Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 11 February 2010, 12:00 am

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held at Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 5 January 2010

Present Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman), Peter Brooker, Colin Cramp, Roger Mazillius
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)

For the presentation :
Mrs Liz Mackenzie – A member of the Trustees of Northwood House

There were three members of the public present.

156. Meeting

RESOLVED :

THAT due to the extreme weather conditions, which prevented the caretaker in attending to unlock the school, the meeting be adjourned until Tuesday, 19 January 2010.

Minutes of the Meeting of Northwood Parish Council, held at Northwood Primary School, Wyatts Lane, Northwood, Isle of Wight on Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Paul Fuller (Vice Chairman), Peter Brooker, Colin Cramp, Mrs Marie Ely, Roger Mazillius, Colin Palmerton, Mrs Eileen Turner-Palmerton
In attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)

For the presentation :
Mrs Liz Mackenzie – A member of the Trustees of Northwood House

There were ten members of the public present.

157. Apologies
Apologies had been received from PC Mark Thomas, Jacqui Darby, the Environment and Neighbourhood Officer for Northwood.

158. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Mrs M Ely declared a personal interest in Minute 169 as she was a Friend of Northwood Cemetery.
Cllr P Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute 163, as he was a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee, a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 169 as he was on the management Committee of the Friends of Northwood Cemetery.
Cllr R Mazillius declared a personal interest in Minute 169 as he was a Friend of Northwood Cemetery.
Cllr J Pullen declared a personal interest in Minute 169 as he was a Friend of Northwood Cemetery.
159. To receive a presentation from Liz Mackenzie on the work of the Trustees of Northwood House
The Chairman, Cllr J Pullem welcomed and introduced Mrs Liz Mackenzie, the Chairman of the Trustees of Northwood House. Mrs Mackenzie, accompanied by trustees Mrs Maggie Ankers and Mrs Anne Thwaite gave a brief presentation providing background information relating to the Deed of Gift of the house from the Ward family to the then Cowes Urban District Council, in 1928. The grounds were to be used for public pleasure, while the house was given for use as municipal offices, with the right to hire rooms for social functions. Unfortunately, however, financial assistance did not form any part of the deed of gift. In July 2002, Northwood House became part of a charitable trust, in accordance with The Charities Act 1993. The trustees were unable to trade and the IW Council manages any schemes on their behalf. Several picture boards showing photographs taken during a survey of the condition of the house were displayed for information. It was anticipated that the cost of repairs to the building would total between £3–4 million. Any modernization works would incur a further charge. A number of issues still remained to be resolved to be able to move forward to identify a sustainable use for the building taking into account the many restricted covenants. The next phase for the trustees was to agree Due Diligence with the IW Council. Reference was made to several rumours circulated recently about decisions that were supposed to have been taken. However, Councillors were reassured that the trustees were not at that stage and a lot of work still remained to be undertaken. Any proposals would also require the approval of the Charity Commission, IW Council and English Heritage.

Councillors asked a number of questions to which responses were provided.

Cllr Pullen thanked the trustees, in particular Mrs Mackenzie for the very interesting presentation.

160. Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 December 2009

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 December 2009 be confirmed as a true record and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the Minutes on behalf of the Parish Council.

161. Matters Arising on the Minutes
Minute 149 – Oak Posts in Uplands Road – The clerk had emailed twice to Richard Baker, the IW Council’s Highways Superintendent seeking a date as to when the posts would be replaced. Unfortunately she had not yet received a response. Cllr Mazillius would take the matter up.

162. Report of the Local Safer Neighbourhood Officer
In the absence of PC Mark Thomas, of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhood team, the clerk read out the report informing that December had again been a very quiet month, with virtually no crime of any note within Northwood. Particular mention however, was made of the following:
Numerous stop checks had been carried out by the Roads Policing Unit, on motorists in the area prior to the Christmas period with good success
Street mapping would be commencing shortly in Northwood, dependent on the weather. It was noted that work had commenced on Monday, 18 January.

163. Report from Jacqui Darby, the Environment and Neighbourhood Officer (ENO) for Northwood
In the absence of Ms Jacqui Darby, the ENO for Northwood, councillors noted her quarterly progress report covering the period 1 October – 31 December, which had been circulated by email on 7 January.

164. Town and Country Planning
Cllr Fuller, having declared a personal interest in the following item of business, retired to the public seating area, prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

a. 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/29003/B 56 Pallance Road, Northwood, PO31 8LW – Demolition of bungalow and garage; construction of two dwellings with parking and alterations to vehicular access

Due to the adjournment of the meeting, as a result of the inclement weather, the official timescale for Parish Council comments had passed. Cllr Mazillius advised that the IW Council had granted outline approval in December 2008. The application for approval of reserved matters was now being recommended for conditional approval by the Planning Officers.

ii. TCP/12274/K Handys Stores, 359 Newport Road, Cowes, PO31 8PP – Demolition of garage, proposed single storey semi-detached house

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council considers that the application would result in over development of the site and be significantly detrimental to the street scene. The proposal is not sympathetic to the adjacent building and very much out of keeping with neighbouring properties. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of designated car parking for any additional cars as no provision had been made in the application. It was feared that a nearby layby would be used or this would increase congestion at the top of Oxford Street, near to the junction with the Newport Road causing safety concerns.

iii. TCP/28346/B land adjacent 32 Fieldway Crescent, Northwood – Householder Application for the retention of 1st floor window on side elevation of approved end terrace house

RESOLVED :

THAT this council has no material planning objections providing conditions imposed for obscure glass to be used and for the window to be non-opening.

Cllr Fuller returned to the meeting forum.

b. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council were noted:
i. TCP/26015/C 45 Green Lane, Medham, PO31 8QG – Conditional Planning Permission for a proposed first floor extension over garage to form bedroom en-suite
ii. LDC/26015/B 45 Green Lane, Medham, PO31 8QG – Approval of a Lawful Development Certificate for proposed enclosed swimspa pool
iii. TCP/27614/C 117 Wyatts Lane, Northwood, PO31 8PU – Conditional Planning Permission for a single and 1st floor rear extension to provide additional living accommodation (revised scheme)

165. To approve the Parish Council’s Membership of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) for 2010/11
In discussion, it was noted that one advantage of being a member of IWALC enabled the free attendance of councillors and the clerk at training sessions organized by the County Training Partnership. The membership charge for 2010/11 was anticipated to be £293.00. In view that the Parish Council elections for Northwood were scheduled to take place later this year, it was considered that continuing with the membership of IWALC could prove cost effective.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be approved for Northwood Parish Council to continue its membership of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC) for 2010/11.

166. To approve the Precept for 2010/11
The draft Precept, as agreed at the last meeting, had been posted on the notice board for comments by local residents. It was noted that no response had been received. The suggested figure would result in nearly an 11% decrease over the Precept set for the current financial year.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Precept of £11,114.00 for 2010/11 be approved.

167. To confirm that the Parish Council is now content with the Island Insulation Scheme
Reference was made to the email, circulated on 6 January, from Mr Jim Fawcett, the IW Council’s Principal Officer (Environment) which confirmed that the Mark Group were now registered on the Council’s Buy with Confidence scheme. Copies of the ‘Introduction’ letter to be delivered to households prior to any visits and suggested material, which could be used for any pre-publicity of the scheme had also been attached to the email.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed that it was acceptable for the Island Insulation scheme to now proceed in Northwood and for details to be advertised in the Northwood News.

168. To consider the setting up of a Northwood Parish Council website
Councillors considered the benefits and dis-benefits of establishing a website purely for the Parish Council. It was felt that to do so could be construed as not being part of the community and apart from the rest of other village organisations. The Parish Church website worked very well and was comparable to the websites of neighbouring parishes. However, it was suggested that some suggestions could be made to the moderator to keep the site fresh and to avoid duplication of the information provided.

RESOLVED :

THAT no action be taken to establish a Northwood Parish Council website.

169. To consider if any action is required by the Parish Council in respect of the traffic lights at Stag Lane
Councillors noted the response of Iain Thornton, of the IW Council’s Highways Department to the observations raised in the report. Siemens Mobility had agreed to undertake a change to the Stag Lane detection. However, this change request had to be approved initially by the developer (SEEDA), as it was still under their warranty. Mr Thornton had agreed to investigate with Siemens as to when the change was likely to come into effect and would then arrange for the situation to be monitored. Cllr Cramp tabled a draft letter requesting that the timing be altered to ensure that the lights in the main road should not revert back to red within 60 seconds, in any circumstances, at any time of day.

It was questioned as to whether the traffic lights enabling vehicles to exist Stag Lane, were actually necessary at the present time. It was conceded that the lights would be required once the industrial works were in use, but until that time it was suggested that they be turned off. No change should be made to the newly installed pedestrian crossing.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed to send a copy of the draft letter to the IW Councils Highways Department, with a copy to Newport Parish Council, with an addition advocating that, until required, the traffic lights to enable traffic to exit Stag Lane be turned off.

170. To consider the letter dated 17 December from the Secretary of the Friends of Northwood Cemetery
Cllr Fuller having declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be agreed for a letter to be sent indicating the Parish Council’s support, in principal, of the application of the Friends of Northwood Cemetery for a heritage grant.

Cllr Fuller returned to the meeting chamber.

171. To consider assisting with the Scamnesty 2010 scheme
The clerk advised that due to the timescale, she had written to the IW Council’s Community Safety Services suggesting Northwood Stores as being the most appropriate location for the drop in box.

RESOLVED :

THAT the suggestion for the drop in box to be located at Northwood Stores, Newport Road, Northwood, be ratified and a letter be sent to the owners thanking them for agreeing to take part in the Scamnesty scheme.

172. Clerks Report
a. Administration
i. To consider the date for the Annual Meeting of the Parish and to suggest a key note speaker

RESOLVED :

THAT arrangements by made for the Annual Meeting of the Parish to be held on 20 April in the Northwood Primary School commencing at 6.30 pm and for an invitation to be extended to Mr Malcolm Smith, of IW Council’s Highways Department to provide the key note speech of the Highways PFI.

ii. It was noted that the Parish Council elections would take place on Thursday, 6 May 2010, provided that the General Election was not held on that date, in which case the elections would be postponed for three weeks to 27 May 2010.

RESOLVED :

THAT it be queried with Mr Clive Joynes, the Elections Manager as to why the Parish Council elections would not take place on the day of the General Election as it had in the past.

b. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of December 2009 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 17 were received and noted.

ii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:
000099, IW Council, Clerks Salary for November
000100, £45.66, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000101, £11.59, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying
000102, £266.34, Came & Co, Annual Insurance
000103, £44.92, Mrs B Herbert, Padlock and 20 keys cut

RESOLVED :

   THAT the above cheques be approved.

173. To receive progress reports from Working Parties:
a. Allotments Working Party
        Councillors welcomed the action taken by the fire brigade to drain the allotment field of surface water, following the long bout of extreme inclement weather that had occurred during November/December. Discussion ensued on suggested remedial action to prevent any repeated occurrence of flooding in order that the viability of the allotments would not be further compromised. Cllr Mazillius agreed to obtain three quotations for the installation of land drains. However, it was highlighted that the Parish Council only held a lease on the allotment field up to the middle of March and no confirmation had yet been received from the landowner that this arrangement was to be extended. The landowner had, however, confirmed that she would be willing to allow sheds to be erected providing they were not laid on a concrete base. The clerk reminded councillors of their duties and powers regarding the provision of allotments and urged caution when it came to agreeing further financial commitment and that any addit        ional expenditure should be balanced against the number of residents would benefit.
Councillors noted that Mr P Morris had, at no cost to the council, fitted a new stopcock on the main water feed and repaired the joint.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT the gratuity to the firefighters costing £16.00 be approved;
ii. THAT Cllr Mazillius obtain three quotations for the installation of a land drain at the allotment field and contact the land owner to obtain written confirmation as to her intention for letting the site for a further year;
iii. THAT the Chairman write a letter of thanks to Mr P Morris for the works undertaken;

b. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Councillors were referred to the Notes of meeting of the Working Party held on 7 December setting out a number of Action Points, which had been circulated by email on 5 January. These would be an agenda item for the next meeting.

c. Housing Needs Working Party
There was no further progress to report. A meeting, with Ms Sharon Packer, the Rural Housing Enabler, had been arranged to take place on 7 January, but due to the bad weather had to be re-scheduled. A new date had not yet been fixed.

d. Youth Forum Working Party
A meeting of the Working Party had not yet taken place.

e. Play Builder Working Party
It was anticipated that a report would be presented to the next meeting, providing discussions have taken place with Mr Lee Mathews, of the IW Council.

f. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
There were no matters to report. Details on the Wight in Bloom scheme for 2010 were awaited from Mr Andrew McIntyer, the IW Council’s Parks Officer.

146. To receive the report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Northwood
The report of IW Cllr R Mazillius, which had been circulated with the agenda set out details of the settlement of the village green application on terms agreed with the landowners, which would be placed before the IW Council’s General Purposes Committee for approval.

During discussion Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest as he and members of his family had provided written statements to Cllr Mazillius.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be noted and it be agreed that this council supports the decision taken on the settlement terms of the village green application.

147. To receive an update on IWALC
It was noted that the next meeting of IWALC was scheduled to take place on 21 January 2010.

148. Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.

149. Councillors’ Reports
No further matters were reported

150. Future Agenda Items
Policy on the allocation of allotments – Clerk
Dog Free Zone – Cllr J Pullen

151. Brief Review of Meeting
It was considered that councillors were more efficient, given the earlier start time

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.45 PM.

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