Northwood Parish Council

Posted by NPC Admin on 9 February 2012, 11:14 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, 3 January 2012

Present: Councillors John Pullen (Chairman), Pat Bentley (Vice Chairman), Judith Ferris, Paul Fuller, Ray Mew and Derek Smith

In attendance:

Barbara Herbert (Clerk and RFO)

PCSO Steve Oatley

IW Cllr Roger Mazillius

IW Cllr Edward Giles

Malcolm Smith, IW Council’s Highways PFI Technical Manager

There were six members of the public present.

159/11-12 Apologies

Apologies had been received from Cllrs M Moore and C Riddet

160/11-12 Declarations of Interest

Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute 161/11-12, as he was a member of the IW Council.

Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute 165/11-12 a, as he was a member of the IW Council’s Planning Committee

Cllr Fuller declared a personal interest in Minute 168/11-12, as he was a member of the IW Council

The clerk, Mrs B Herbert declared a personal & prejudicial interest in Minute 167/11-12 the Precept for 2012/13, as this could impact on her working hours.

161/11-12 To receive a presentation from IW Cllr Edward Giles and Malcolm Smith, of the PFI team on the IW Council’s Highways PFI

The Chairman welcomed Cllr E Giles and Mr M Smith, of the IW Council to the meeting. They provided an explanation, by way of a power point presentation, as to the objectives, background, benefits and what was to be included in the Highways PFI project, which would bring all areas from ‘fence to fence’ up to national standards within the timescale prescribed . The scheme on the Island was one of three pathway projects created nationally. Funding of some £250million, over a 25 year period, was to be provided by way of a non-repayable grant from the Department of Transport and with contributions from the IW Council. An explanation was given as to how the PFI would be structured by the formation of a special purpose vehicle specifically to undertake all the works. Although there had been a cut in the original anticipated budget, by using different types of working patterns and efficiencies could result in no change to project. It would take 7 years in total to bring the highway network to reach the condition index expected as a nationally required standard. This would be achieved by dividing the island into six districts, with the approved contractor being required to ensure that each area achieved the stepped standard specified at the end of each year. Three contractors had submitted very detailed tenders for the contract. A decision was to be made shortly to reduce this to two, with the preferred bidder being announced towards the end of the year. The work would then commence in April 2013.

A number of questions were raised during the presentation, to which Mr Smith and Cllr Giles provided appropriate responses.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Parish Council, expressed his thanks for such an interesting and informative presentation. Cllr Giles and Mr Smith volunteered to return to a future meeting should councillors require a further update.

162/11-12 To receive a report by the Local Safety Neighbourhood Officer

PCSO Oatley presented the report of the Local Safety Neighbourhood (LSN) team on events that had taken place since the last meeting. December had again been a very quiet month, with virtually no crime of any note within Northwood. However, particular reference was made of the following:

The Christmas period had been very quiet. However, the New Year had been busy, although no statistics for the Cowes area were available at present

Cllr Mew reported that several residents had approached him, reporting the disappearance of at least four cats in the Oxford Street and neighbouring area. PCSO Oatley advised that he would make contact with the RSPCA to see if they were aware of the situation and report back his findings to the next meeting.

PCSO Oatley referred to item 10 of the agenda, regarding police grant funding. It was explained that new priorities were to be agreed by March, for the disbursement of any available funds. These would be advised to the clerk when known.

163/11-12 To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 6 December 2011

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 6 December be confirmed and the Chairman authorised to sign them on behalf of the Parish Council.

164/11-12 Matters arising on the Minutes

There were no matters reported.

165/11-12 Town and Country Planning

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

TCP/30844 362 Newport Road. Northwood – Proposed single storey porch

RESOLVED :

THAT Northwood Parish Council wishes to make no comment

The following decisions taken by the Local Planning Authority since the last meeting of the Parish Council were noted:
1. P/01388/11 Northwood Honda, 258 – 260 Newport Road, Northwood – Planning Approval for consent to display advertisements as per the installation of a 5.2m illuminated totem sign, in accordance with the information supplied with the application
2. TCP/30771 BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Cowes – Alterations and construction of an external catering lift (dumb waiter)
3. P/01663/11 BAE Systems (Defence Systems) Ltd, Newport Road, Cowes – Prior Notification for Demolition of 8 buildings and 2 linkways
4. TCP/30768 land rear 7 and 9 Pallance Road, Northwood – to note the application for a proposed chalet bungalow with detached garage; chalet bungalow, formation of access off Selman Gardens has been officially withdrawn
5. AGN/13980/F Medham Farm, Medham Farm Lane, Northwood – Agricultural Prior Notification for formation of access track and hardstanding and associated works did not require any further details and no formal approval would be required.

The letter dated 5 December from IW Council’s Planning & Regulatory Services advising of the Tree Preservation Order 2011/24 covering trees at 16a Oxford Street, Northwood, was noted.

166/11-12 To consider the letter dated 5 December 2011 from Cllr D Pugh, Leader of the IW Council

Consideration was given to the letter received from the IW Council inviting an application from the Parish Council for matched funding of up to £4.061 for a project(s), which would directly or indirectly contribute to the economic well-being of Northwood.

RESOLVED :

THAT a Working Party comprising of all members of the Parish Council be established to give consideration as to how the funding to directly or indirectly contribute to the economic well-being of Northwood could be utilised
THAT a meeting of the Working Party be arranged to take place on Tuesday, 17 January 2012 in Northwood school hall.

167/11-12 Precept 2012/13

Councillors had before them a proposal for the Precept for 2012-13. One letter of representation from Mr M Webb had been received, suggesting that the cost of watering the planters be cut from the budget. A further representation from another local resident had been published in the County Press and also on the Village website. The clerk advised that she had invited this particular resident to either put his concerns in writing or to attend the meeting to state his objections verbally.

Mr Webb, was present and addressed the Parish Council querying the need for so many planters and suggesting that to save money volunteers be sought to undertake any necessary watering.

The clerk, Mrs Herbert, having declared a personal and prejudicial interest, then left the meeting room prior to any discussion or decision thereon.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Precept for 2012/13, as reported in the agenda, be agreed at £14,000.00
THAT a review of all the tubs/planters be undertaken and reported back to a future meeting.

The clerk returned to the meeting forum.

168/11-12 To receive the response from PCSO Oatley regarding the availability of police grant funding

RESOLVED :

THAT the response of PCSO Oatley and proposed future action as discussed earlier in the meeting, be noted.

169/11-12 To note the response from the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP regarding Empowering Parish Councils

RESOLVED :

THAT the letter dated 9 December from Andrew Turner MP, enclosing the response from the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, regarding Empowering Parish Councils

170/11-12 Clerks Report

a. Finance

The interim budget statement to the end of December 2011 and the bank reconciliation with Statement No 41 was received and noted.

To approve payment of cheque No 000248 £72.00, Urbaser Ltd as cheque No 000246 approved at the previous meeting did not include the VAT element

RESOLVED :

THAT cheque No 000248 for £72.00 be approved.

To authorise payment of the following cheques:

000249, £44.17, Mrs B Herbert, Clerks Expenses

000250, £10.47, Chale Parish Council, Photocopying

RESOLVED :

THAT the above cheques be approved for payment.

To consider the request received from the Northwood Community Partnership for a grant of £300 towards the Celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Councillors considered that insufficient details had been provided on the Grant application, specifically the omission of details for costings of the project and anticipated contributions from other organisations. The clerk was requested to write asking for further details.

RESOLVED :

THAT no further action be taken until the information requested be supplied by the Northwood Community Partnership.

To consider the request received from the Northwood Community Partnership for a grant of £300 towards the monthly events organised

Councillors again considered there to be a lack of information regarding the anticipated spend in respect of the project and also that it was a rather ambiguous statement regarding who would benefit from the scheme. The clerk was requested to write asking for further details.

RESOLVED :

THAT no further action be taken until the information requested be supplied by the Northwood Community Partnership.

Administration
1. To consider the award of the insurance contract for 2012

The clerk advised that the information from AON, had still not been received. The delay was caused as a direct result from them requiring a copy of the quotations received from the other providers prior to them submitting their charge. It would appear that the Christmas period had also caused some delay to the post.

RESOLVED :

THAT Aviva be appointed as the insurance provider for a three year period commencing January 2012, at a cost of £265.00 per annum.

To set a new date for the meeting of the Parish Council in June, as the 5 June was a bank holiday

RESOLVED :

THAT the meeting of the Parish Council scheduled to take place on 5 June be rearranged to take place on 29 May 2012.

171/11-12 Report of Cllr R Mazillius, the IWC Ward Member for Cowes South and Northwood

The report of IW Cllr Mazillius was received and a further update provided. Particular mention was made of

That an update on the late night noise nuisance would be provided when further information was available;
The successful arrangements for the waste collection over the Christmas period
The wheelie bin proposals to commence on the 30 January

172/11-12 Progress reports for information from Working Parties

Traffic and Transport Issues Working Party

Cllr Pullen advised that the Management Meeting had not yet taken place. The attempt to arrange a meeting with representatives of Southern Vectis had also not been successful. Signage was now displayed in all buses advising of the suggested fare. Donations by concessionary travellers remained voluntary. There had been a problem during the previous week as the bus was in Ryde!. The clerk was to meet with Alan Stott, the bus co-ordinator the following day and was hopeful a more efficient method of collecting all the monies and passenger record could be established.

Cllr Fuller highlighted that the new bus timetable was due to be published in April. If any changes were to be made to the bus route so to include Rew Street, then Southern Vectis would need to provide 42 days’ notice to the Traffic Commissioners.

b. Northwood in Bloom Working Party

No further matters to report, subject to the planned review of all the planters and tubs by Cllr Pullen and IW Cllr Mazillius

c. Neighbourhood Plan Working Party

Consideration was given to the ‘Way Forward’ report. It was suggested that this be the focus of discussion at a meeting of the Working Party to be arranged for 17 January. All members of the Parish Council were invited to attend. Cllr Bentley was hoping to meet with Wendy Perera, the IW Council’s Deputy Head of Planning Services (Policy) prior to that meeting. Some suggestions were made to the list of groups to be consulted.

d. Football Pitch Working Party

It appeared that no action had been taken to re-instate the football pitch area.

173/11-12 Update on the IW Association of Local Councils

Cllr Pullen had been unable to go to the recent meeting of IWALC, due to holiday.. The deputy, Cllr Mew had not been able to attend in his stead.

174/11-12 Correspondence.

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

175/11-12 Councillors’ reports

The clerk mentioned the vast array of leaflets, which had been obtained by Cllr Moore when she had attended the Community Resilience 2011 event on 13 December. Some of the papers referred to ‘Preparing for Emergences’, a Guide for communities in preparing a community emergency plan. It was suggested that this form an agenda item for the next meeting.

Cllr Mew referred again to the suspiciously high number of cats reported missing in the vicinity of Oxford Street.

176/11-12 Future agenda items

February

To receive a Presentation from Mr John Mills, the Head of Communications and Marketing Partnerships for Renewables Development Co on the Camp Hill Wind Energy Proposals

177/11-12 To undertake a brief review of the meeting

It was thought that the meeting was rather long, but worthwhile to receive the very informative presentation.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 9.20PM.

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