A Quiet August?

Because, August has been extra-ordinarily quiet this year (or maybe last August was extra chaotic!!), I’ve now set up my IW Councillors Blog- This will enable me to keep monthly reports more updated for residents. I tried to help organise Gurnard Regatta, and hope to improve communication between the community during forthcoming construction works for the Cross-Solent Gas Main and the new Cowes Secondary School. With regards to the new school, I’ve continued to visit residents throughout the summer- some of whom have contributed to representations.

On the Planning Committee, some interesting decisions have been made concerning Garden-Grabbing Planning Policy. At the Planning Committee in August two applications, (one in Pondwell, the other in Ventnor) which would have been approved prior to the 9th June, were recommended by officers for Refusal. On both occasions Councillors overturned these and approved both applications. As a member this caused me some concern as both applications lay outside the development envelope. At the Planning Meeting I took issue with an agent who tried suggesting that this was not policy (it is!!). The appeal for the proposed Cheverton Down Wind Turbines, which I supported has been delayed until February. This follows a request to reduce the turbines height. The two Ventnor Wind Turbine applications are to be considered on 6th October.

During the Summer, I’ve met the Head of Highways to discuss Traffic and Parking matters in Cowes and Gurnard, I’ve arranged meetings with residents and officers to follow up Planning Enforcement matters, and with the support of a local trader assisted the Council to rethink its street trading Licensing fees, which were approved by the Licensing Committee last week. I’ve asked for closer liaison between the IW Council and the Taxi Trade, following recent unpopular changes in Taxi fees. The fees have increased due to the cost of this service, intending to be cost neutral to local authorities.

I’ve also been asked to take action concerning the poor condition of Estate Roads in the area. I’ve asked for these roads to be monitored and prioritised come the PFI. This year, I got in early with my requests for trimming of hedges, with most duly cut back in time for return to school. Place Road, Crossfield Avenue, Baring Road and Tuttons Hill have all been cut back. I’ve also reported an abandoned car in Mountbatten Avenue and have taken up concerns over private parties in Gurnard and nuisance concerning bonfires. I hope to follow this with an update in the Cowes Beacon later this month.

Last week, I attended the Local Access Forum. At the meeting the Forum agreed to promote the 30th anniversary of the long distant footpaths which skirt the Island, and I’ve asked for greater consultation with Parish & Town Councils over this. At the Forum, we requested greater emphasis was given to cyclists and horse riders on the future Pan redevelopment, with gates provided rather than stiles linking the Country Parks. This we considered would enhance access for the disabled.

I was advised that from 1st September, Wightbus were to cease accepting Freedom Tickets (as Southern Vectis does not compensate Wightbus for usage). Because this was very poorly promoted and because of the Wightbus review this month, I asked for this to be put on hold and with thanks to intervention from Cllr. Edward Giles Freedom Tickets will continue to be accepted.