The Isle of Wight Cabinet meet again tonight at County Hall.
One item on the agenda for discussion will be a report about the council’s involvement in the future of Northwood House.
As we reported back at the beginning of June, the Isle of Wight council recently declared they would be stepping away from their responsibilities at Northwood House and passing it over to the Trustees.
Confusion over gift
Over the years there has been come confusion as to who the house was gifted to. The report clarifies the position, pointing out the the Deed of Gift shows that the house was gifted to Cowes Urban District Council (succeeded by Medina Borough Council and subsequently Isle of Wight council) for specific uses as detailed in the report.
Although the house was gifted to the council, the Deed of Gift makes clear (see below) that the grounds of Northwood House were to be retained for the benefit of the town
That land surrounding the House as set forth on the said plan and thereon edged pink shall save as hereinafter provided forever be maintained exclusively as pleasure grounds and as a place of recreation for the inhabitants of and visitors to Cowes and any district which may at any time hereafter be joined to and form part of Cowes.
Medina Housing landgrab
The report reveals some other interesting items, such as the fact that contrary to the Deed of Gift, part of the land was transferred to Medina Housing Association (MHA).
This land was used for social housing, but it has since been discovered that MHA took land from the park that was not theirs.
It goes on to say that boundary issues are being resolved through negotiation of both parties.
Relocation of registrars
As the council will be vacating Northwood House 30 September an alternative location for the births/deaths/marriage registrars will be required.
In the short term, the registrars office and interview rooms will be relocated to Seaclose. We understand from the report that this will result in a slight relocation of planning officers within Seaclose.
In the longer term, the council are looking into Ventnor Botanic Gardens and a larger room at Seaclose becoming approved premises for marriages.
The report continues with further background to the discussions between the council and the Trustees of Northwood House, including details of expenditure and recommendations for the Cabinet members.
Read the Cabinet report (PDF)
Image: Image: © Used with the kind permission of Isle of Wight Historic Postcards
