Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 7 July 2012, 8:59 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, 29 May 2012

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Pat Bentley (Vice Chairman), Judith Ferris, Paul Fuller, Ray Mew, Megan Moore, Chris Riddet and Derek Smith
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
IW Cllr Roger Mazillius

There were 35 members of the public present

28/12-13 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from PCSO S Oatley

29/12-13 Declarations of Interest
Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute 33/12-13 b, as he was a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee
Cllr Bentley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 33/12-13 b i as he lived in close proximity to the planned development site

30/12-13 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer
PCSO Oatley, in his absence, had forwarded a brief report on behalf of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team in respect of events that had taken place since the last meeting. Twelve calls to the police had been received since the previous meeting, relating to a variety of incidents. These included two crimes and one road traffic offence and to the following:
• One drugs offence resulting in four people from the Northwood area being arrested. (the investigation is still on going)
• Theft of personal property from the Horseshoe Inn
• An uninsured vehicle belonging to a person from the Shanklin area was stop checked in Oxford Street and was subsequently seized by police for the offence

31/12-13 To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 1 May 2012

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 1 May 2012 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

32/12-13 Matters arising on the Minutes
There were no matters arsing from the Minutes.

33/12-13 Town and Country Planning
a To approve the minutes of the Planning Meeting held on 15 May 2012

RESOLVED :

THAT the minutes of the Planning Meeting held on 15 May 2012 be approved.

Cllr Bentley, having declared a personal and prejudicial interest withdrew from the meeting chamber prior to any discussion or decision thereon the following item of business

b. 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. TCP/31003 Two wind turbines with a maximum height (to vertical blade tip) of up to 125m; upgrade junction off Parkhurst Road; modifications to existing access track; new access tracks; hardstanding areas; a control building, cabling, temporary construction compound and associated works.
Copies of two letters objecting to the proposal and an email from the applicant enclosing the result of the questionnaire distributed at two recent exhibitions were circulated to councillors.
The clerk advised that, prior to the meeting, three members of the public had submitted requests to speak, so to highlight their objections to the application, each focussing on a different aspect of their concern.
Mrs M Whitehurst addressed the Parish Council setting out, in her opinion, the detrimental effects the application could have on wildlife inhabiting Parkhurst Forest.
Mr R Scott centred his concerns on the perceived blight on residential amenity. The proposed two turbines, due to their overwhelming close proximity to neighbouring properties could cause significant visual intrusion.

During the discussion Cllr R Mazillius entered the meeting room.

Dr J Yelland, spoke on technical issues, suggesting unacceptable noise levels and shadow flicker should the application be granted. Comparisons were also made to a wind energy development in North Devon, which Dr Yelland had visited. An extract from the British Medical Journal on Wind Turbine Noise, was tabled for information.
Three further members of the public spoke, highlighting their additional concerns to the application.
Cllr Mazillius confirmed that although he was the local member for the adjacent ward, he had been granted permission to speak on this matter when it came before the IWC’s Planning Committee, as a number of his constituents could be effected by this proposal.
Cllr Fuller having taken no part in the discussion also abstained from voting on the application.

RESOLVED :

THAT while this Parish Council supported the need for renewable energy, it was considered the development proposed was for a totally inappropriate location. Due to the scale and size of the proposal, in such close proximity to residential properties, councillors were unanimous in their view that this would have a severe impact on residential amenity and cause significant visual intrusion. Concern was also expressed with regard to the potential damaging environmental impact, the detrimental effect on the diverse wildlife inhabiting Parkhurst forest and the likely unacceptable level of noise and shadow flicker. The Parish Council therefore recommended that the application be refused planning permission.

Cllr Bentley returned to the meeting forum.

ii. TCP/31004 250 Newport Road, Northwood – Single storey rear extension to provide dining room and bedroom on ground floor and additional living accommodation within roofspace

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raises no material planning objection to the application TCP/31004 at 250 Newport Road, Northwood.

iii. TCP/09969/C Scout Hut, Wyatts Lane, Northwood – Demolition of existing storage hut/proposed storage hut

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council fully supported the application TCP/09969/C at the Scout Hut, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, as it would greatly improve the amenity of the site.

c. The Parish Council had not been notified of any decisions taken since the previous meeting.

d. The decision regarding works to trees protected by planning conditions at the rear of 6 Wyatts Close, Northwood, was noted.

34/12-13 To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 15 May and to consider any matters arising

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 15 May be approved.

35/12-13 To consider the response from Peter Hayward to questions/concerns regarding road closures and roadworks
During the discussion on this item of business Cllr Ferris left the meeting room.

Councillors expressed their disappointment that Mr Hayward had not considered the Parish Council’s concern of sufficient merit to justify allocating officer time to attend the day’s meeting. Although Mr Hayward had provided a response to the questions raised, it was councillors’ view that an exchange, face to face, would enable a more satisfactory conclusion to be reached. It was therefore suggested for Cllrs Fuller, Riddet and Ferris to meet informally in the first instance, prior to contacting Mr Hayward to suggest a joint meeting at Enterprise House, in Newport at a mutually convenient time.

RESOLVED :

THAT following the informal meeting by councillors, Mr Hayward be contacted to suggest a joint meeting to consider the unresolved concerns held by councillors.

36/12-13 To consider the response from Cllr E Giles to councillors concerns over management changes at Southern Vectis
Cllr Giles, in his response, stated that the IW Council had a commercial arrangement with Southern Vectis. This required the provision of up to 8 fuelled and insured vehicles for community transport purposes, on weekdays when they were not required for the school lift, the provision of training of volunteer drivers and also for them to fulfil the role as the registered operator with the traffic commissioner for the community operated services. Cllr Giles was not aware of any circumstance when Southern Vectis had failed to meet this obligation. He would, however, be pleased to receive notification if the Parish Council considered otherwise.

RESOLVED :

THAT the response from Cllr E Giles be noted.

37/12-13 To consider the draft Code of Conduct produced by the IW Council and outline of proposed new complaint process
The meeting of the Ethical Standards Committee held on 28 May, had recommended for the draft Code of Conduct, as attached to the agenda, to be considered by all parish and town councils for adoption, subject to any later minor amendments being made. The final detailed regulations were still awaited and would also be required to be taken into account. The deadline for adoption of the new Code was 1 July. It was understood, but not certain, that one of the possible transitional arrangements being considered could enable existing codes to remain in place until local councils had adopted a new one.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Parish Council defers the decision to adopt a new Code of Conduct until the meeting scheduled for 3 July, when it is anticipated that the final regulations should have been received.

38/12-13 Consultations
a. IW Council’s SEN Alternative Provision – plans to relocate and expand the service

RESOLVED :

THAT no comments be submitted.

b. IW Fire & Rescue Service IRMP 2012 – 2015

RESOLVED :
THAT no comments be submitted.

39/12-13 To comment on the Northwood House Charitable Trust: Charity Commission Reference C-312630-DHJR

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the Parish Council notes the action regarding the Northwood Charitable Trust;
ii. THAT Mrs A Thwaites be thanked for continuing to furnish the Parish Council with information regarding the work of the Trustees of Northwood House and to invite her to make a presentation on this to a future meeting, in the autumn.

40/12-13 To note the Isle Of Wight Council (Various Streets, Isle Of Wight) (Width Restriction) Order No 2 2012, which came into force on 18 May 2012

RESOLVED :

THAT the Isle Of Wight Council (Various Streets, Isle Of Wight) (Width Restriction) Order No 2 2012, be noted without any comment.

41/12-13 To receive progress reports from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Riddet reported on the meeting of the local community bus forum where concerns had been expressed on a number of issues, not least being the withdrawal of bus passes for the volunteer drivers. An emergency meeting of the Management Board to resolve these issues had been called for, as it was considered to be totally inappropriate for volunteers to be out of pocket. A driver, for the No 32 bus route, was suffering hardship by this about turn. Councillors were requested to consider making a discretionary payment from the bus donations collected, to cover his travel costs, until the issue was resolved.
Councillors were advised that the pool of drivers had reduced in number, to only 20 drivers, the bare minimum required. It was therefore essential for advertisements to be placed Island wide, urging more volunteers to come forward.
Cllr Fuller, in his role as an IW Councillor, agreed to clarify that no changes had been made to the terms of the commercial arrangement with Southern Vectis. Cllr Mazillius confirmed that concerns had been discussed at Cabinet level, following a report by members of the Management Board. Cllr Giles would be meeting shortly with representatives of Southern Vectis to discuss these matters further.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT it be approved for a discretionary payment to be made to a volunteer driver, living in Gurnard, to assist with his travel costs when undertaking this role
ii. THAT Cllr Riddet draw up an expenses claim form for completion by the volunteer driver

b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
Cllr Pullen expressed his thanks to members of the Community Partnership and other volunteers who assisted in the clearing of the tubs/planters and then the planting out of the summer bedding. The preferred contractor had commenced watering the plants, which would be undertaken on a Monday and a Thursday, for an 18 week period.
Measures had been taken for the damaged planter in Nodes Road, to be repaired.
Councillors thanked Cllr Pullen for all his hard work, particularly over the previous weekend, to ensure what would be a colourful display around the village.
c. Parish Plan Update Working Party
Mr Peter Griffiths, Principal Planning Officer – Housing of the IW Council had met with Cllrs Bentley and Pullen to tour all the sites in Northwood identified in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). At the Jubilee Garden Party, planned for 9 June, a map depicting all of the sites would be displayed enabling residents to put forward their comments/suggestions on potential future housing in Northwood. This would form the first element in the production of a comprehensive Housing Needs Survey. Cllr Bentley advised that he would produce a questionnaire, tailored specifically for Northwood, based on the Guide set out in the document ‘Local Development, Island Needs’, produced by the IW Council.

42/12-13 To receive the report for information of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
Cllr Mazillius apologised for not supplying a written report, providing details verbally on the following:
• One of the contractors bidding to undertake the Highways PFI, had included undertaking a comprehensive drainage scheme in Wyatts Lane and Pallance Road within their bid;
• The new Code of Conduct should streamline matters and make for a fairer system;
• The placing a tree preservation order on the trees in Wyatts Close, when that development was originally approved, could now be justified;
• Due to the success in recycling rates, the life of the Lyn Bottom tip had been extended, diminishing the requirement for a second landfill site by between a further 3 – 5 years;
• Cllr Mazillius, advised of his personal and prejudicial interest in one particular site, and that he had also visited the sites identified as being land suitable for residential development between now and 2027, on an individual basis with Mr Griffiths. Should the areas identified, be they deliverable or developable, eventually obtain planning approval, this could have a huge impact on the local housing provision in Northwood. Cllr Mazillius stressed that it was key to have in place a comprehensive Housing Needs Survey in Northwood that was workable and could be delivered.

Cllr Fuller highlighted the addition of two further sites to the SCHLAA for the Gurnard area, at Comforts Farm and the old Readers site, which would have a far greater impact for Northwood residents than those in Gurnard.
43/12-13 To receive an update on the IW Association of Local Councils
Councillors were referred to the report provided by Cllr Ferris who had attended the meeting of the Executive Committee of IWALC on 17 May, which was noted without comment.

44/12-13 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance

i. The interim budget statement to the end of May 2012 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 46 was received and noted.

ii. To authorise payment of cheques:
The clerk advised that although the supply of Jubilee mugs had been received on time, there had been one minor problem. The original order had been for 230 mugs, however 250 had been received. The surplus could either be sold at cost price to anyone wishing to purchase a mug or else form the graduation present for the 22 children due to leave the pre-school at the end of the school year.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT payment of the following cheques be approved:
000268, £141.35, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000269, £17.22, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000270, £1,600.00, Friends of Northwood Cemetery, 50% of the cost of replacement floor in East Chapel (to be reimbursed through the Economic Improvement Grant)
000271, £2,000.00, Isle of Wight Community Bus Partnership, Grant from No 32 Bus Donations collected
000273, £875, WJ Nigh and Sons, purchase of supply of Jubilee mugs

ii. THAT it be agreed to provide a Jubilee mug to each of the 22 children due to graduate from Northwood pre-school at the end of this school year.

b. Administration
i. To consider the letter from the Audit Commission regarding the appointment of BDO LLP as the external auditor for the next five years from 2012/13. The clerk advised that in all likelihood the Parish Council would fall under band 2, resulting in a lower charge of only £100 during the following five years.

RESOLVED :

THAT no comment be made regarding the appointment of BDO LLP as the external auditor for the next five years, as from 2012/13

ii. To note arrangements for the distribution of the Jubilee mugs to pupils at Northwood Primary school
The clerk advised that the school were to hold a Jubilee themed assembly on Friday, 1 June at 9.00am. She had accepted the invitation to attend this assembly on the Parish Council’s behalf, to present the Jubilee mugs to the pupils.

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllrs Pullen and Riddet attend the assembly at Northwood Primary school on 1 June to distribute the supply of Jubilee mugs

iii. To consider the cancelling of the meeting scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 7 August

RESOLVED :

THAT the meeting planned to take place on 7 August be cancelled, subject to no matters of an urgent nature being received.

45/12-13 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.
Particular reference was made to item r, a letter received by the IW Council’s Traffic Management section from a resident of Wyatts Close requesting double yellow lines in Wyatts Lane, opposite the entrance to Wyatts Close – This to be an agenda item for the July meeting.
Item cc, response from Cllr Giles to questions raised by councillors regarding the new Waste Collection Arrangements – This to be an agenda item for the July meeting.

46/12-13 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Fuller advised that he had been approached by a resident questioning why there was no seating provided along the cycle track. Cllr Fuller would provide a written report enabling this matter to be discussed at the next meeting in July.
Cllr Smith highlighted that the newly repaired football pitch area was taking a severe hammering due to its popularity with local youngsters.

47/12-13 Future agenda items
No additional items were suggested.

48/12-13 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
A very constructive meeting.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.04PM.

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