IW Councillors Report: March

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 5^th March,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 5^th March, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 12^th March, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday, 19^th March, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 19^th March, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 27^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd April,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd April, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Tuesday 9^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

Cowes Enterprise College Update.

Last month I attended a meeting with Director and Cabinet Member responsible for overseeing progress on the new college.  I was advised:

·         A Danish project manager was appointed by contractor Pihl who is based locally. This has made a significant difference.

·         Consultants have been asked to assess the roof following concerns raised.

·         Concerns raised regarding the internal layout.  Discussions continue with the College over toilets and balconies.

·         Internal works are due to be completed later this spring.

·         Complaints have been made concerning outstanding planning matters (i.e wall to west of site and roof cooling system).

·         There is a penalty clause within the contract for any delay in completing the project.  

·         IW Council’s priority is to ensure the college is handed over to the Trust at the earliest opportunity, and the IW Council are very anxious of the need to work alongside and support the Contractor completing outstanding work.

The Director emphasised at the end of the meeting that there remains a large amount of work which needs to be done.

Following this, I attended a meeting requested by parents with Governors and Trustees.  I personally found this meeting to be reassuring for parents who raised various issues.

The feedback that I am receiving from parents and staff is that the interim Head, James Stewart is having a very positive approach in what are difficult circumstances for the College.

Gurnard School Site Disposal.

I am advised that following an approach made to the Local Authority for a ‘Free School’, the disposal of the eight school sites on the Island has been embargoed.  This is not only of concern to developers, but also to the Council who require capital receipts from sales.

With regards to the sale of the Playing field and orchard site, this has also meant a delay as this cannot be marketed until the school building site is sold for re-development.

Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

This week the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meets to monitor progress following the local authority being deemed as inadequate for the protection of children according OFSTED.   I proposed this meeting was called, as future Scrutiny Committee meetings were not due to be held until after the May elections.

Economy & Economy Scrutiny Committee.

At the last Scrutiny Committee meeting, I tabled a suggestion that Town and Parish Councils and local businesses are actively involved in work on this year’s Parking Strategy.  I very much hold the view that Businesses located in Town Centres need to supported rather than stifled through what parking strategy the IW Council considers to adopt.

Asphalt Plant Air Quality Licence.

I sat on the Regulatory Committee, which convened to consider the Local Authority Pollution Prevention and Control Permit for the Asphalt Plant, south of Island Grain in Arctic Road.

There was extensive concern raised about perceived background pollution levels for residents of Cowes, particularly given the significance of higher than average asthma rates within Cowes and East Cowes. Councillors felt mindful of deferring a final decision on whether to support granting a licence until background air quality levels could be assessed.

From my point of view, to have a plant in this location would be wrong- particular given it’s very close proximity to housing and the unknown impact there may or may not be on Pm1 and Pm2.5 particles.  EU legislation for Air Quality does not have to take into account this until 2020, and until then I would be concerned as to the impact this could have upon local residents.

For this reason, I personally considered there was substantial grounds to refuse this application and voted accordingly.

Residents Consultation, Baring Road.

I am undertaking a consultation with residents to consider their views concerning highway safety adjacent to Gurnard School in Baring Road- and their thoughts concerning suggestions made from the schools parents’ forum.

Once these have been collated- I will report back!  In the meantime, requests for a zebra crossing outside Gurnard School has been supported with this work indicatively due to be undertaken 2014/5.  I also remain happy that the footpath link, east of Gurnard School on Baring Road remains within the Capital Programme.  

The Range, Place Road.

Sixty residents attended the exhibition held at the IW Community Club to ‘promote’, The Range’s proposal to open up a store on the former Reader’s site in Place Road.  At the exhibition the founder and Chief Executive, Chris Dawson was in attendance, albeit keeping a low profile(!)

The views that came back to me from residents were mainly positive, however some comments were raised about accessibility issues onto Place Road.  In addition to this, consultants have also been in discussions with Planning officers on what impact this could potentially have upon other retailers.

A formal Planning Application is due to be submitted in the following weeks.

Settlement Boundary, Cowes.

Gurnard Parish Council has resolved to request that the Settlement Boundary (formerly the development envelope within the UDP) which includes Gurnard in the Cowes urban area is removed from the Island Plan.

Following advice from an independent planning consultant, upheld by Planning Officers- I am informed this will offer greater protection from settlement coalescence, whilst protecting the green gap of the Jordan Valley to residents of Gurnard, Baring Road and Place Road.

Last Month, I:

·         Received complaints from a bonfire which caused concern to residents of Baring Road and Woodvale Road.

·         Passed on evidence regarding a persistent dog fouler.

·         Attended licensing reviews for the Liquid Lounge, Wight Rock and Hong Kong Express in Ryde.

·         Within the Planning Committee, objected to a Barn Conversion against officers recommendation in Whippingham.

·         Made three Planning Enforcement representations- Two in Egypt Hill and one against Cowes Enterprise College.

·     Called a special meeting with the current Director of Children’s Services to discuss concerns brought to my attention regarding domestic abuse.

·         Cllr Aslam Javaid  and I welcomed Parish Priest Amanda Collinson at her induction service at All Saints Church.  

·         Opted out of attending a Licensing Hearing against a fellow IW Councillor on the grounds that there would be a public perception of bias against a Council colleague.

·         Attended an Appeal Hearing, where two cases were heard.  One was successful, whilst the other wasn’t.

·         Although supporting a freeze in Council Tax, this year I was unable to accept the Budget of the Council’s ruling group as there remains a large number of policies and priorities that I feel are important that was not incorporated within this years proposals.  Whilst supporting the freeze the group of Independent Councillors are consulting with stakeholders before our alternative budget is launched prior to the Election.    
     Attended the launch of the Independents Election campaign, and learnt a great deal from Martin Bell!

·         Can confirm that I intend standing for re-election as IW Councillor.