Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 9 October 2015, 6:44 pm

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, 6 October 2015

Present: Councillors Chris Riddet (Chairman), Paul Fuller, David Jaggar, John Nicholson, John Pullen and John Ward
Also in attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
PCSO Derek Howard

There was one member of the public or press in attendance.

96/15-16 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs Malcolm Nicholson and Derek Smith.

97/15-16 Members’ interests
There had been no written requests received for Dispensation on items forming the agenda.
Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest in any matters falling within his remit as the IW Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Licensing, Public Realm and Local Engagement.

98/15-16 To receive a report on any local safety neighbourhood issues occurring since the last meeting held of the Parish Council
a. Cowes Neighbourhood Police team
PCSO Derek Howard presented the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team on matters arising since the last meeting. Particular mention was made of the following:
• A list of the current team was provided, which was now at full strength;
• The crime statistics showed that 15 crimes had occurred during the month of September, compared to 4 crimes for the same period in 2014. The clerk queried these figures, circulating a list taken from the “Crime Reports” web site indicating that 7 crimes had occurred in Northwood over the past 30 days. PCSO Howard advised that the discrepancy in the numbers was due to his figures detailing the crimes committed in the IW Council Northwood and Cowes South ward. Councillors requested for the crime statistics to refer to the parish of Northwood only, in future;
• The three Community Priorities set by police and local agencies in July were noted. These would be re-considered again towards the end of October;
• Two Speed Watch events had taken place –
1 October, in Pallance Road. 171 vehicles had passed through during a 90 minute period recording only 1 vehicle breaching the limit. and
2 October, in Place Road. 420 vehicles had passed through during a 65 minute period with no recorded breaches of the speed limit. A Speed Watch co-ordinator for the Cowes area was required and further volunteers would be very welcome;
• Hampshire Alert – a free web based system enabling members of the public to receive police related information by various forms of media
Further information could be obtained from PCSO Howard by emailing him on – derek-john.howard@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
b. Speeding in Nodes Road
Mr T Percival, a local resident, was in attendance and addressed the Parish Council with regard to his concerns over perceived speeding along Nodes Road/Place Road. Photographs picturing two accidents that had occurred at the Four Cross junction were circulated for information.
PCSO Howard advised that there was no record of any complaints of speeding in this vicinity having been received by the police. Only one accident had been recorded during the last five years, which in his view, suggested that there was no major problem at this junction. PCSO Howard volunteered to set up a Speed Watch event along Nodes Road/Place Road and invited Mr Percival to take part. Cllr J Nicholson also agreed to request the IW Council’s Highways safety officer to consider the re-positioning of the speed limit signs in this area and would report back to the November meeting.

99/15-16 To welcome and receive a presentation from Sarah Hussey, the Head Teacher of Northwood Primary school
Councillors were made aware that Ms Sarah Hussey, the Head Teacher of Northwood Primary school, was also scheduled to attend a governors meeting, which clashed with the start of the meeting of the Parish Council. Councillors agreed for this item to be deferred until later on the agenda, in the hope that Ms Hussey would still be able to attend.

100/15-16 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 1 September 2015

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 September 2015 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

101/15-16 To receive any matters arising on the Minutes, not requiring a resolution
Minute 83/15-16 Assets maintained by the Community Partnership – Cllr Pullen advised that the Community Partnership considered this matter to be their responsibility and should not involve the Parish Council.

102/15-16 Town and Country Planning
a. The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 15 September were approved as being a true record.

b. To consider the following planning 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/32396 1 Woodside Close, Northwood – Proposed single storey rear extension to enlarge kitchen and living room.

RESOLVED :
THAT Northwood Parish Council raised no material planning objections with regard to the application TCP/32396 1 Woodside Close, Northwood – Proposed single storey rear extension to enlarge kitchen and living room.

ii. TCP/31788/A 43 Venner Avenue, Northwood – Demolition of porch and hall; single storey side extension to provide kitchen and dining room
Councillors were made aware of the availability of a Design and Access statement, which had not been uploaded onto the IW Council website.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council, following discussions and agreement with the agent involved with the application for a time extension to consider the application TCP/31788/A at 43 Venner Avenue, Northwood for a proposed single storey rear extension to enlarge kitchen and living room, as both parties had realised that not all the relevant documentation was featured on the IW Council website, agreed for the item to be deferred until the November meeting.

c. The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council were duly noted:
i. TCP/32097/A Unit 25 to 26, Somerton Industrial Park, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the Change of Use of industrial units to Use Classes D1 and B8.

ii. TCP/14203/E Chawton Farm, Chawton Lane, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission granted for the variation of condition No 4, on P/01481/12 – TCP/14203/E to allow for a permanent access track.

103/15-16 To confirm that the Register of Interests form of Cllr Fuller is in order and correct

RESOLVED :

THAT the Register of Interests form of Cllr Fuller be confirmed that it was in order and correct.

104/15-16 To receive the oral report of Cllrs J and M Nicholson advising on the recommended picnic table for the play park area
Cllr J Nicholson reported that a quotation had now been obtained from Storeroom 2010.

RESOLVED :

THAT an order be placed for an extra large picnic table with the HMP Isle of Wight.

105/15-16 To receive an update on the proposed application for funding to ensure compliance with the Transparency Code for Smaller Councils
The clerk advised of some minor changes to the funding application form, so as not to include VAT in the costings identified. It was noted that the Parish Council would be required to purchase any necessary software updates, such as Microsoft office.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Transparency Fund application form be approved, subject to a few minor amendments.

106/15-16 To consider the cost of re-instating the football pitch area, following the move of the football posts to a new position
The clerk advised that due to an error in the calculation of the Parish Council’s contribution towards the Parks Service at the Venner Avenue play park, Mr Lee Matthews, the Recreation and Public Spaces Manager had confirmed that the IW Council would not re-charge the costs of re-instating the football pitch area. The work to re-seed the area and move the goal posts would in all probability take place in the early Spring.

107/15-16 To approve the purchase of winter planting for the tubs and planters around the village
As the tubs and planters continued to provide such a lovely display, Cllr Pullen spoke of his reluctance to remove the plants, at this present time. However, quotations were being obtained for the winter planting, which would need to be ordered prior to the next meeting.

RESOLVED :

THAT a maximum spend of £300 on the winter planting be approved.

108/15-16 Local Council Tax Reduction scheme
Councillors discussed the IW Council consultation on proposed changes and the potential savings, which could be realised under the council tax reduction scheme for 2016/17. It was thought to be a very complex issue affecting the most vulnerable and poorest members of society. Particular attention was given to the estimated number of claimants impacted and the total savings each option could acquire. In discussion, councillors expressed their concern as to the effect of the proposals and suggested that IWALC should be approached to discuss this matter so that a concerted, unified response could be made to the consultation, on behalf of all the town and parish councils on the island.

RESOLVED :

THAT IWALC be requested to include the IW Council’s consultation on proposed changes to the Local Council Tax Reduction scheme as an agenda item for discussion and determination at their next meeting.

109/15-16 To note the comments made in the Best Kept Village awards mark sheet
The comments and marks awarded in the Best Kept Village competition for 2015 were noted. Northwood received a total score of 77. The condition of the phone box received the lowest score. This appeared to have been cleaned since being inspected. A further comment was that one or two of the seats required a little TLC. This had been passed onto the Community Partnership. Councillors suggested that an inspection be given in the New Year of the features normally judged in the competition, in order to improve the marks scored.

RESOLVED :

THAT a Big Tidy Up be organised to take place in the New Year.

110/15-16 To receive a report on the joint meeting with representatives of Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council held on 9 September
The chairman advised that the initial part of the meeting had focussed on the current Grounds Maintenance and Beach Cleaning contracts. The representatives had suggested that in the future best value might be better achieved by combined working. It had therefore been agreed to take a pro-active stance by seeking quotations, to include those areas pertinent to the three councils, which could achieve economies of scale for 2016/17. Details of the current grass cutting regime for the Venner Avenue play area had been forwarded to the clerk for Cowes Town Council, to assist in this process
Additionally it had been agreed to invite Island Roads to take part in a joint meeting to discuss a number of perceived problems in the Island Roads contract in the Cowes local area. This had been organised to take place on 28 October at St Christopher House, Newport.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Cllrs Riddet and J Nicholson attend the joint meeting scheduled with Island Roads on 28 October;
ii. THAT councillors forward any questions they wish to be raised at the meeting to Cllr Riddet, by 14 October.

111/15-16 To receive an update on the Big Pathwatch initiative aimed at motivating communities to survey the rights of way network
Cllr Pullen advised that he was awaiting the next round of instructions with regard to the ongoing initiative to look after and review the footpaths in our area.

112/15-16 To receive an oral progress report on the revision of the “Welcome to Northwood” booklet
Cllr Riddet informed that extra information relating to Northwood Cemetery was being obtained for inclusion within the booklet. The document was an ever evolving one, which could be updated whenever appropriate.

113/15-16 To receive a report for information on Community Wellbeing
Cllr J Nicholson provided an update on the Chimp Management programme. He and Prof Elkheir, the Director of Public Health, had attended a very productive meeting with Prof Steve Peters and his team. It was envisaged that a partnership arrangement could be established to work across all Island public health services.
The ABCD strategy was up and running. The next step was to involve the community in a positive way. The scheme was expanding to also include Gurnard and Cowes. A copy of the Guiding Principles for ABCD had been circulated by email prior to the meeting, together with suggested questions to enquire of local residents. These aimed to enable groups and people in the community to act together for the common good.

114/15-16 To receive progress reports for information from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Mention was made of the traffic lights near to Northwood garage, which had been out of order for the past two months. Cllr Riddet agreed to raise this matter at the joint meeting on 28 October.
b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
Cllr Pullen had no further matters to report.
c. Parish Plan Working Party
The updated Parish Plan was to form an evolving document on the Parish Council’s own website. Until that was up and running no progress had been made.
d. Emergency Plan Working Party
Cllr Smith had reported that a meeting was required with members of the Working Party to receive final comments and to fine hone the document.

115/15-16 To receive the report for information of Cllr J Nicholson, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood
Cllr J Nicholson referred to his report. Particular mention was made of the following:
• The major issues with the workmanship of Utility Service Providers and that rules allowing the Utility Companies to carry out emergency work might be being used as an excuse for a lack of planning;
• Concerns regarding hedge growth overhanging walkways.

116/15-16 To consider any action required arising from the meeting of IWALC held on 17 September
The Minutes of the meeting of IWALC had been circulated on 23 September. Particular mention was made of the paper presented by Ryde Town Council setting out the planning enforcement functions and possible options. Following some discussion, Option D, appeared to be the only feasible way forward. This would require all Town and Parish Councils to fund an appropriate officer or set of officers to undertake enforcement across the island, while being employed by the IW Council. Details of the financial implications were currently being costed and would be circulated in due course.

117/15-16 Clerk’s Report
Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of September 2015 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 86 were received and duly noted

ii. Payments of cheques Nos 000425 & 000426

RESOLVED :

THAT approval be granted retrospectively, for the payment of cheques 000425, IW Council in replacement of cheque 000423, £2055.02, Post Office Ltd, costs towards the Environment Officer Services and Parks Service
000426, for Community Action IW, £761.37, for the clerk’s salary, on 9 September

iii. To authorise payment of the following cheques:

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment:
000427, £84.99, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses
000428, £1,104.50, Jason Wadsworth, Watering of planters and tubs
000429, £761.37, Community Action IW Clerks Salary for October

iv To consider the purchase of a poppy wreath for the Remembrance Day Service

RESOLVED :

THAT cheque No 000430 be approved as a donation of £25 to the Royal British Legion in respect of a poppy wreath for the Remembrance Day service in November.

118/15-16 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.
Particular mention was made of the Planning Training Session organised for 22 October. Cllr Pullen expressed an interest in attending.

119/15-16 Councillors’ reports
Cllr J Nicholson informed that he had received some complaints from local residents and also some comments welcoming the parking of one or two cars on both sides of Pallance Road, in the vicinity of Comforts Farm. Some had viewed this action as being a nuisance, while others viewed it as traffic calming.
Cllr Fuller mentioned that the two half built houses in Pallance Road, were soon to be completed following the intervention of the IW Council.

120/15-16 Future Agenda Items
November meeting
Cllr Pullen requested that the item “Future of and potential Parish Council involvement in the Community Partnership” to be included for discussion
Parish Council Precept for 2016/17
Community benefit payment being offered by Lightsource Renewable Energy Holdings Ltd with regard to the Chawton Solar Farm

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.00pm

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