Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 12 June 2015, 8:30 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, 2 June 2015

Present: Councillors Chris Riddet (Chairman), Paul Fuller, J Nicholson, M Nicholson and J Pullen
Also in attendance:
Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)
Sgt Mark Lyth
PCSO Derek Howard

There were three members of the public or press in attendance.

30/15-16 To receive and approve any apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllrs David Jaggar, Derek Smith and John Ward.

31/15-16 Members’ interests
There had been no written requests received for Dispensation on items forming the agenda.

Cllr Fuller declared a non-pecuniary .interest in Minute No 34/15-16, being the IW Council Executive member for Planning and Licensing.

32/15-16 To welcome Police Sgt Lyth and to be advised of any local safety neighbourhood issues
The Chairman welcomed Police Sgt Mark Lyth to the meeting, to provide an update and opportunity for councillors to discuss with him the changes to the organisational structure of the Hampshire Constabulary on the Island.
Sgt Lyth gave a brief synopsis of his police career and the reasons why he and his family came to live on the island, in the West Wight. Sgt Lyth, as well being in control of the Local Safety Neighbourhood Team (LSNT) in Yarmouth, had responsibility for the IW Country Watch scheme, was the Hunt Liaison officer and the Island’s lead Wildlife Crime officer.
From the 1 April, the Hampshire Constabulary had undergone a significant review of its organisation and structure in order to meet the financial restrictions imposed. Northwood, Gurnard and Cowes would now form part of the Wight Rural West Neighbourhood policing team. This covered a huge area from the Medina in West Cowes, westwards through to Ventnor. The officers and staff would be based over two sites: one in Yarmouth and one also in Cowes. The Cowes neighbourhood police team (NPT) comprised of two PCs, with a temporary PC (in post only until the end of September), three PCSOs and one Special Constable. Sgt Lyth confirmed that he was battling to retain the third PC post. He commended the team as being extremely committed, motivated and interested in the work they undertook. All officers had to reapply for their own jobs, proving their dedication to the area and the role they carried out.
Sgt Lyth then outlined his expectations of councillors. The Parish Council was invited to communicate and engage with the police. There had been no new community priorities identified at the moment, so any matters of concern within the parish should be forwarded to the Cowes NPT and could influence which three priorities the police should focus on, outside of their core role.
Following questions raised by councillors and members of the public present, Sgt Lyth confirmed the intention to move Cowes police station into the Cowes Enterprise College, as the existing building was no longer fit for purpose. It was hoped this would be within the next 18 months. However, consideration would also be given to any other viable option. The next Neighbourhood Watch meeting had been organised for 3 June. Discussion ensued as to whether there was any justification in resurrecting the Local Access Group. It had been disbanded due to the lack of fresh members. The parish comprised of many types of people, all with valid views. It was suggested that other various forms of engagement such as Twitter, could be used to seek their input. Sgt Lyth reiterated the need for councillors to communicate their views.
The Chairman thanked Sgt Lyth and PCSO Howard for their attendance.
The clerk read the report on local safety neighbourhood issues and local policing priorities since the last meeting. 11 crimes had taken place since the last meeting, compared with three for the same period in 2014. The clerk would refer to the crime reports webpage and circulate the types of crimes committed. No cyclists had been stopped riding along the High Street. A rise in criminal damage to motor vehicles along Arctic Road, Cowes had been reported. The Cowes NPT would increase its presence in the area to offer reassurance to residents.
Cllr Pullen advised that some of the 11 crimes occurred could refer to a number of good quality plant pots that had been stolen recently from front gardens locally.

33/15-16 To confirm and authorise the Chairman to sign the Minutes of the previous meeting of the Parish Council held on 5 May 2015

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 May 2015 be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

34/15-16 To receive any matters arising on the Minutes, not requiring a resolution
Minute 167/14-15 Request for a speed change to 20mph along Wyatts Lane – Island Roads advised that there safety inspector had investigated the concerns of the Parish Council and details added to the Safety register. There was a process that needed to be followed when making any amendments to the network and therefore this matter would be discussed with the IW Council in due course.

34/15-16 Town and Country Planning
a. 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/32262 125 Pallance Road, Northwood – Single storey rear extension to create additional living accommodation.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raises no material planning objections in respect of TCP/32262 125 Pallance Road, Northwood – Single storey rear extension to create additional living accommodation.

ii. TCP/21526/C 88 Pallance Road, Northwood – Demolition of conservatories; single storey rear extension to form pool house.

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council raises no material planning objections TCP/21526/C 88 Pallance Road, Northwood – Demolition of conservatories; single storey rear extension to form pool house.

b. Councillors noted following decision taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council:
TCP/32123/A Agricultural storage barn rear of 67, Oxford Street, Northwood – Conditional Planning Permission for the demolition of agricultural building; proposed detached dwelling (revised plans)(readvertised application).

c. Councillors noted the letter advising of an Appeal to the Secretary of State with regard to Planning Application TCP/31184/E at 58 Pallance Road, Northwood.

35/15-16 To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 6 May 2015

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 6 May 2015 be approved.

36/15-16 To receive the Annual Report of the Parish Council for 2014/15

RESOLVED :

THAT the Annual report of the Chairman for the year 2014/15 on activities of the Parish Council be approved.

37/15-16 To confirm that the Register of Interests forms of Cllrs Fuller, Pullen, Riddet, Smith and Ward are in order and correct

RESOLVED :

THAT Cllrs Pullen, Riddet and Smith confirm that their Register of Interests forms were in order and correct.

38/15-16 To consider any action required following the annual inspection of the Parish Council’s assets

RESOLVED :

THAT consideration of any action required following the annual inspection of the Parish Council’s assets, be deferred to the July meeting.

39/15-16 To consider the list of suggested areas of special responsibility for councillors

RESOLVED :

THAT consideration of the list of suggested areas of special responsibility for councillors be deferred to the July meeting.

40/15-16 To consider the provision of picnic tables on the play park area
Nigel Leppard, the IW Council’s Countryside, Parks & Open Spaces Manager had advised that the only way the IW Council would accept the proposal, was if the Parish Council was to agree to install the benches at an appropriate standard (including bases) at no cost to the IW Council and took on all subsequent maintenance costs in perpetuity, for however long the benches lasted. This would include their removal should they become damaged or decrepit. The IW Council wanted to be absolved of all responsibility for them as the IW Council did not currently have the resources to undertake these works. The IW Council also wanted to agree the proposed location of the benches prior to their installation.
In January, the HMP Isle of Wight had quoted the cost of an extra-large picnic bench to be £720.00. In accordance with Financial Regulations two further quotations would be obtained.

RESOLVED :

i. THAT Northwood Parish Council agrees a maximum cost of £1,000 for the provision and installation of one picnic bench on the Venner Avenue play park;
ii. THAT the IW Council be absolved of all responsibility and any costs incurred in the provision of a picnic bench on the play park;
iii. THAT the clerk liaise with the IW Council over the proposed location of the bench prior to its installation;
iv. THAT inquiries also be made as to whether an official IW Council preferred contractor had to be used to undertake the necessary works.

41/15-16 To consider any required action following the complaint with regard to the increasing proliferation of advertising banners at the junction of Cockleton Lane, Pallance Road and Nodes Road
Councillors discussed the complaint raised by a local resident. It was noted that the site in question fell within the parish of Gurnard. The general consensus was that the banners provided a useful source of information for both residents and tourists alike and were welcomed. The advertisements were very temporary and changed frequently, assisting local businesses to promote their various events taking place.
It was suggested that the local resident should be advised to contact the IW Council’s planning enforcement section if he wished to take his complaint further.

42/15-16 To consider making appropriate responses on the following IW Council Consultations
a. The Draft Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document

RESOLVED :

THAT councillors accept the kind offer of Cllr Jaggar to prepare a draft response to the consultation on the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document and for him to circulate his comments to councillors for their approval prior to its submission.

b. The Customer Interface Proposal
Councillors noted that the proposals aimed to encourage residents to make greater use of internet and telephone enquiries, and where appropriate, reduce the need for transactions and access to certain services being carried out in person. However, it was highlighted that, on occasions, when phoning the IW Council 821000 number, a person could have a lengthy wait for the call to be answered.

RESOLVED :

THAT in response to the Customer Interface proposals, Northwood Parish Council suggests that:
• The response time of the Call Centre must be more robust so not to leave residents waiting for an overlong period of time before speaking to an operative;
• Clarity on the advice provided on the Trading Standards webpage where it advises residents should not answer calls identifying the phone number as “Being Withheld”, when some calls from IW Council officers do not list their number – The IW Council aspires to be a “transparent council”, however this does not show the IW Council in a transparent light.

43/15-16 To appoint a representative to attend a meeting on 2 July, at 6.45 pm, in Gurnard Village Hall
Cllr J Nicholson volunteered to become the Parish Council’s representative at the meeting about the voluntary and community sector’s role in the My Life a Full Life (MLAFL) initiative. However, he was mindful that he could have another appointment on that day.
Mention was made of the three organisations established, which appeared on the surface to have some degree of overlap and duplication. Cllr J Nicholson agreed that the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) scheme, MLAFL initiative and some services provided by Age Concern undertook similar work, but stressed that this was carried out in different ways. There were some areas of duplication and over a period of time the aim would be to fully integrate these. However, it was vital that all identified needs remained covered and not lost, with the main drive being to enable people to have the responsibility to look after themselves.

RESOLVED :

THAT subject to his availability, Cllr J Nicholson be appointed to attend 2 July, at 6.45 pm, in Gurnard Village Hall to discuss issues or concerns of the Parish Council about voluntary and the community sector’s role in the My Life a Full Life programme.

44/15-16 To receive a report for information on Community Wellbeing
Councillors noted the update report provided by Cllr J Nicholson on Wellbeing Developments, namely the ABCD scheme and the MLAFL initiative, and wider developments.

45/15-16 To receive progress reports for information from Working Party leads
a. Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party
Cllr Nicholson advised that the works along Pallance Road were making good progress. Mention was made of his request at Island Roads road safety forum on how instructions were passed to their work force. The changes to the No 1 bus route whereby only the double decker bus travels along Nodes Road, turning back outside the old Co-Op in Cowes, has resulted in those passengers having to walk further if they wish to catch the Redjet. Cllr Fuller had raised this matter with Southern Vectis.
On a Monday two Southern Vectis drivers man the Service 32 route. It has been alleged only one driver would accept donations. As the Parish Council, on behalf of the Cowes Community Bus forum pays the cost of a driver it was suggested that a letter should be sent to Matt Kitchin, of Southern Vectis, requesting those drivers to be instructed to accept all contributions. The Parish Council had initially been advised that volunteer drivers would be fully trained and in place to take over covering the Service 32 route on a Monday, by 1 April. Mr Kitchin should be called on to explain why this had not happened.

b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party
A grant of £200 had once again been approved, provided the summer planting was ordered from the Jubilee Garden centre. All tubs and planters had been cleared and re-planting should commence towards the end of the week. The clerk to instigate the start of having the plants watered on a twice a week basis.

c. Parish Plan Working Party
Cllr Pullen agreed to arrange a meeting of the Working Party to drive work on the Parish Plan forward.

d. Emergency Plan Working Party
In the absence of Cllr Smith it was noted that he had reported making good progress.

46/15-16 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 attached to the agenda. This covered his work as the Ward Councillor and his responsibilities at the IW Council over the past year. Particular mention was made of the following:
• A decision was due shortly on the proposed development on land off Westway;
• A constructive meeting on site to determine changes in the double yellow lines around the Place Road, Broadfields Road, Highfield Avenue junction;
• Although it was not known when the next Traffic Order for Cowes was due to occur, Cllr J Nicholson agreed to provide a short article for the Northwood News inviting any suggestions for changes within Northwood.

47/15-16 To receive a report on the meeting of IWALC Executive held on 21 May
In the absence of Cllr Ward no report had been received.

48/15-16 Clerk’s Report
a. Finance
i. The interim budget statement to the end of May 2015 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 82 were received and duly noted.

ii. Payment of cheque No 000405

RESOLVED :

THAT the respective payment made with regard to 000410, Community Action IW, £767.48, for the clerk’s salary, on 14 May, be duly approved.

iii. To authorise payment of cheques:

RESOLVED :

THAT the following cheques be approved for payment:
000411, 105.79, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses;
000412, £114.88, Go South Coast Ltd, Supply of a driver for Route 32 for Mondays.

iv. The types of investments made by the IW Council for the IW Council’s pension scheme and possible changes to the Parish Council’s savings account were duly noted and no further action agreed.

iv. To consider the application for grant funding towards the cost of carving a huge dead cedar tree by Paul Sivell, on the historical site of the old Signal Station, in Parkhurst forest.
Mrs Yelland, the applicant, was present and addressed the Parish Council. As the carver had agreed to decrease his fees the amount requested was now £250. Councillors noted that the site of the Signal Station fell within the parish of Newport.

RESOLVED :

THAT the application for grant funding towards the carving of a cedar tree in Parkhurst forest be declined.

b. Administration
The letter from Mr M A Cox, the appointed Internal Auditor for the 2014/15 accounts, was duly noted.

49/15-16 Correspondence
Correspondence received was listed in the report circulated with the agenda and updated further at the meeting.
Particular mention was made of the meeting organised by Planning Services on 19 June, at 4.00pm in the Council Chamber to advise about changes to the service and the implications for parish and town councils. Cllr Pullen expressed an interest in attending.

50/15-16 Councillors’ reports
Cllr Pullen advised that on Friday 5th June the Heritage Lottery Fund were to visit the Cemetery.. By the end of June, a decision will have been made as to whether the trustees have been successful in their application for the remaining funding.
Cllr Pullen reported that the Speed Watch campaign required a volunteer co-ordinator to act as a civil administrator.
Cllr M Nicholson mentioned his attendance at the interesting and informative two session training organised for parish and town councillors.
.
51/15-16 Future Agenda Items
No further additional items were requested.

51/15-16 To undertake a brief review of the meeting
Councillors agreed to delete this standing item from future agendas.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 8.10pm
Signed ……………………………………………. Dated ……………………………..