The YarmouthIsle of Wight
Town Council
Minutes of a meeting of Yarmouth Town Councilheld at Thorley Churchon Tuesday 5th March 2013
250/2012 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Cllr B Tongue
PRESENT: Councillors S Cowley, (Town Mayor), R Corbett, S. Mence, P Garlick, C Bennett, S Poston, A Ingram.
IN ATTENDANCE: B Jacobs (Town Clerk), Harbour Commissioner Howard Fair, County Cllr Stuart Hutchinson, and 10 members of the public
251/2012 PUBLIC FORUM:-
i)POLICE MATTERS
A report was received and noted on current policing issues in Yarmouth.
ii)HARBOUR ISSUES
Harbour Development: Phases 2 & 3 of the Harbour Development are nearly complete. After the site has been swept by a road sweeper it will be reopened for Harbour Users and the General Public. There are a few minor outstanding items which are expected to be completed by mid March.There is to be an official opening of Phases 2 & 3on Saturday 20 April
Trees on the Green:YHC has managed to source some disease resistant Elm saplings to be the long term replacement for the Aspen Poplar trees that have rotted. Forty saplings have now been planted in groups and have been fenced as some protection. The trees were provided by the AONB, and the Estuaries Officer obtained a small grant from the West Wight Landscape Partnership towards the planting.
Commissioner Recruitment:Two Commissioners, Martyn Collinson and Howard Fair, leave YHC at the end of May, after nine years voluntary service each to the Commissioners. Mayor Cowley expressed his thanks for their work during that period, and Commissioner Fair commended Cllr Mence for the assistance she provided during his term of office.
2013 Season: YHC has planned a number of initiatives to encourage visitors in 2013, including a free berthing day for visitors(Friday 19 April), attendance at three boat jumbles, midweek discount for overnight visitors, lunchtime (short stay) visitors loyalty programme (fifth visit free),
three-way discount vouchers with two other harbours, and Newsletters to visitor database. YHC wishes to encourage businesses in the local area to support the Harbour’s initiative with their own offers to potential visitors.
iii) ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Hutchinson presented a report on current issues under consideration by the IWC:
Ferries: The Secretary of State for Transport is due to meet with County Councillors on 14/3/13 when they intend to press for Government support for the ferry transport infrastructure.
The Isle of Wight hasguaranteed funding for 9 years towards the 'Visit Isle of Wight' project, and is the only local authority to have given such a long-term commitment; the support is £340K annually, provided match fundingis achieved from the private sector. ‘Visit IoW’ has achieved £1.1M in total for thiswith £1.5M match funding.
Windfarm Appeal:Cllr Hutchinson reported on the Appeal which had been lodged by the Applicants, and the continuing huge local opposition to this Scheme.
2013/14 IWC Budget: There is to be no increase in the County Precept, and no increase in parking fees, as a result of budget savings of £7M.
Super-fast Broadband:The IWC has overcome an EU block relating to provision of improved broadband on the Island, and £3M has been budgeted for funding improvements. The IWC will be selecting their chosen partner in May, and arrangements will be in place by early Autumn.
Cllr Poston asked when the PFI Programme was due to commence and in what part of the Island. Cllr Hutchinson responded that work will commence 1/4/13 in several Island areas simultaneously, though some rearrangement of the Programme could be necessary in the event of unforeseen problems.
A discussion took place regarding Wightlink ferry service reductions, particularly night-time sailings. Cllr Hutchinson indicated that he would like to see legislation to ensure ferry operators provided an adequate service.
iv)THORLEY ISSUES
A member of the public gave a verbal presentation about local opposition to the Windfarm planning appeal. He thanked YTC for their support, and indicated that opposing the Appeal would be costly, as issues were likely to be highlighted other than those already recognised, such as more extensive damage to properties. In particular, IWC have only taken into account the impact on properties to the south of the B3401, whereas the impact on those opposite also need to be considered. The Appeal is scheduled to be heard during the last week in September, and closure was anticipated by Christmas.
Cllr Mence quoted a report from The Times which referred to a scheme whereby energy companies received compensation from the Government for unsold surplus electricity generated on windy days, though acknowledged this was not a planning issue.
Mayor Cowley commented on the possible loss of amenities in the area of the Windfarm, and its visual impact. In response to a question from the public regarding contractors’ vehicles visiting the site, Cllr Hutchinson explained that a new access road was planned for construction. He further went on to explain that the construction of photovoltaic farms was forecast to generate 28Mw of electricity shortly, and it was anticipated that proposed tidal turbines would generate a further 20Mw, both initiatives contributing towards the 2020 IWC target of 100Mw of renewable energy.
Harbour Commissioner Fair suggested that the concrete bases for the turbines could cause waterflow problems in the area.
A member of the public commented on roadway mud deposits caused by recent flooding, and that no action had yet been taken by the IWC. Ditching was required to improve the drainage into Thorley Marsh. The same person also commented on the traffic hazard caused by the lack of a footway at Thorley.
The issue of lack of news regarding the Newclose Farm development was raised, and Cllr Hutchinson reported that the Planning Department were currently inundated with applications.. RESOLVED: The Clerk to make enquiries with the Planning Department about progress of this application.
v)YARMOUTH ISSUES
No Yarmouth issues were raised.
vi) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Richard Leonard of Yarmouth Town Trust enquired about the progress of the Licence to Yarmouth and Calbourne Football Club for the Recreation Ground and urged YTC to conclude this issue by the end of the week. Cllr Mence replied that YTC had forwarded the draft Licence to the Club and was awaiting their response.
No further questions were raised and Public Question Time concluded at 19:30.
252/2012DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL AND DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
Personal / Disclosable PecuniaryS Poston / Yarmouth Town Trust (item 257, 273)
S Cowley / Yarmouth Town Trust (items 257, 273)
WWLP / Any issue involving Lee Farm or buses (item 256)
Y&T Voices (item 259)
S. Mence / HYPP
Y&T Community Plan C’tee
(Item 256)
P Garlick / Yarmouth Institute / Any issue involving buses (item 256)
253/2012MINUTES
RESOLVED: That theminutes of the meeting of the Town Council held on Tuesday 5th February 2013 are taken as read, confirmed and signed as being an accurate record of the proceedings.
254/2012FINANCE
254/2012.1Payment of Accounts.
The following payments are authorised for March 2013:
229/2012.2Bank Reconciliation.
RESOLVED: That the bank reconciliation for February 2013 is accepted.
255/2012PLANNING ISSUES
255/2012.1Planning Applications
The following applications were considered:
Application No / Location / Proposal / DatesTCP/00228/C P/00084/13
/ 5 Station Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410QX / Householder Application Demolition of single storey rear extension proposed alterations single storey extension on front elevation to form new doorway entrance single storey rear extension new roof to provide additional bedroom accommodation within roofspace including 2 rooflights balcony at 1st floor level on rear elevation / Comments Due By: 01/03/2013
TCP/05035/C P/00085/13
/ Towlers Tennyson Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PR / Householder Application Proposed dormer window on south elevation / Comments Due By: 01/03/2013
TCP/31366 - P/00094/13
/ Lavender Cottage High Street Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PN / Householder Application Partial demolition of part of ground floor proposed alterations and single storey rear extension new window at 1st floor level on rear elevation shed / Comments Due By: 08/03/2013
TCP/10569/E - P/00191/13
/ Ossian Cottage High Street Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PN / Householder Application Alterations to conservatory at first floor level to provide full height glazing on front elevation retention of metal spiral staircase on rear elevation and balustrading on side elevation proposed extension to balustrading / Comments Due By: 22/03/2013
RESOLVED: P/00084/13: To object to the inclusion of a balcony on the basis of visual intrusion.
No objection was raised to the remaining applications
255/2012.2Other Planning issues
The following were noted:
Permission Granted:
Application no / Location / ProposalLBC/10862/J - P/01815/12
/ The Loft High StreetYarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PL / LBC for internal and external alterations to include new entrance doors on south elevation alterations and conversion of first floor to form residential unit to include extension on south elevation and external staircase
TCPL/10862/K - P/01814/12
/ The Loft High StreetYarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410PL / Internal and external alterations to include new entrance doors on south elevation alterations and conversion of first floor to form residential unit to include extension on south elevation and external staircase
TCP/24471/W - P/01764/12
/ Tapnell Farm Newport RoadYarmouth Isle Of Wight PO41 / Proposed installation of photovoltaic park
TCP/31105/A - P/01888/12
/ The Barns Newport RoadYarmouth Isle Of Wight PO410YJ / Householder Application Proposed porch
TCP/24471/V - P/01763/12
/ Tapnell Farm Newport Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight PO41 / Proposed installation of photovoltaic park and associated transformer shed
Street Trading Consent has been issued for the following:
Trader Name – Kaputino
Location – All Island Streets
Trading Period – 21 February 2013 to 20 February 2014
TPOs:
THE TOWERS, HIGH STREET, YARMOUTHConsent to the following:
- T1 Magnolia situated as detailed in the application to reduce the overall size of the tree and thin by 10%.
- G3, Holm Oak group situated as detailed in the application to pollard to approximately 50-70% of their current height.
- G4 and G5 Holm Oak groups situated as detailed in the application to reduce and thin by 10%.
Appeals submitted:
P/00706/11 Land South of Wellow, East of Holmfield Avenue, West of Stoneovers and off Broad
Lane, Shalcombe, Yarmouth. Five wind turbines.
Cllr Corbett raised an objection to the length.of time allowed during Public Question Time for discussion of the Windfarm Appeal.
RESOLVED: Mayor Cowley and Cllr Mence to draft comments for submission to the Appeal
256/2012YARMOUTH & THORLEY COMMUNITY PLAN
Mayor Cowley and Cllrs Poston left the meeting and Cllr Mence took the Chair, and presented the Minutes & Advice of the meeting of 18.02.13. She drew attention to item 2.1 regarding a problem with dog fouling in Yarmouth. Cllr Bennett reported that this was a particular problem after a fine weekend. RESOLVED: The Clerk to request IWC to provide additional dog warden patrols.
4.2: Cllr Mence reported that the EIF planting scheme was proceeding well, and that there were sufficient funds available to extend the scheme beyond that originally envisaged.
4.3: SVOC had agreed to supply an alternative notice board, and the cost should be within budget.
6. RESOLVED: The HYPP map should not be made available on the YTC website or digitally to individuals.
257/2012USE OF THE ANCIENT SEAL OF YARMOUTH (TOWN CREST) FOLLOWING ITS REGISTRATION AS A TRADEMARK
Cllr Mence presented the report. A reply to YTT was discusses and agreed.
258/2012LOCAL HEROES FUND
An email from YTT for the reapplication of a donation to the renovation of Yarmouth War Memorial to renovation of the Holmes plaque was considered. Standing Orders were suspended to allow the Chairman of the Trust to report that a specialist had been engaged to report on the condition of the War Memorial, and Cllr Poston rejoined the meeting to participate in the discussion.
RESOLVED: To defer consideration of this issue until the specialist’s report was available.
259 /2012YARMOUTH & THORLEY VOICES PROJECT
Cllr Mence presented a report from Jill Cowley, the project leader.
Mayor Cowley rejoined the meeting.
260/2012PFI/HIGHWAYS ISSUES
Cllr Mence proposed that whoever holds the post of Mayor should represent YTC on the proposed Yar Bridge Operating Board. The motion was seconded by Cllr Bennett and carried unanimously.
261/2012COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mayor Cowley presented a verbal report on the progress of negotiations with Yarmouth Institute regarding the proposed Community Centre, indicating a decision at the latest meeting to form a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which would allow operation of a bar in the Centre to generate necessary revenue.
Cllr Mence reported on a recent meeting with representatives from Yarmouth School, at which it was agreed to keep them informed about progress with the Community Centre.
262/2012MARINE CONSERVATION ZONE 23 (Yarmouth – Cowes)
Cllr Mence reported that no sites in the Solent were proposed for the above for 2013, but that did not preclude the possibility that these could be considered in future years. She had written to David Pugh on this issue, but had not yet received a response.As agreed at the January Meeting, Cllr Mence would prepare and circulate YTC’s response.
263/2012CLERK’S REPORT
263/2012.1VILLAGE GREEN APPLICATION
The responseby the IWC was noted to a letter of complaint from Peter Scott regarding the delay in considering the application for Village Green status for the Recreation Ground.
263/2012.3WOW EVENT 8-13 APRIL
The above event was noted.
263/2012.4TEMPORARY AID TO ARRETON PC
T was noted that the Clerk will be providing temporary assistance to Arreton PC following the departure of their Clerk.
263/2012.5ELECTIONS 2/5/13
Nomination Packs for the forthcoming elections were distributed.
263/2012.6STREET FURNITURE
The Clerk distributed the revised list of assets indicating the seats which will be taken over by Island Roads under the PFI.
263/2012.7DISABILITY SERVICES IN WEST WIGHT
An email received from the Way Forward Group was noted.
263/2012.8FLAGS ON THE COMMON
RESOLVED: Cllr Corbett to liaise with the Fire Service to enlist their services to overcome problems with the middle flagpole, and to arrange with the Clerk for the flags to be deployed.
263/2012.9 YARMOUTH HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
RESOLVED: A request received for a deputy to Peter Garlick was deferred until after the May elections.
263/2012.10 THE BIG SWITCH
A poster concerning the Big Wight Switch was received. RESOLVED: The Clerk to display on the Council notice-board
263/2012.11TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME
A response to an email recently received from IWC regarding theIntegrated Transport Capital Programme was considered. RESOLVED: The Clerk to reply to IWC recommending that their plan for footways in Quay Street be amended to allow the northern footway to be removed and the area allocated to the southern footway.
263/2012.12RECREATION GROUND LEASE
The accidental destruction of the original copy of the Recreation Ground Lease by the Land Registry was noted. RESOLVED: The Clerk to notify Yarmouth Town Trust of this matter, enclosing copies of the letter from the Land Registry.
263/2012.13CAIW AWARDS
The nomination of annual awards by Community Action Isle of Wight (CAIW) was noted. RESOLVED: To nominate Yarmouth Carnival Committee.
264/2012CORRESPONDENCE
RESOLVED: To accept the correspondence list for February as presented.
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265/2012REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES
No reports were presented
266/2012FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
RESOLVED: To include items for grants and tenders, and Office lease on the next agenda.
267/2012DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED: To note the date, time and venue of the next meeting, Tuesday2ndAprilat 6.30pm in Yarmouth Town Hall
268/2012EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED: 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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