Northwood Parish Council and Northwood Community Partnership

Posted by Admin on 21 November 2008, 12:00 am

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL
Chairman: Cllr John Pullen
86 Wyatts Lane, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 281250
Vice-Chairman: Cllr Paul Fuller
74 Wyatts Lane, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 289595
Chairman (Planning): Cllr Peter Brooker
28 Uplands Road, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 296958
Cllr Colin Cramp
37 Greenways, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 289996
Cllr Marie Ely
14 Wyatts Lane, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 299673
Cllr Roger Mazillius CC
21 Oxford Street, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 295556
Cllr Colin Palmerton
40 Greenways, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 282242
Cllr Eileen Turner-Palmerton
40 Greenways, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 282242
Parish Clerk & RFO: Barbara Herbert
11 Wyatts Lane, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 290086
Email: barbara.herbert@sky.com

NORTHWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Chairman: Colin Palmerton
40 Greenways, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 282242
Vice-Chairman: Alan Chick
75 Pallance Road, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 296020
Secretary: Eileen Turner-Palmerton
40 Greenways, Northwood.
Tel: 01983 282242
Email: whitecross@onwight.net

THE NORTHWOOD REPORT

The views expressed are those of the contributors, and are not necessarily those of Northwood Parish Council or Northwood Community Partnership.

NORTHWOOD PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
(Paul Fuller Tel: 01983 289595; Email: paulfuller@onwight.net)

Councillor David Pugh
The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council was grilled by Parish Councillors and residents alike at the November Meeting of the Parish Council.

Councillor Pugh took questions on the feasibility of short bus journeys using the IW Council-subsidised Student Rider tickets, matters relating to Recycling, school reorganisation, planning, Eco-Island, Newport Pedestrianisation and The Economy. He outlined the importance of the Isle of Wight Council continuing to support the work of Local Councillors, Parish Councils and Community Partnerships.

Northwood Housing Needs Survey
Just a reminder to please complete and return the Housing Needs Survey forms delivered to each home during November. Alternatively, complete the survey online by visiting www.iwrcc.org.uk and follow the link to Northwood Housing Needs Survey. For further details contact Sharon at the IWRCC on 01983 524058.

Public Consultation on 2009/2010 Parish Council Precept
The Parish Council resolved to put next year’s Parish Council Precept to public consultation. The Council were mindful to, at the very least, keep any increase in line with inflation; however by using last year’s under-spend the Parish Council found itself in a situation whereby it could actually set a precept that was lower than that for this current year.

The Parish Council welcomes your views and suggestions. These will be tabled at our January meeting, whereby a precept will be formally approved. If you wish to respond please ensure this is in writing by 12 noon, Monday 5th January 2009, to Parish Clerk, Barbara Herbert, 11 Wyatts Lane, Northwood.

Good News and Bad News for Bus Users

From September this year, Wightbus has permitted the use of Rover and Freedom tickets on all their services! The Bad News however, according to Cllr David Pugh, is that Free Travel for the Over-60s before 9.30am is under review, following shortfalls from the Government in the Concessionary Bus Scheme.

CHANGES TO PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR DWELLING HOUSES
(Peter Brooker, Tel: 01983 296958; Email: peter.brooker@waitrose.com)

IMPORTANT: This short article DOES NOT constitute definitive planning advice. You should always take professional planning and legal advice, and use the extensive information available on-line and elsewhere, when deciding whether a planning application for proposed work is necessary or not!

The Planning Regulations that allow householders to carry out developments within the curtilage (the area occupied by a dwelling, grounds, and outbuildings) of their properties without the need for a specific planning application are known as ‘Permitted Development Rights’. On 1st October, 2008 these rules were changed considerably by The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)(No2)(England) Order 2008. This Order applies to England only.

The Government anticipates that the changes to the Planning Regulations will free up the planning system from planning applications that do not have a significant impact on the amenity of surrounding occupiers, and allow householders to change their properties to a greater degree without the need for planning permission.

All the following areas of development are subject to change, and the Government's "Planning Portal" website (www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en), amongst many others, provides much detail:
Dwelling Extensions
Roof Extensions and Alterations
Flue, Chimney or Soil and Vent Pipes
Hard standings (see the Department of Communities and Local Government website to be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/pavingfrontgardens)
Other Ancillary Buildings and Development Within the Curtilage: buildings (e.g. conservatories), enclosures, pools, containers (e.g. fuel tanks), verandas, balconies and raised platforms (e.g. patios/decking).
Microwave (Dish) Antennas

One major change is that new or replacement paving or surfacing of a front garden will now require permission where it is more than 5 square metres, is not porous or where run-off cannot be channelled to a porous area in the curtilage, such as a garden border.

The changes to Permitted Development Rights may not apply, or apply differently, to those living in a Conservation Area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or in a listed building.

The changes in the planning rules for householders wishing to extend or alter their properties will not affect the requirement to make a Building Regulations application (which principally deals with health and safety aspects of the building).

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT
(John Pullen, Tel: 01983 281250; Email: hjpull@onwight.net)

The run-up to Christmas is a good time for criminals to get the most out of us so here are some tips:

1) When purchasing goods – if you are using a debit or credit card – always check the 'PIN' machine for damage or signs of tampering. If in doubt speak with the shop assistant/manager. If you are using an ATM machine please also check for signs of tampering prior to using and report any suspicions.

2) Once your goods have been purchased do not leave them in the car in full view as it takes seconds to 'smash and grab', leaving you with no presents and a costly bill for repairing the car.

3) Do not leave gifts in sight of windows or doors as this can tempt a burglar to 'enter and take'.

4) If you like to see all the wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, then again ensure the tree is placed away from view from the street and where possible pull curtains or blinds in the evening.

5) With long evenings and with parties or events to go to over the coming weeks ensure you have light timers in your home, which turns on and switches off your lights automatically. These can give a good impression of the house being occupied. (If you are interested I have a few left, for elderly or vulnerable residents which I can deliver!!).

6) Make sure, whenever occupants of your home leave to go out, all windows and doors are securely locked. Do not leave keys in a hidden place for family members as burglars can find them too.

7) After the final grass cut or window box tendings, please ensure all garden equipment and tools are securely locked away so that opportunistic criminals cannot use your tools to gain entry to your home.

8) If you are away over Christmas either let your neighbour (or police) know and leave a contact number, cancel milk and papers and ask neighbours to push post through the letter box if it is left hanging.
Finally, please contact your local beat personnel should you have any queries about crime prevention or safety over the next few months. PCSO Steve Oatley reported a quiet period for crime in the Village and said the campaign to disrupt criminal activity in the Somerton Park and Ride seems to be working. Grahame Deacon, Cowes Town Centre Manager, (now also serving Northwood!) has organised temporary CCTV for the area with Cowes Police increasing patrols. They are writing to car owners who have left valuable items on display warning them of the danger. Some 20 letters have been issued.

Ring me if you are interested in timers, bulbs or the black and green recycling bins.

The numbers to ring for the police are:

08450454545: to speak to a police Officer or Staff member or report a crime;
999: for emergencies;
101: to report vandalism & graffiti, noise nuisance, threatening & abusive behaviour, abandoned vehicles, dumping & fly-tipping, broken street lighting and drug-related anti-social behaviour.

Do not forget you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NORTHWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP REPORT
(Paul Fuller Tel: 01983 289595; Email: paulfuller@onwight.net)

During the end of the summer the Chairman, Ron Willis, Vice-Chairman, Derek Toms and Secretary Penny Elford resigned as officers of Northwood Community Partnership. John Pullen reluctantly stepped down due to conflicting interests between the Parish Council and the Community Partnership.

This meant that at our last meeting new officers had to be reappointed. The former Chairman and Community Partnership’s stalwart Colin Palmerton was re-elected as Chairman with Alan Chick elected Vice-Chair for the remaining year. Eileen Turner-Palmerton resumed her role as the Community Partnership’s Secretary (and project bid-writer!!), whilst Anne Jonas was reappointed as Treasurer.

As an ‘independent’ standalone organisation, the Partnership is currently in the process of once more adapting its Terms Of Reference/Constitution, so that it can sit comfortably alongside both the Parish Council and other organisations within the village. The aims and objectives of the Northwood Community Partnership are to be agreed at our November meeting.

Many, many thanks to Ron for his unrivalled dedication and enthusiasm over the last few years, particularly within his role as Coordinator for Northwood In Bloom. You will be sadly missed by all your colleagues on the Community Partnership. Many thanks also to Penny who remains as a member of the Community Partnership and to Derek for his support and dedication.

Since the last meeting, bids were submitted for the provision of seating for Bus Stops and for the installation of the stunning new community notice board, created by Derek Toms.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
(Roger Mazillius CC, Tel: 01983 295556; Email: roger.mazillius@iow.gov.uk)

1. VENNER AVENUE SPEED CENSUS
Out of over 3000 vehicles’ speeds measured over two weeks last month, I am pleased to say only some 40 vehicles exceeded 30mph with just a handful exceeding 35mph. However, I have asked for further measurements to be taken in a different position to complete this census with a full degree of certainty.
2. NODES ROAD
I have again asked for Highways to assess the need for a traffic island to assist residents accessing the Newport – bound bus stop near the Uplands Road junction which has my support. In addition Highway Engineers are to further assess the traffic speeds in this mainly 40mph road to assist in my request that the 30mph limit is introduced.
3. PARKING UPLANDS ROAD
I have noticed a number of cars parking near the junction with Greenways which are causing visibility difficulties for drivers exiting Greenways and in seeing that the road is clear from the Wyatts Lane direction. Several residents have expressed concern at this. Would residents who are parking too near the Greenways junction please refrain from so doing.
4. ROGER'S REPORT
I will be reporting fully to residents later this month in my regular longer report.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Future Meetings of Northwood Parish Council & Northwood Community Partnership

All meetings are held in Northwood School Hall, where the public and press are welcome to attend. Please enter Northwood School via the playground to the south, where parking is available. Prior to each meeting there is an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

Northwood Parish Council, 7.00pm Tuesday 2nd December.
Northwood Community Partnership, 6.00pm Tuesday 16th December.
Northwood Parish Council, Planning Committee, 8.00pm Tuesday 16th December.
(To be confirmed- contact Barbara Herbert on 01983 290086 for details)
Northwood Parish Council, 7.00pm Tuesday 13th January 2009.
Agenda items to include 2009/10 precept in accordance with public consultation
Northwood Community Partnership, 6.00pm Tuesday 20th January.
(To be confirmed- contact Eileen Turner-Palmerton on 01983 282242 for details)
Northwood Parish Council, Planning Committee, 8.00pm Tuesday 20th January
(To be confirmed- contact Barbara Herbert on 01983 290086 for details)

On behalf of the Northwood Parish Council and all of Northwood Community Partnership we wish all readers a Happy Christmas, and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!!