Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 5 January 2011, 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, 7 December 2010

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman), Pat Bentley, John Fuller

In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)

There were no members of the public present.

120/10-11 Apologies
Cllr Colin Cramp and PC Mark Thomas had tendered their apologies. IW Cllr Roger Mazillius, Ward member for Cowes South and Northwood had to attend another meeting but was hopeful to be present later.

121/10-11 Declarations of Interest
Cllr P Fuller declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute No 130/10-11 as he was a member of the IW Council.

122/10-11 To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 2 November 2010

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 2 November be confirmed and the Chairman be authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

123/10-11 Matters arising on the Minutes
a. Minute 101/10-11 Traffic Calming Measures – The clerk advised of the response from Gurnard Parish Council to the suggested traffic calming measures at the Four Cross Junction. The Parish Council had expressed their support for an extension to the pavement along Place Road, but not for the proposal for a mini-roundabout
b. Minute 103/10-11 Hand Held Speed Cameras – The response received from Terry Clawson, Inspector of the West Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Teams was read out. Inspector Clawson shared the Parish Council’s disappointment that Local Safer Neighbourhood Officers were unable to continue the use of the cameras. A request had already been submitted to have more officers trained and authorised to use those devices and it was his hope that they will be able to recommend their use in the future.

124/10-11 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
In the absence of PC Mark Thomas, the clerk read out the monthly report of the Safer Neighbourhood Officer on events that had taken place since the last meeting. Particular mention was made of the two reports of theft from motor vehicles in the village. One was in Pallance Road, the other in Oxford Street. Both vehicles were unlocked at the time of the thefts. PC Thomas urged that vehicles should be kept locked and valuables out of site at al times. Cllr J Pullen agreed to put a small article in the next issue of the Northwood News.

125/10-11 Town and Country Planning
a. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Planning Committee were noted –
i. TCP/30292 50 Venner Avenue, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for alterations and two storey extension to form sitting room on ground floor with two bedrooms at first floor level; formation of vehicular access and hardstanding
ii. TCP/ 24 Greenways, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for a single storey rear extension to provide dining area

b. The decision taken under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 in respect of trees T1, T2 and T3 along the footpath rear of 2 Wyatts Close, Wyatts Lane, Northwood was noted.

126/10-11 To consider appointments of councillors to the vacancies on Working Parties and Outside Bodies
a. Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils – deputy councillor
b. Northwood Community Partnership – one vacancy
c. IW Council’s Steering Committee for Northwood in Bloom – one vacancy
d. A Health and Safety councillor
e. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party – two vacancies

RESOLVED :

THAT the appointment of councillors to the above vacancies be deferred until the meeting on 4 January 2011.

127/10-11 To consider any implications for the Parish Council in the light of the report to be presented to the meeting of the IW Council’s Cabinet on 7 December 2010
Reference was made of the special meeting of IWALC, held on 22 November. IW Cllr David Pugh, the leader of the Council and Mr Steve Beynon, the Chief Executive, had attended this meeting. They had made a presentation on the implications of the comprehensive spending review and the decisions that would need to be taken in relation to the future provision of services.
Cllr P Fuller advised of the problems faced Cowes Town Council, as a number of services suggested to be withdrawn by the IW Council could have serious implications on their precept, if it was decided for them to take on the responsibility of running them in the future. The trustees of Northwood House were also seeking a donation from them towards the upkeep of facilities in the house and gardens.

RESOLVED :

THAT this item be considered at the January meeting, when a decision would be taken on the precept for 2011/12.

128/10-11 To consider the application for a Street Trading Consent for Julies Ices
Cllr P Fuller declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business, as a member of the IW Council’s Licensing Committee and left the meeting chamber prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

RESOLVED :

THAT no objections be raised to the application for a Street Trading Consent for Julies Ices in respect of the sale of ice creams. However an objection be raised regarding the sale of other confectionery items as this could have an adverse effect on the small local shops in Northwood.

Cllr P Fuller returned to the meeting chamber.

129/10-11 To comment on the recommendations to extend the 30mph restrictions along Nodes Road/Place Road
Under the IW Council’s new Speed Limit Policy a review of existing speed limits had been undertaken. The assessment of the B3325 had been completed, and whilst the average speed of vehicles and collision rate on the majority of the route showed that existing limits were appropriate, it had been identified that one section would likely benefit from a reduction in the speed limit. Councillors noted that the section of road had a relatively high level of development and that the collision rate was above the threshold for an upper tier route.

RESOLVED :

THAT the recommendation to extend the 30mph restriction by 580m to the north along the B3325, Nodes Road/Place Road, be welcomed.

130/10-11 To consider what response, if any, to make with regard to the following consultations
Cllr P Fuller having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business left the meeting chamber prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

a. Island Plan Proposed Submission Core Strategy consultation (2)

RESOLVED :

THAT no comment be made.

b. Island Transport Plan consultation

RESOLVED :

THAT no comment be made.

c. Proposal for Changes to the IW Council’s Charging Policy for Adult Social Care Services and Eligibility Thresholds

RESOLVED :

THAT no comment be made.

d. Proposal for the relocation of Westminster House respite care service to the Gouldings and the Adelaide

RESOLVED :

THAT no comment be made.

Cllr P Fuller returned to the meeting chamber.

131/10-11 To consider the purchase of an additional seat adjacent to the new play area
The clerk reminded that the budget for village improvements stood at £300.00. However, it was likely that other budget headings would incur an under spend at the year end, should councillors be minded to agree the purchase.
Cllr P Fuller referred to an approach made last year by a member of the school’s Parent Teachers Association (PTA). They had wanted to install a bench in memory of a local woman who had tragically died. It was suggested that the clerk write to them to gauge their interest in making a donation towards the purchase of a seat and installing a commemorative plaque

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the clerk write to PTA of Northwood Primary school to seek their interest in making a donation towards the purchase of a seat and for them installing a commemorative plaque;
ii. THAT other quotations be obtained to enable a decision on the purchase of an additional seat to be taken at a future meeting.

132/10-11 Clerks Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of November 2010 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 28 were received and noted.

ii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000173, Post Office, Clerks salary for October
000174, £54.53, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000175, £10.47, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000176, £30.00, IW RCC, Donation towards the Optio project
000177, £279.00, Cost of insertions in the Northwood News for 2011
000178, £117.38, Urbaser Ltd, Emptying Dog Bins, 27 October – 31 December

RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

iii Parish Council Insurance

RESOLVED :

THAT the current level of Parish Council insurance cover, held with Aviva, remains unchanged for the ensuing year.

b. Administration
The clerk declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business and left the meeting chamber prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

To approve the additional hours worked by the clerk

RESOLVED :

THAT it be approved for the clerk to receive payment for the additional 30 hours in respect of the Play Builder project and the Allotments scheme.

The clerk returned to the meeting room.

133/10-11 Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
The report of Cllr Roger Mazillius was received and noted.

134/10-11 Progress reports from Working Parties
a. Allotments Working Party – Cllr J Pullen

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for the rabbit proof fence to be left on site at New House Farm, as it was considered unviable to effect its removal.

b. Play Builder Working Party
The report of Julian Gladman, of Kompan was still awaited despite a number of reminders.
c. Traffic and Transport issues Working Party
There had been no matters to report.
d. Northwood in Bloom Working Party – Cllr J Pullen
Cllr J Pullen reported on the recent meeting of the Community Partnership where discussion had taken place on the letter sent by the clerk to their Chairman, as instructed at the last meeting. It was hoped that the purchase of plants by a member of the Community Partnership using the Parish Council’s funds would not re-occur. It was suggested that if funding became available again next year, a member of the Community Partnership could be invited to attend the relevant meeting at the IW Council along with a representative of the Parish Council.
e. Village Design Statement Working Party – Cllr P Bentley
Cllr P Bentley advised that due to personal circumstances no real progress had been made. However, he was investigating good practice and information included in the ‘Big Society’ and ‘Right to Build’ proposals, which could be incorporated into the previous work undertaken.

135/10-11 Update on the IW Association of Local Councils
Mention was made of the volume of emails circulated by John Medland, the Secretary of IWALC. It had been pleasing to note that IWALC’s suggested way forward for the Military Road had been accepted by the IW Council and work was now underway.

136/10-11 Correspondence.
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.
Cllr J Fuller confirmed that he would be attending the meeting of the Cowes Youth Centre Management Committee on 9 December.
It was suggested that consideration of the purchase of the journal of local Planning to be an agenda item for the next meeting.

137/10-11 Councillors’ reports
Cllr J Fuller reported on a meeting he had held with Mr C Riddett in respect of the future of Cowes Youth Club, ahead of the meeting of the Management Committee. Plans were for the Youth Club to be closed and the building sold. Investigations were being made to seek an alternative venue and suggestions would be considered for a temporary alternative until a permanent solution could be agreed. Cllr P Fuller advised that he had been invited to attend the meeting of the Island’s Youth Community Council to ascertain their views and suggestions.
Cllr J Fuller reported that he had approached B&Q as promised, to establish if they would be prepared to support the Northwood Primary School Lunchtime Gardening Club. It was looking reasonably favourable that they would assist Mrs Toms. However, confirmation was awaited from their Head Office.
Cllr P Fuller circulated copies of his report to Cowes Town Council.
Cllr P Fuller referred to concerns of local residents over the continuation of the Wight Bus service. Cllr P Fuller reported that he had received an assurance from the IW Council that the Cowes/Gurnard/Northwood service would continue until at 31 August 2011.

138/10-11 Future agenda items
No further items were requested.

139/10-11 To undertake a brief review of the meeting.
A good quick meeting.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 7.50 PM.

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