Buy a piece of the Island and support the NatWest Island Games 2011

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the invitation to ‘Buy a piece of the Island’, be declined with regret as the funds set aside for good causes was nearly depleted on local matters

ii THAT any inquiry be made as to whether any sports persons from Northwood, were to represent the island in the NatWest Island Games.

b. Administration
Consideration was given to the Parish Council’s Grant Application form as, at the last meeting, it was felt more information was required.

RESOLVED :

THAT an addition to the form be made, to request details on how the Northwood Parish community would benefit from any grant request.

113/10-11 Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
The report of Cllr Roger Mazillius was received and noted.

114/10-11 Progress reports from Working Parties
a. Allotments Working Party – Cllr J Pullen
Cllr John Pullen advised that he was still trying to contact the landowner of New House Farm, the previous allotment site, to ascertain if the fencing across the middle of the site was required or was needed to be removed. Cllr Paul Fuller offered if his assistance if required.
b. Play Builder Working Party – Cllr C Cramp
Cllr Colin Cramp referred to his update, which advised of the problems arising from the re-turfing of areas around the new equipment. Kompan had agreed to undertake regular checks of the turfs and carry out a complete assessment and report next April. The report of Julian Gladman, the Landscape Architect from Kompan was still awaited.
c. Traffic and Transport issues Working Party
There had been no matters to report.
d. Northwood in Bloom Working Party – Cllr J Pullen
This had been covered earlier in the meeting.
e. Village Design Statement Working Party – Cllr P Bentley
Although no progress to report, consideration was being given to the IW Council Island Strategic Plan to determine if this would have any implications on the proposed Village Design Statement.

115/10-11 Update on the IW Association of Local Councils
Reference was made to the report of the meeting of the Finance and General Purpose Committee meeting on 21 October, which had been attended by the Leader of the IW Council, Cllr David Pugh and the Chief Executive, Steve Beynon.

116/10-11 Correspondence.
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.

117/10-11 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Paul Fuller advised that a long awaited meeting of the Cowes Youth Club had been organized for the previous evening, but had then been cancelled. It was mentioned that actually Cllr John Fuller was the Parish Council representative on this organisation and that details of any future meetings should be passed onto him.

118/10-11 Future agenda items
No further items were requested.

119/10-11 To undertake a brief review of the meeting.
A long meeting.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING.

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