IW Cllrs Report: July & August 2013

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Thursday 11^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 16^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30- 6pm, Thursday 25^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 31^st  July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

1:30-2pm,  Monday 12^th August,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday 27^th August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd September,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

The Planning hearing for 21 dwellings in Worsley Road, Gurnard  is due to be held on the 30^th July.  I’m advised that the likely confirmation of officers recommendation for approval will be formally made on 17^th July, with the report available from 23^rd July.

In the meantime, I’m seeking clarification on the current status of the settlement boundary, following representations being made by myself and Gurnard Parish Council earlier this year citing its removal. I’ve also requested what status the village’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan and Housing Needs Survey is likely to have upon this important application.

There has been a great deal of local interest on this particular SHLAA, which resulted in around 100 objections to this application with a clear consensus from residents in Cowes and Gurnard to see the Jordan Valley (above) protected and preserved as  a strategic ‘Green Gap’ in order to prevent settlement coalescence between both communities.

Within the representations to the current proposal, many comments have been raised stating that this application is premature in light of it being a SHLAA site, and by the fact that the recent Housing Needs Survey (which had gained a 60% response rate from residents) is in the process of analysis.

UPDATE:  Following requests made to consider the recently completed Housing Needs Survey- and for these views to be properly analysed, I've persuaded Highways Officers with support from the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services to defer taking this matter to Committee.

Officers will also be looking into policies regarding Settlement Coalescence and views regarding Gurnard's Settlement Boundary.

It is anticipated that the Hearing will take place on 27th August or 24th September. 

Isle of Wight Budget 2013/4: Overview & Scrutiny Presentation.

One of the biggest challenges facing local Council’s in the coming years, is that Council’s will be forced to cut their cloth accordingly, following directives from Government.

At present Councils are financially rewarded to freeze Council Tax (equating to the same as a 1% increase).  Should they consider raising Council Tax above 2%, legislation stipulates that this must first be subject to a local referendum.

With costs (esp. in adult care) increasing, and income reducing, with a further 10% cut planned by Government, this is making next year’s budget setting very challenging. One poignant comment made by the Council’s Managing Director, was that if the Council cut all its discretionary services, there still may not be enough resources available in future years.

Areas that Local Authorities will be reviewing are those where there are income streams, namely Car Parking and Bereavement Services. Inevitably there will be much closer co-operation with Local Town and Parish Councils and a need for neighbouring authorities to share resources. In the meantime, the new Council are investigating further funding opportunities through European Assisted Area Status Grants and funding to help regenerate our local economy. The IW Council are working closely with neighbouring authorities who have supported the IW Council’s bid.

Andrew Turner, MP- Summer Surgeries Monday 12^th August.

Andrew Turner MP, is holding his summer surgeries this year from 11:45-12:05pm at the Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard and from 12:15-12:45pm at Cowes Co-Op, Carvel Lane and I know will look forward to listening and acting upon residents concerns.

As with previous years I look forward to accompanying and supporting Andrew during his visits.

Grass Verges:  Please let me know your thoughts!!

Since Island Roads took over the Grass Cutting contract, I’ve received a handful of complaints regarding grass verges that have not been cut by contractors.

Following representations made to the IW Council, (with evidence supporting ownership by the IW Council) contracts have been altered accordingly to include these areas.

In Cowes West and Gurnard this includes verges in Cliff Road and Place Road.  Please let me know if there are other areas that have not been cut, which the Council previously took responsibility for!

Other Highways Issues.

Following being re-elected, and knowing of difficulties in promptly resolving highway’s matters, I am now regularly (every 4-6 weeks) meeting with officers to report monitor complaints brought to my attention.

Issues which I’ve taken up most recently include overgrown hedges in Baring Road, Cockleton Lane and Place Road, ambiguous signage on Queens Road, requests to see the Event Management Plants for events where vehicles block Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade, glazing replacement at bus shelters and enactment of Cowes’ most recent traffic regulation order.

I am advised that due to hedgerows not being able to be cut at this time of year due to nesting birds, brambles have been cut back to make it safer for pedestrians (particularly children walking to/from school in Baring Road.

Surplus signage: Please tell me your thoughts!!

I have one or two residents who frequently advises me of surplus signage, from redundant bus stops, signage etc. 

I am currently in the process of collating a list for Island Roads to deal with removal of such street furniture.

Please let me know of signage which duplicates notices  and signs which you consider surplus, and in turn I will find out whether this is either necessary, appropriate or worthy of removal.

Gurnard Coastal Path (CS16) Modification.

An opportunity has arisen for the IW Council to modify the coastal path, which currently begins between Cliff Cottage and chalets to the North West of the Luck Bridge.  Rights Of Way considers this is necessary due to coastal erosion. Proposals feature overleaf.

The proposal which will be formally consulted upon moves the entrance south of the chalets and will reconnect to the existing path, whilst providing an opportunity to resurrect a path leading down to Cook’s Bay and the beach below.

At present, I support this modification on the proviso the existing footpath can continue to be used.  For this reason before.  In addition to this modification, Rights Of Way are proposing to move the move the path between Gurnard and Thorness slightly inland due to coastal erosion.

Because of the importance of this order, I have requested that Gurnard Parish Council are consulted.  In the mean time, details of these proposals can be found on Gurnard Parish Council’s websites within the ‘documents’ section.  If you have views, or wish to know more please let me know (The deadline, I’ve been given to respond is 31^st July!)   

Cowes Enterprise College Update.

I attended a site meeting to look around the new College building this month.  It is hoped that before the new school is opened (still on course for September!!) Parents will be invited to see all that the college offers, whilst I am supporting efforts to see the local community have greater involvement. This follows staff and students, familiarising themselves with the new building.

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel Update.

The Isle of Wight Council are investigating options for a future parking strategy which is currently underway.

Members requested further investigation was considered on the following matters:

·         Good Practice elsewhere.

·         Car Parking Permits.

·         Review of long and short term car parks.

·         Payment on exit.

·         Co-operation with local businesses and retailers.

·         Free Short Term Parking.

·         Residents Parking Zones.

·         Parking Enforcement.

·         Disabled Parking.

I have since met with Cllr. Jon Gilbey, Cabinet Member for Assets who has also raised a number of issues which he is investigating further these also include uniformity of parking charges; coach parking; closer co-operation with businesses and parish/town councils; Tourist Permits and the potential for 'Smart' Ticketing.

There were three areas where member involvement and further research would aid the formulation of any future strategy.  These were as follows:

1. Free Short Term Parking.  Would it be financially viable to offer free parking for 30 minutes and can local businesses/ Parish Councils become involved?  What good practice was in place elsewhere?

2.   Payment on exit ticketing. Further research?

3.   Are the current Long and Term Bay Car Parks in the right location, do these need to be revised?

4.   Other issues considered necessary during the Informal Meeting?

Albert Road/ Solent View Road Parking Issues.

Many thanks to those residents who contacted me concerning parking in Albert Road.  Following last months report in Gurnard News 3 residents have supported removing double yellow lines, whilst 3 have objected to this.

The IW Council are unlikely to consider modifying the existing order, unless it is supported by both the Emergency Services and the overwhelming majority of residents.   

In the meantime a resident has asked me to remind neighbours to be cautious when parking in Albert Road, particularly where there are dropped kerbs as this has and continues to cause an obstruction to residents accessing their driveways.

In the meantime, I continue to welcome comments on Albert Road.

Summer Events.

For children’s events, this summer please visit www.wightchyps.org.uk

For general events this summer, please visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk. The Island’s Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also celebrating it’s 50^th year, this year and there is a large programme of on-going events commemorating this anniversary.

For everything you need to know about this years’ Cowes Week Event, please visit:                      www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

Discretionary Housing Payments Consultation.

The council’s Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) policy is to be formalised and will operate from the 2013/14 financial year, subject to a period of consultation with relevant organisations and key stakeholders.

In some circumstances, people in receipt of housing benefit find themselves in a situation where the benefit they receive does not cover the amount of rent they are due to pay.

The policy provides extra support to cover these shortfalls usually on a short-term basis where a claim is made for additional financial support and the applicant is receiving at least the minimum amount of housing benefit. It does not cover shortfalls in the amount of council tax due to be paid.

The policy has been developed to give a consistent and fair approach to providing assistance for vulnerable Island residents in genuine hardship (while they review their situation following the Government’s welfare reforms).

The Isle of Wight Council would value your views and comments on the policy and on our assessment of its likely impact.  You are welcome to do this either as an individual or on behalf of your organisation. To read the policy please visit www.iwight.com/dhp.  This consultation ends on Friday 2^nd August.

You can send comments by email to: customer.services@iow.gov.uk clearly marking it as ‘DHP feedback’ in the subject heading. You can write to the IW Council to request a paper copy of the policy or express views to: Discretionary Housing Payments, Isle of Wight Council Offices, Broadway, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 9EA

In the Past Month,

·         I’ve received further complaints of dog mess in Baring Road.  I’ve requested that local residents copy me into complaints made to Island Roads.  In the meantime, Island Roads also operate a 24hr hotline on 822440!

·         A meeting has been set up to tackle traffic incidents in Rew Street.  This follows further damage caused by traffic last month!  This meeting will be attended by myself, local residents, Highways Officers and the Police.

·         A planning application receiving in excess of 20 comments in Shore Road, has been recommended for Refusal by Officers.  I’ve supported refusal, and am remain grateful to those taking the time to comment!

·         I’ve requested planning enforcement at Cowes Enterprise College, Shore Road and within a Cowes listed building

·         Flytipping occurred on Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.  Action was taken promptly to remove this!

·         I’m seeking to call a meeting with the police to discuss/ review gatherings on Gurnard Beach.  As yet, I’m still awaiting a response from residents on whether they are interested in attending! 

·         I’ve been asked to support local blood doners, following cessation of blood donations in Cowes.

·         Overflowing litter bins and discarded rubbish and barbecues continue to be a problem in Gurnard.  This continues to be monitored and will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council this month.

·         Gurnard’s former school site is due to be marketed by the IW Council following July’s Cabinet meeting.  A meeting has been arranged to discuss disposal of the Playing Field/ Orchard site.

·         I’ve requested the replacement of ambiguous and weathered signage in Queens Road.

·         New street lamps have been installed in Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.

·         I’m supporting a resident’s complaint regarding the discharge of waste from living accommodation from boats moored on the River Medina.

·         At Full Council members voted to continue prayers at the start of meetings (As an atheist, I’m happy to support any form of faith, that fully prepares Councillors for the ordeal of Full Council!!

·         There was conflict upon members on whether or not the Town and Parish Representative on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be offered full voting rights.  Because ‘local’ Councils have much greater opportunities to run public services than local authorities, I very much support voting rights…

·         Last month I also attended two Licensing Committee meetings, two Children & Young People Panel, A Planning Committee (and site visit), a transport Appeal, An Economy & Environment Panel and have just joined the Council’s Audit Committee…