The Yarmouth Isle of Wight
Town Council
Minutes of a meeting of Yarmouth Town Council held at Yarmouth Town Hall on Tuesday September 8th 2015 at 6:30pm
PRESENT:Councillors S Cowley, (Town Mayor), A Ingram, R Corbett, P Cronin, J Allen and J Jackson, D McCleary, K Cowley
IN ATTENDANCE:B Jacobs (Town Clerk),Harbour CommissionerMiles Peckham,Isle of Wight County Press, Cnty Cllr Stuart Hutchinson and 6members of the public.
81/2015 APOLOGIES
No apologies were received
82/2015 PUBLIC FORUM:
i) POLICE MATTERS
A report on current policing issues in Yarmouth was noted, with particular reference to the recent vandalism at the Community Orchard.
ii) HARBOUR ISSUES
Miles Peckham reported that visitor numbers for the summer were 2% up on the previous year, with short-stay berthings up by 11%.
The SCOOT Yarmouth-Lymington service began operations on 1/9/15, and seems to be proceeding satisfactorily.
The Merchant Navy Day on 3/9/15 was well supported.
A decision is awaited on Navitas Bay
iii) ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Hutchinson referred to the Isle of Wight Foundation as a possible source of grant funding for local initiatives.
The Isle of Wight Council is bidding for devolved powers to achieve, inter alia, better co-ordination of local transport services, etc. The bid is moving forward rapidly, and a decision from the Government is expected by the end of November.
Cllr Hutchinson also reported that, in spite of recent rumours to the contrary, ASDA have not reduced their £20M contribution towards Island capital projects. A cross-party working group is currently considering measures to achieve the next round of spending reductions imposed by the Government. Sylvia Mence suggested that part of the £20M could be earmarked for coastal defence.
The post of Chief Executive is currently being advertised, with a salary offered of £125K. It was noted that the original title for this position has been adopted.
Jill Cowley raised the issue of a recent outbreak of bill-posting within the area, and asked if any measures were being pursued to prevent this. Cllr Hutchinson said that it was the Police’s responsibility to bring a prosecution for this anti-social activity, and undertook to speak to Sgt Mark Lyth about it.
iv) THORLEY ISSUES
Reference was made to the impending roadworks in Thorley.
v)YARMOUTH ISSUES
Cllr Corbett reported that he had located the missing ‘Home Guard’ bench, and that it could be relocated to the Mount.
Cllr K Cowley referred to an unfortunate exchange of words she had recently had with a local resident who had undertaken to paint the buoy outside Yarmouth School. The issue was deferred for further discussion to the Clerk’s Report.
Martyn Collinson presented a report on behalf of Yarmouth Town Trust:
Town Hall: The Ground floor windows and main door have now been finished.
Yarmouth Recreation Ground
Play Area: Advice was sought from Grant Thornton re the tax implications of this and other projects. Legal advice was sought from Wilson’s of Salisbury and permission to proceed with Fund Raising for this project has also now been given by the Charities Commission.
Yarmouth Sports Pavilion: The “Expression of Interest” form had been submitted to the HFA to see if grant funding could be available. The response received back stated that the current period of funding is now being renewed and a different Application form should now be submitted. YTT were told not to be discouraged by this.
The Common: The project to upgrade the physical condition of each memorial bench on the common that needed remedial work has now been completed.
Archive/website Project: A meeting of the sub-committee is being 9/9/15 to finalise a “Requirements Specification” that will then be sent to possible Vendors for their responses. The project is running approximately 2 weeks late at this point in time
Mill Road Cottages: A survey has been commissioned to ascertain the work needed on the infrastructure and the outside of the cottages including approximate costs and recommended timescales. This report is expected in time for the Trustees next meeting.
Cllr K Cowley expressed her thanks for the considerable assistance provided by YTT with the Play Area project.
A member of the public raised the issue of the considerable amount of litter currently in Yarmouth, arising from, inter alia, cigarette butts, ATM slips, waste bins not being emptied, etc.Cllr Corbett suggested the use of volunteers to pick up litter. A member of the public suggested that Yarmouth Town Council should employ someone one morning a week to collect litter; Sylvia Mence commented that this had been a recommendation in the Community Plan. Another member of the public stated that this was and Islandwide problem. It was also suggested that YTC and Yarmouth Harbour Commission might consider investing in a compacting machine to try to ameliorate this problem.
RESOLVED: The Clerk to report the litter problem to Island Roads and the Environment Officers, and to ascertain the cost of employing a litter collector.
Some discussion took place about the Yarmouth Surgery, where there was only one qualified doctor in attendance, and 9 days’ notice was required for prescriptions. Mayor Cowley reported that the next West Wight PPG meeting was scheduled for 24/9/15.
vi) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There being no further questions, the Public Forum concluded at 19:20.
83/2015DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
Councillor / Personal / PecuniaryS Cowley / Yarmouth Town Trust
CHOYD / Any issue involving Lee Farm or buses
Navitas Bay
A Ingram / CHOYD
D McCleary / Yarmouth Institute/CHOYD
Any issue involving Yarmouth CEP School, or the Bugle
R Corbett / Yarmouth Town Trust
P Cronin / Shareholdings in BT
J Allen / Navitas Bay
84/2015 MINUTES
RESOLVED: To take as read and confirm as accurate the minutes the EGM held 11/2/15 and the Monthly Town Council held 7/7/15.
85/2015 FINANCE
85/2015.1 Payment of Accounts.
Mayor Cowley left the meeting, and the Chair was assumed by Cllr Ingram
85/2015.2 Bank Reconciliation.
RESOLVED: That the bank reconciliation for August 2015 is accepted
86/2015 PLANNING ISSUES
86/2015.1 Planning Applications
To note the Council’s response of ‘no objections’ to following application:
Application No / Location / Proposal / DatesLBC/01698/A - P/00856/15
/ Kevack High Street Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PN / LBC for replacement windows internal and external alterations / Comments Due By: 21/08/2015
No objections were raised to the following application:
Application No / Location / ProposalTCP/02008/H - P/01022/15
/ Yarmouth C Of E Primary School Mill Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410RA / Demolition of existing preschool classroom lobby and w.cs replacement classroom to include lobby w.c and store new ramp and access
Mayor Cowley rejoined the meeting
86/2015.2 Other Planning issues
The following were noted:
Permission Granted:
Application No / Location / ProposalTCP/28040/A - P/00361/15
/ 7 The Mount Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410RB / Householder Application Demolition of garage proposed double garage swimming pool and pool house with associated landscaping
TCP/02865/J - P/00549/15
/ Barnsfield Farm Wilmingham Lane Thorley Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO41 / Demolition of barn proposed replacement barn
TCP/32279 - P/00335/15
/ 5 Holmes Court Tennyson Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PR / Householder Application Demolition of boundary wall formation of vehicular access and hardstanding
TCP/16099/D - P/00630/15
/ River House Mill Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410RA / Householder Application Demolition of existing greenhouse and 2 garages proposed block of 3 garages (revised plans)
To note the final notice (attached) regarding alterations to parking in Victoria Road
Permission refused: None
Temporary Event Notices:
A Temporary Event Notice has been submitted to the Council under the Licensing Act 2003.
The event in the notice will take place at Yarmouth Castle on the 25 September 2015.
The premises user will be providing the sale by retail of alcohol between the hours of 18:30 and 19:30
TPOs: None
Licensing Act 2003:
NOTIFICATION OF LICENCE ISSUED
The following licence has been issued by the licensing authority:
• Minor variation to the premises licence at the Kings Head, Quay Street, Yarmouth
The following licence has been granted by the licensing authority:
• Application for a new premises licence at The Coral Star moored at Yarmouth Harbour
87/2015 VANDALISM OF COMMUNITY ORCHARD AT THE MOUNT
The Mayor gave details of the recent damage to some 20 trees at the Community Orchard at the Mount, and much discussion took place about this issue, particularly with regard to the future security of the site. RESOLVED: To invite Sgt Mark Lyth to attend the next meeting to advise on this.
88/2015 DISCRETIONARY SERVICES
The email from IWC was noted.
89/2015 COMMUNITY HALL FOR YARMOUTH AND DISTRICT
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Sylvia Mence to present a report on progress towards the creation of a Community Hall. The Open Day on 1/8/15 had proved very successful, with a good attendance from residents, resulting in many new members being signed up, and requests for hiring being received. More volunteers are still needed. Work is about to begin on renewing the central heating. Mrs Mence undertook to supply an update for the YTC website.
90/2015 RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE
Cllr K Cowley reported on the Play Area refurbishment, and appealed for any information about the missing banner which had been displayed opposite the bus station. Funding was still being urgently sought, especially from local charitable trusts, and a request was made for YTC to cover the cost of the bouncy castle for the Fun Day on 19/9/15.
RESOLVED:
· It was proposed by Cllr K Cowley, seconded by Cllr McCleary and passed unanimously to make the sum of £5,000 available for the Play Area in line with the 2015/16 YTC Budget.
· To meet the £200 cost of hiring the Bouncy Castle from the YTC Budget.
· To agree the terms of the grant agreement from Yarmouth Town Trust
91/2015 FRESHWATER LIBRARY
The recent email from the Chairman of Freshwater PC was discussed.
RESOLVED: The Clerk to complete the online report in support of Freshwater Library.
92/2015 CLERK’S REPORT
92/2015.2 COMMUNITIES WILL HAVE MORE SAY OVER WIND FARMS
The written statement to Parliament by Greg Clark MP, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, which outlined changes to the planning system aimed at giving communities greater control over onshore wind farms, was noted.
92/2015.2 HALC CONFERENCE: PLANNING FOR TOMORROW
No Councillors wished to attend the above conference.
92/2015.3 RURAL BROADBAND
The recent installation of broadband cabinets in Yarmouth and Hallet’s Shute was noted.
92/2015.4 GRANT TO YARMOUTH CEMETERY
Discussion took place about the condition of the Cemetery. Some concern was expressed about the current condition of the facility, and Cllr Corbett undertook to speak to Fran Chard about how the YTC’s £1000 grant was to be spent.
92/2015.5 STREET FURNITURE
It was noted that repairs have been carried out to the bench at Thorley Street/Wilmingham Lane.
An estimate from J Ritchie of the cost of repairing the benches and picnic tables at the Mount was considered.
RESOLVED: The Clerk to prepare an estimate for the cost of replacing the furniture, rather than repairing it, and present it to the next meeting.
92/2015.6 MY LIFE IS A FULL LIFE
It was noted that the next meeting of the above organisation will be 7pm 16/9/15 at Moa Place, Freshwater.
92/2015.7 POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER’S COMPASS EVENT
No Councillors wished to attend the above event at the Riverside Centre on 22/9/15 6-8pm.
92/2015.8 NEWSLETTER
RESOLVED: The Clerk to prepare a Newsletter in consultation with the Mayor, to publicise progress on the Play Area and Community Hall, make an appeal for funding, and to highlight other local issues such as the vandalism at the Community Orchard.
92/2015.9 IWC SELF-HELP FACILITY FRESHWATER LIBRARY
The recent change to computer facilities at Freshwater Library was noted.
92/2015.10 RELOCATION OF GATE FROM COMMON TO TOWN GREEN
A quotation of £426 + VAT has been received for the above work was considered. RESOLVED: The Clerk to ascertain the cost of a replacement gate.
92/2015.11 GRANT TO WIGHT NATURE FUND
RESOLVED: The Clerk to liaise with Wight Nature Fund for the printing of 1,000 leaflets for Mill Copse.
92/2015.12 CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN WEST WIGHT
The invitation to a Celebration of Community service in West Wight, to be held at All Saints Church, Freshwater on Sunday 20th September at 4pm was noted, and Mayor Cowley will attend.
92/2015.13 REMEMBRANCE DAY
RESOLVED: The Clerk to arrange for the purchase of 2 wreaths, and Cllr Corbett to arrange for the stands to be delivered.
92/2015.14 THORLEY ROADWORKS
It was noted that a section of the main road at Thorley between Lee Farm and Blacksmiths Lane is due to be resurfaced under a daytime scheme also scheduled to start in mid-September and due to last four days
92/2015.15 WASTE AND BIN COLLECTION SERVICES
It was noted that Amey, who have taken over the Island’s waste collection services, are holding a public meeting on Saturday, September 12, at Freshwater Memorial Hall, Avenue Road, Freshwater, 10am – 4pm.
92/2015.16 ISLE OF WIGHT PARKING STRATEGY 2016-2021 – CONSULTATION
It was noted that the Isle of Wight Council has commissioned WYG Ltd to prepare a parking strategy, but no Councillors wished to attend a briefing will be held from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday 7 October 2015 at Medina Theatre, Medina Leisure Centre, Newport, and you are asked to confirm your attendance if you wish to go.
92/2015.17 WEST WIGHT TIMEBANK
No Councillors wished to attend the official opening of the West Wight Timebank, which is being held on Friday September 18th 10.30 to 12.30 at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre.
92/2015.18 WEST WIGHT SPORTS CENTRE
A celebratory evening on Thursday 24th September at 7pm was noted.
92/2015.19 IOW DEVOLUTION
The recent statement by Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council about devolution was noted.
92/2015.20 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
The recent initiative by a number of Yarmouth residents to voluntarily undertake maintenance of certain green areas within the town was commended and appreciation expressed, though it does affect YTC’s contract with Brighstone Landscaping, and the Clerk advised that specific permission need to be given to these volunteers to ensure cover under the Council’s public liability insurance. The Mayor undertook to contact the volunteers, and Cllr Allen agreed to liaise with them about supplying the appropriate paint for the buoy outside Yarmouth School