The Yarmouth Isle of Wight
Town Council
Minutes of a meeting of Yarmouth Town Council held at Yarmouth Town Hall on Tuesday April 7th 2015 at 6:30pm
PRESENT:Councillors S Cowley (Town Mayor), PCronin, A Ingram, J Jackson and
D McCleary.
IN ATTENDANCE: G Hughes (Locum Clerk),Yarmouth Harbour Commissioner.
1/2015 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Corbett and K Cowley.
2/2015 PUBLIC FORUM:
i) POLICE MATTERS
No report had been received.
ii) HARBOUR ISSUES
The YHC representative reported that the Easter weekend had been busy and that a total of 465 vessels had stayed in the Harbour. A Spring Festival would be held on the 25th April which YHC would be hosting and the RNLI would be present.
iii) YARMOUTH TOWN TRUST
Apologies for absence had been received from the Trust.
iv) ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
The Isle of Wight Councillor was not present at the meeting.
v) THORLEY ISSUES
Councillor Ingram reported that repairs were required to a seat at the corner of Thorley Road. It was agreed that Mr Nick Chandler be asked to examine necessary work.
vi)YARMOUTH ISSUES
The following report had been written and circulated by Sylvia Mence –
A. Meeting of Yarmouth Harbour Advisory Committee held on 11.03.15
1.BreakwaterYHC continue to gather information regarding the environmental considerations of constructing a new breakwater, especially the issue of a seagrass bed just outside the Harbour.
2. Pier Restoration The outcome of the Heritage Lottery Fund application will be known soon.
3. Tidal Turbine Projects
· Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd –they are due to relaunch the test platform after 8 April.
· PTEC (Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre) – the company are currently dealing with some local
opposition and the various consents required.
· Trident Aqua Sail – now have the licence to install a test turbine underneath the pier, possibly
by the end of June, although this may be delayed.
4.Navitus Bay are awaiting their application for Development Consent Order and could
announce their preferred port for the Operations and Maintenance Base by the end of June.
5.Harbour Works
The Wightlink ticket office: some works to combat various leaks and general issues with
damp.
During the recent work at the ferry berth, it was discovered that there is a worsening problem with Accelerated Low Water Corrosion. A thorough inspection of all areas in the harbour is scheduled for mid-August. (This is a worldwide harbour/port problem. A complex type of corrosion that attacks marine steel around low water level. First appears as an orange 'bloom' on the steel, then holes. Thought to involve both electrochemical and microbiological factors).
6. Marine Conservation Zones
YHC will respond to Defra about the impact on the Harbour of the proposed Needles site. Both Yarmouth and Lymington dispose of dredged material within 1km of the site and may be required to carry out expensive Environmental Impact Assessments for this to continue or to use more distant (so more costly) sites. Defra also refers to the impact on the MCZ of any port development in the area – this would include Yarmouth breakwater replacement.
7. YHC AGM Monday 27 April at RSYC at 1800. All welcome.
8. Events
Solent Events are organising a ‘Mini Boat Show’ in the Harbour on Thursday 23 April.
Yarmouth Harbour ‘Spring Festival & Flare Amnesty’ – Saturday 25 April (50% discount on short stay & overnight berthing). A sort of Open Day.
Discount vouchers have gone to print for this season, although some businesses in the town were not keen to support this.
‘Artists in Residence’ - throughout the summer months in the Harbour Office Reception.
Local clothing company Hudson Wight are also going to exhibit in the Reception area and will be offering substantial discounts.
B. Marine Conservation Zone: proposed Needles site
Notes for YTC submission to Defra public consultation by 24 April
Advice is currently being received on the required format for submissions as the online consultation of questions is not user-friendly compared with the more familiar text attachment to an email. This should be resolved by the Council meeting on 7 April.
Note that the Council responded to Defra in 2014 in relation to MCZ 23 Yarmouth – Cowes which is not under consideration in 2015, but may be in the 3rd tranche of sites in 2016.
The Needles site covers the stretch of the Solent adjacent to the northwest side of the Island, from opposite Hurst Point down to just south of the Needles, i.e. Colwell, Totland and Alum Bays.
Notes below for the Council to consider on 7th April for its submission to Defra. The final draft would be sent to the Mayor for approval in time to submit by 24th April.
1. Yarmouth Town Council takes a responsible interest in the environment and healthy seas but believes that the choice of MCZ sites should take into account the importance of the economic and social factors involved for local coastal communities.
2. The Council is concerned that anchoring and fishing restrictions in the proposed Needles site could affect the businesses and jobs of boat owners and crews based at Yarmouth Harbour, which is the nearest commercially operated port. Commercial vessels from Yarmouth using the proposed site include: fishing boats, fishing charters, diving charters, recreational angling, companies giving training for sail or engine powered boats, tourist passenger vessels and leisure adventure activity craft.
3. The substantial contribution of recreational boating is vital to the economy of Yarmouth, with 2 yacht/sailing clubs, 2 boatyards, small marine industries, and harbour moorings for 250 residents and 250 visitors. The estimated income per annum from these is in excess of £0.5million to the Harbour and local businesses are estimated to benefit by £2 million. Anchoring in the spectacular Colwell, Totland and Alum Bays of the proposed MCZ site is a great attraction, with unique features in the Solent of high cliffs, beaches and reasonable anchoring space, for local and visitor boats. Therefore the Council is concerned by the possible economic loss involved if such natural amenities were to be subject to restrictions and regulations.
RESOLVED: That a submission to DEFRA based on the above be drafted by Sylvia Mence and agreed with the Town Mayor.
vii) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
There were no questions from the public..
3/2015DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
Councillor / Personal / PecuniaryS Cowley / Yarmouth Town Trust / Any issue involving Lee Farm or buses
P Cronin / Shareholdings in BT
D McLeary / Yarmouth Institute
Any issue involving Yarmouth CEP School, or the Bugle
4/2015 YTC CASUAL VACANCY
An advertisement had been placed and the outcome would be considered at the May meeting.
5/2015 MINUTES
RESOLVED: To take as read and confirm as accurate the minutes of the Monthly Town Council held 3/3/15.
6/2015 FINANCE
6/2015.1 Payment of Accounts.
The following payments are confirmed for April 2015:
04-Mar-15 DC Amazon Office laptop £274.98
11-Mar-15 DC Microsoft One year technical support £79.17
17-Mar-15 DC Amazon Anti virus software £24.99
23-Mar-15 DC Post Office Stamps £20.16
06-Mar-15 DD BT Telephone & Broadband £45.84
31-Mar-15 1439 The Post Office HMRC PAYE £132.20
31-Mar-15 1440 Brian Jacobs March Salary £528.41
31-Mar-15 1441 Thorley Church March hire charge £25.20
6/2015.2 Bank Reconciliation.
RESOLVED: That the bank reconciliation for March 2015 is accepted.
7/2015 PLANNING ISSUES
7/2015.1 Planning Applications
Application No / Location / Proposal / Dates1.TCP/32108/A
2.TCP/32210
3.TCP/32210/A / 5 West View, Victoria Road, Yarmouth
Tapnell Farm, Newport Road, Yarmouth.
Tapnell Farm, Newport Road, Yarmouth. / Demolition of rear extension and store, proposed single storey extension on rear elevation to form kitchen/breakfast area.
Siting of 6 Wigwams
Proposed change of use to provide an activity centre including high ropes & zorbing course, single storey building to provide reception, store and office. / Comments Due By 17th April
Comments due by 17th April
Comments due by 17th April
RESOLVED: To make the following comment -
TCP/32108/A; Yarmouth Town Council wishes to object as Councillors feel that
the development is over-large and not is keeping with
the neighbouring properties
TCP/32210: No objections are raised, but Yarmouth Town Council would like to
see some tree screening to the north of this
development as it will be clearly visible from houses on the
southern edge of Yarmouth
TCP/32210/A: No objections are raised, but Yarmouth Town Council would like
to see some tree screening to the north of this development as it
will be clearly visible from houses on the southern edge of
Yarmouth. Yarmouth Town Council also seeks an
assurance that public footpath Y10 remain unobstructed by this
development
7/2015.2 Other Planning issues
The following were noted:
Permission Granted:
Permission refused: None
Street Trading Licenses:
Licensing application for Kiosk selling popcorn, candy floss/ drinks on grassed area adjacent to Yarmouth Institute. Renewal of agreement 045384.
LA3 Notification
The following application has been accepted by the licensing authority –
New premises licence at Toms Dairy, Tapnell Farm, Yarmouth
Street Collection Permit
Notification of issue of permit for collection to benefit Christian Aid
.
8/2015 DISCRETIONARY SERVICES
It was reported that the Town Clerk continued to seek further clarity of information from
the IWC.
9/2015 YARMOUTH & THORLEY HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY
The Clerk had previously reported that his analysis of the HNS returns had been transmitted to IWC for processing. The matter was with Peter Griffiths of the IWC, there was nothing further t report at the meeting.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
10/2015 COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mayor Cowley reported that after a significant amount of work the Community Hall at Yarmouth Institute premises was now a registered charity.
11/2015 ANNUAL TENDERS AND QUOTES
Quotations for potential ground maintenance work transferring from IWC had been received from Brighstone Landscaping and Island Ground Maintenance. Both firms had also given quotations for ditching works at the Recreation Ground.
An increase in the contract price of 1.5% from Brighstone Landscaping for cutting the Recreation Ground was also presented
Nick Chandler had submitted a quotation for the maintenance of seats etc
RESOLVED: 1. That the tender from Brighstone Landscaping for grasscutting be accepted
(should grasscutting of the sites become the responsibility of the Town
Council) and that Brighstone Landscaping be instructed to carry out one off
tasks and weed spraying as per the quotations received.
2. The quotation for ditching work from Brighstone Lanscaping be accepted.
3. The increase in the price of 1.5% for cutting the Recreation Ground be
accepted
4. The quotation from Nick Chandler for maintenance work be accepted
12/2015 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
The Annual Town meeting would take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday 21st April at Yarmouth School.
13/2015 RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE
An informal meeting had been held on the 1st April and literature had been produced for distribution to potential local funders. A sum of £70 was agreed as provision for the placement of a banner. It was agreed that Kizzy Cowley and Sue Poston be thanked for their input.
14/2015 CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk reported on the decision of the Planning Enforcement Officer re The Wight House, High Street, Yarmouth. The Planning Enforcement Officer advised that the owner of the White House cannot at the present time prove that he owns the land on which the building is situated and that while the brick outbuilding is unauthorised in terms of the Town and Country Planning Act, the IW Council believes that any harm caused is minimal and should an application be submitted it would be likely to be supported. Therefore no further action will be taken and the enforcement case would be closed.
15/2015 CORRESPONDENCE
RESOLVED: To accept the correspondence list for March as presented
16/2015 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No further items were agreed.
17/2015 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED: To note the date, time and venue of the next monthly meeting and the Annual Council Meeting, May 5th at Yarmouth CEP School.
18/2015 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED: To move the following motion: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted it is advisable in the public interest that the public and press be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.
Signed...... (Town Mayor)
Date......
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