Binstead and Fishbourne Elects new Independent Councillor

In 2009, Ivor Warlow lost out by 4 votes in the IW Council elections for Binstead and Fishbourne.  This time, myself and other Independents helped to support Ivor's second campaign to serve Binstead and Fishbourne as Ward Councillor-  The votes have now been counted and Ivor has won...... by four votes! Congratulations, and well done Ivor! 

The full results were:

    
Ivor George Warlow, Independent, 428 votes

Ian Cobb, Conservative Party, 424


Tim Wakeley, Liberal Democrat, 139


Daryll Pitcher, UKIP 93


Mick Lyons, Labour Party, 66

Fire Service Call Centre.

I sat on the Scrutiny Committee which asked questions concerning relocating the Fire Call Centre to Surrey.  Questions were put regarding the technology behind the call centre, and reassurances were given to Councillors that the Fire Call centre would not have the same problems for residents as Netley had when the police call centre relocated off-Island.  Other questions were put regarding response times, local knowledge and why we couldn't have a joint call centre for all emergency services operating within the Island.

All of the responses were answered by the Chief Fire Officer who passionately believes that relocating the call centre to Surrey is best for the Island and it's fire service...  

However given the views of residents, both Councillor Barry and I thought that this decision should be taken by the Full Council (i.e The Fire Authority), and the justification for making this decison should be made within the public arena.  Unfortunatly we were outvoted as all other members of this Scrutiny Committee were supportive of the Cabinet Member making this decision (and are members of the same political group). 

This is the reason why I consider the scrutiny structure fails to work. If you're going to fill politically proportioned Scrutiny Committees, why not do the same with cabinet positions.  What is wrong with all members being part of the decision making process?

At last nights Full Council meeting, members put together a motion so this debate could take place, but due to potential of cost implications within the Council the matter needed to be deferred until July 20th.

Although I've stated I'm reassured by the questions I've put, my decision is finely balanced and if a robust argument can be put forward against relocating this service to Surrey, I'm more than happy to put these forward during this debate and reconsider my current position.

Update on Replacement Bus Service

I’ve confirmed my support of the joint Cowes, Gurnard & Northwood Local Council’s proposals for it’s Community Bus Scheme, and understand this was the first scheme to be received by the Isle of Wight Council.

I remain positive that work on training can now progress.

The timetable the working party asked for will run from 9am- 2pm and will mirror the route of Service 32, calling at Briary Court, Cowes Medical Centre, Cowes Co-Op with a deviation to Rew Street and Hillis Corner. I remain hopeful that the new service will run from Monday - Saturday's, rather than Monday - Fridays (Saturday services will need to be funded by residents paying a voluntary donation on buses)  

What I've been up to in the last month

• I’ve been inundated by residents reps re: the SHLAA and have endeavoured to respond to every letter that has been copied to me.

• I delivered 2100 Annual Reports to constituents and I have taken up a number of minor issues on behalf of residents following its delivery. These included Adult care matters, Grass Verge Cutting, Litter Bins, Street Lighting and Dog Mess.

• I attended the Young People Scrutiny Committee, and challenged delays Reorganising the Youth Service

• I continue chasing a number of Planning Enforcement issues.

• A whole section of Parklands Avenue was repaired following persistent requests.

• The IW Council are chasing up trees to replace those lost following the construction of new homes in Solent View Road.

• I am in correspondence with Waste Services following incidents of fly tipping in St. Mary’s Road Car Park drawn to my attention by a Cowes Town Councillor.

• Hedgerows have been cut back in Place Road, trees have been trimmed in Woodvale Road next to Dottens Farm and trees removed for housing are due to be replaced in Solent View Road.

• I’ve asked for action to be taken by the IW Council following more trees being cut back without permission in Spencers Copse and TPO’d woodland between properties and the sea in Solent View Road.

• Given the public concern, I requested the relocation of the Fire Control Centre to Surrey being considered by Full Council.

• The new Cowes Enterprise College is running a Term ahead of schedule, and it is hoped that children can move into the new school a term earlier than was anticipated.

• A large section of Parklands Avenue has been repaired following damage from winter weather.

Gurnard Beach

Action Taken on Dog Mess, Litter and Beach Parties. 

I've been approached by residents complaining about litter on Gurnard Beach (West of Gurnard Sailing Club), In addition I’ve received complaints concerning dog mess on Shore Path. The Isle of Wight Council, did not intervene because they considered the beach to be satisfactory. I have pointed out that the beach is only satisfactory because residents have been removing litter themselves, and without their support the situation would be a lot worse. I am therefore advising if residents see rubbish they contact the Council on 821000 (or 821105 out of hours) or me on 289595.

 

In the meantime, I’ve asked both the police to ‘increase their patrols’, during the week in order to discourage anti-social gatherings and have requested the Beach Cleaning team to monitor the area for rubbish. I’m asking that this continues to be monitored and reviewed.

On Saturday 25th June, at 10am, I will be joining Parish Council Chairman and others in Gurnards Beach Clean.  I will 'shout' any residents joining the Beach Clean to an Ice Cream after we finish!     

 

A Gurnard Parish Councillor alerted me to the ’Basic Pass’, which the Marine Conservation Society awarded Gurnard Beach. Last year the MCS awarded Gurnard as a ’Recommended Beach’. In the last year Gurnard passed the higher recommended standards for water quality, on all but one occasion. On 22nd September, when this benchmark was not met the quality of water remained within the legal requirements. Of all other 11 beaches on the Island that were tested, only one, Ventnor had the higher recommended water quality standards consistently. Water Quality is tested by the Environment Agency.

 

I have asked the Marine Conservation Society whether they are using the same data as the IW Council does for the Seaside Award, where the MCS are setting the benchmark when compared to the EA and I am asking where they consider there to be a problem and how can this problem be addressed?

Isle Of Wight Festival

I sat on the Council’s Committee, who granted the Licence for this years Isle of Wight Festival.

Local Newport Councillors had expressed concerns that the long term increase to 89,999 from 69,999 will be to the detriment of residents living in Fairlee, Barton and Pan, and suggested numbers remained at 69,999.

From the perspective of objectors, the Police and Highways felt the site was adequate to cope with 100,000, whilst Environmental Health were happy to endorse the steps the IW Festival had taken to finish earlier than in 2010, and had every confidence in consultants to reduce noise nuisance. Therefore, it would have been difficult to sustain any refusal in light of these findings. I suggested than on the condition the applicant liaises closly with Local Councillors, I was happy to see the Festival approved.

Prior to the event  Members of the Licensing Committee visited the site to see for ourselves the steps being taken by organisers.

I also sat on a Licensing Committee that objected to a local business who asked to sell food on two driveways in Fairlee Road, after 11pm. This objection was refused on perceived Crime and Disorder grounds whereby concern was raised that people leaving the Festival Site waiting to be served food could become disruptive and potentially disturb local residents.  This could be if approved, the additional need for a police presence away from the Festival Site.   

Baring Road

There has been considerable disruption for residents of Baring Road since developments commenced at Essex House, The Moorings and at the new Solent Heights (formerly The Brambles) development in Egypt Hill. I have asked that in light of these three developments alongside others nearby, that a traffic scheme was put in place to lessen disruption for residents. Since implementation most problems concerning traffic have reduced.

 

In Egypt Hill, it was noted that damage was caused to the road outside Solent Heights. This has been repaired and continues to be monitored by Highways.  I continue to monitor the situation, and ask that if I miss anything residents lets me know difficulties they experience. 

Parking matters

PAVEMENT PARKING BYE-LAW REJECTED.

The IW Council will not be taking further action following requests for a bye-law preventing pavement parking. Although I continue to receive complaints from residents of Place Road, I am grateful to those residents who are now parking sensibly by allowing enough room for double buggies and motorised scooters to get past.

DOUBLE YELLOW LINES FOR THE AVENUE REJECTED.

I have received complaints concerning residents parking impairing visibility up The Avenue from Tilbury Road. Although I was asked for double yellow lines on the Avenue, the IW Council will take no further action, since this is not recognised as an accident hotspot. The IW Council has suggested that both myself and the Parish Council urge residents to be considerate in ensuring visibility splays are kept clear.

RESIDENTS PERMITS CHALLENGED BY INDEPENDENTS.

 

This week my 'group' met with the Director that oversees car parking, Stuart Love.  Within our alternative budget we wanted to see local car parks filled, and felt that by offering an annual £150 permit would help residents, raise revenue for the Council whilst encouraging more shoppers into our struggling Town Centres.

 

The Director held the view that such a permit would cost the Council money rather than generate income. Last year following the removal of the £75 permit, car parking revenue increased by 18%.  Although it should be noted the degree of increases were more pronounced in some car parks than they were in others.

 

I suggested during the meeting that an area was used (where car park revenue fell or remained stable) as a pilot to see whether we were correct in our conclusions

 

MORNINGTON ROAD: RESIDENTS SEASONAL PARKING TO BE INVESTIGATED

 

One such Car Park that earned less money last years than it did in previous years is Mornington Road Car Park in Cowes

I have been approached by Queens Road and Cliff Road residents requesting to use Mornington Road Car Park, during the winter. Last year the revenue collected from this park amounted to £1066. Of this £1019 was raised during August.

I believe this amount of income does not justify best value- either for the IW Council, or local residents. I am looking forward to discussing this further with Deputy Council Leader Cllr. George Brown (who is the local Councillor for this car park) to see whether there are other options that might be considered.

Pan Meadows: New Homes for Local People?

I’ve been contacted by several residents who heard that Pan Meadows are being marketed to ‘Northerners’. I’ve been told by 'concerned' residents that apparently ‘up north’ there are bill boards promoting this development, whilst ‘coach loads of visitors from the mainland are seeking Island Housing'.

Although this has been refuted by the Isle of Wight Council, I have undertaken my own research and confirm I can’t find anything to substantiate this rumour. I’ve undertaken an extensive search of the internet and have found no evidence of any Authority marketing Pan Meadows outside the Island (other than via Barratt’s internet portal). Furthermore, I’ve been advised the IW Council are not in partnership with any other mainland housing authority- from 'the North', or elsewhere for that matter and there are no proposals to suggest this is likely to change. If  I have got this totally wrong I am asking residents to present me with any evidence so that I can take this up!...... 

SHLAA Update: What Happens Next?

May was frantic in raising awareness to the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment within the Island Plan consultation.

I undertook a letter drop to households immediately adjacent to sites identified by landowners and others for future housing. This was followed up by the public meeting in Gurnard and a more widespread letter-drop by residents of Gurnard and Cowes urging neighbours to visit the consultation and make representations. Many thanks to everybody who has registered their reps, and those who volunteered in the letter drop.

I am optimistic that the Pine Tree Close ’suggestion’, should be the first to be removed as all seven landowners ferociously object to this sites inclusion. Meanwhile, I’ve posted my formal objection about the SHLAA designations online below.

The Council received 891 representations from 550 respondents; 313 related to the SHLAA, whilst 289 related to specific sites in the Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood area. The Planning Policy Unit adds the following:

Next Steps: SHLAA

The Council will use the comments on the SHLAA to update the Assessment, which will include removing sites at the request of the landowners and amending specific site assessments where appropriate. The updated SHLAA will then be available on the Council's website. All sites currently included within the SHLAA will now be subject to much more detailed analysis and that detailed analysis will help the Council to determine which ones remain real options for future housing sites. This analysis will be based upon detailed analysis of transport issues, ecology issues and also analysis of local need and the policies within the core strategy. I would draw you attention in particular to the local needs issue, particularly if your local communities have undertaken any work on a local housing needs survey.

Next Steps Core Strategy

At this stage in the process we cannot make direct changes to the Core Strategy in light of the representations received, we can only suggest to the Inspector the changes that we would like to make. It will be for the Inspector to determine whether the changes that the Council suggest, and indeed changes that people suggested in their representations, can be made to the Plan. This does not mean that we cannot make changes to the SHLAA as this is supporting evidence to the core strategy. Therefore it will be possible to refine the analysis undertaken on the SHLAA sites and update the document itself without impacting upon the content of the Core Strategy.

The Council are not proposing to make major amendments to the Core Strategy (i.e. change the number of new dwellings planned and the general distribution of them). However, the Council will be using the representations received in its work on the Medina Valley Area Action Plan and will be looking in detail at all the sites considered to ensure that it brings forward only the most appropriate options in relation to any development in the Cowes/ Gurnard/ Northwood area. An important element of work on the Area Action Plan will be identifying important local green gaps to ensure that settlements to not coalesce.

To help the Inspector, we are currently summarising the issues that have been raised. This process not only assists the Inspector, but also enables the Council to understand in detail all the representations and any changes that are being suggested. The summary of the issues, along with all the representations received and the Core Strategy and accompanying documents are due to be submitted to an independent Planning Inspector on the 24th June. It is likely that examination hearing sessions will take place in the first couple of weeks in September.

In the meantime, within the Natural Environment White Paper the Government are investigating means whereby local communities can have more of an input within shaping Planning Policy. Although details are a bit sketchy, I’ve been advised there will lie the opportunity to protect important green spaces from future development by their inclusion within ‘Neighbourhood Plans’. If you want to know more please let me know!