IW Councillors Report: August 2014

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Thursday 31^st July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Tuesday 12^th August, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6:30pm, Thursday 28^th August, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

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

Place Road Planning Application: REFUSED.

Fantastic News!  The Application to develop 86 new homes between Place Road and Tuttons Hill, was refused by the Planning Committee 5 votes (Cllrs. Eccles, Hollis, Howe, Nicholson, Whitby-Smith) to 1, (Cllr. Barry) with 1 councillor (Cllr. Baker-Smith) abstaining. This decision was taken following advice from officers who recommended this application was approved.

Many thanks to all residents who made formal comments, protested and attended the hearing.  My grateful thanks to Greg Malone & Cllr Sean Harrison from Gurnard Parish Council for speaking so passionately at the hearing. The end result being worth the hard work that so many contributed towards.  Your hard work and dedication to our local community, (especially to those involved with the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan) is very much appreciated!

The reason given for refusing the application, was Planning Committee members felt land between Place Road and Tuttons Hill was not felt to be ‘appropriate land’ given its intrinsic value as a green gap between Cowes and Gurnard.  This was outlined as being the most sustainable reason for turning this application down.

As with all Planning Applications that are refused, the applicant maintains the right to appeal against the Committee’s decision to the Planning Inspectorate.

My full transcript features in the special article below!

As ward councillor, I’m representing Cowes and Gurnard’s residents overwhelming opposition to this Planning Application.

Since 2011 residents have clearly put forward consistent and sustainable reasons why the Jordan Valley must be safeguarded as a wildlife corridor and strategic green gap between both communities.  Residents are conscious of the threat of settlement coalescence and some members of this Planning Committee will have seen how the settlement boundary and green gap continues to be nibbled away at by successive planning applications.

Contrary to the statement in Para 6.23, the watercourse that runs through this site is not the ‘Woodvale Stream’, it is in fact the River Jordan. When residents state they wish to see the Jordan Valley safeguarded they clearly see the Jordan Valley as the Green Gap that starts at Place Road and ends at Woodvale Road and encompasses all in-between.  Ask any resident of Gurnard, or resident living adjacent to this site, if you do not believe me!

This is reinforced by consultation through surveys, public meetings, Planning For Real Exhibitions, more surveys and most recently a Housing Needs Survey which resulted in a 60% response rate.  This evidence is robust because local residents want greater control in shaping their destiny through localism.

As a Planning Committee member for 11 years I don’t always agree with officers, and I do understand Governments presumption in favour of development.  However in this case, having read all 511 comments on-line, I know the recommendation for approval is overwhelmingly wrong! 

Since 1995, I’ve never seen a housing application that’s been opposed so vehemently.  If approved, what we will see is a new settlement being shoehorned into the strategic green gap separating Cowes from Gurnard.

I remind members of NPPF’s 12 overarching principles. In this instance most relevant are two principles, the first which empower local people to shape their surroundings, through local plans whilst the second protects the status of Green Gaps.

On access, there is reference to the capacity of the Roundhouse junction.  Of concern is the statement that there is no clear engineering solution to futureproof this junction.

No mention is made that the junction with Newport Road at Nodes Road, is at capacity, according to the MVAP Discussion Document. Why?

Furthermore, there is acceptance by officers that no consideration has been given to the redevelopment of the former Readers Site 200m south. Why?

What doesn’t feature in your report are the extensive studies undertaken by Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee. This evidence was reinforced by Cowes Town Council, which acknowledged some housing need, but went on to state that 91% residents felt the green gap between Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood is important should be protected.

In your report it is noted that brown field sites do exist, both in Gurnard and elsewhere within the Medina Valley. Surely this land and more ‘appropriate’ green field sites should be considered before developing on this green land?

A number of Gurnard’s Steering Committee has stated to me, what is the point of engaging on a one to one basis with residents, when Gurnard’s feedback is totally disregarded in favour of out of date evidence from seven years ago, and a desktop study!  These residents feel upset and very much let down by Planners who seemingly fail to acknowledge their efforts.

I know our officer’s decision is very much on balance.

Planning Committee members, will judge officers views with the feedback from our local community, particularly on whether any principle of development on this land is considered appropriate.

I ask members to support the hundreds of residents who feel this strategic green gap to be ‘not appropriate’, land within the context of SP1- Highlighted in Paragraph 6.22 of your report.

I ask that consideration is given to Cowes Town Council, Gurnard Parish Council, Northwood Parish Council, The CPRE, Islandwatch, the Island MP… Me, in supporting this land is ‘not appropriate’.

I ask members to consider localism, and do they want to see an application approved where there has been no engagement by the applicant with the community that will be impacted upon.

I ask that consideration is given to fact this application contradicts Gurnard’s Housing Needs Survey, it flies in the face of NPPF Policies relating to Local Empowerment, and protection of green gaps and finally the size and scale of this proposal, in this location is overkill.  

This IS an important application not only for Gurnard, but for Cowes and the wider community who have high expectations of localism and how we as Councillors embrace this and empower our communities. I therefore ask the Committee to REFUSE this application, due to it being contrary to Policy SP1, SP5 and DM13.

Cllr Paul Fuller, IW Councillor for Cowes West & Gurnard.  22^nd July 2014.

Worsley Road Development.

The decision notice for 15 dwellings at land rear of 44 Worsley Road has now been signed.  This means that work can now start on developing this site.

Planning Applications: Navitus Bay.

The Planning Inspectorate are in the process of considering the application to provide up to 194 (5,6 or 8MW) off-shore wind turbines 17.3km south of The Needles and 14.4km from Durlston Head, Dorset. The maximum tip height of the turbines would be 200m.

The applicant states if approved, the wind farm would produce energy equivalent to that used by 710,000 homes.

As consultee, The IW Council’s Planning Committee supported in principle the proposal. The Committee requested further information from the applicant on the potential impact upon noise and the ecology.   

Planning Applications: Asda and The Range.

Despite concerns by businesses, the Planning Committee approved use of two sites south of Newport for a new supermarket. 

Following this decision, the application for The Range, Place has been signed off.  This follows representations from Planners that objections raised by neighbours were not sustainable should the decision be appealed.

MP’s Surgery

I will join Andrew Turner MP who will be holding his Summer Surgery’s on the following dates:

11:45-12 noon, Tuesday 12^th August:  Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:10-12:40pm, Tuesday 12^th August: Co-Op, Terminus Road, Cowes.

Coastal Access Act Update.

There has been some good news for ramblers.  DEFRA has now agreed to include the Isle of Wight in the Coastal Access Act.  I made comments on behalf of local residents back in 2012, which supported views of the Ramblers Association to include the Island. I am thrilled to bits the Coastal Path will receive the support now that it deserves!!

Many thanks to those residents who also campaigned to DEFRA for this!

Environmental Health Issues:

Bonfires.

With the hot days and warm evenings, I continue to receive phone calls from irate residents complaining about bonfires. In most cases they tend to be resolved following a quick telephone call.  In many cases neighbours, do not realise they are causing a problem until they are told about this!!

In Baring Road, last month I received calls from residents regarding bonfires.  This did cause some problems for residents of a nearby Residential Care Home, however following calls from Environmental Health these fires were extinguished…

Seagulls.

I’m advised by Environmental Health, that it has again been necessary for the IW Council to write to residents in Tilbury Road, Gurnard following complaints of gulls fouling on clean washing and cars.

The advice I received from the RSPB several years ago, when I last reported this was that it is helpful, if residents could acquire feed dispensers, rather than scatter waste food etc. These are helpful insofar as these discourage larger herring gulls who are a predatory and are a dominant species.

Highways: IW Councillors meeting with Island Roads.

Myself, Councillors. Nicholson and Peacey-Wilcox met with Island Roads last month.  Action Points from the meeting were:

·         The Traffic Management Plan for Cowes Week would be circulated to All Cowes Members & Town/ Parish Councils.

·         Island Roads were in the process of ensuring all existing Traffic Orders were legitimate. Therefore no new orders were likely to be implemented until March 2015.

·         Further discussion would take place between IW Councillors, Cowes Town Council, Cowes Business Association and Island Roads to reinstate the bollards in Cowes High Street. Island Roads were investigating the serviceability of the bollards. If there was an additional cost implication this would be referred back to the Town Council and Business Association.

·         The Gratings in Cowes High Street were being investigated, this follows them becoming corroded and filled.  These would be repaired, whilst the section between Fountain Quay and Terminus Road replaced this Autumn.

·         There continues to be an issue with responsibility over certain Grass Verges, these continue to be monitored and assessed.

·         Island Roads were working with Scaffolders to ensure best practice was followed.   

Sea Wall Maintenance, Gurnard.

In the last few weeks, both myself and the IW Council have received calls regarding works being undertaken on the beach between Gurnard Sailing Club and Gurnard Marsh.

Earlier this year a number of Solent View Road residents did let me know that work was due to take place to repair sea frontages, which became damaged during winter storms.   These residents did advise that this maintenance had received necessary consents from the IW Council’s Coastal Protection department and from Park and Beaches.  

Since receiving calls, I understand the work continues to be monitored by officers.  

In the last month.

·         I’ve attended Full Council, 2 Planning Committee Meetings (and site visits), 2 Exec. Advisory Committees (Children’s Service and Adult Health/ Community Wellbeing) and the latest meeting of the IW Association of Local Councils

·         I’ve requested dropped kerbs to be considered for Park Road.  Funding for this may be accessed through the Highways Contingency Fund.

·         A second meeting with Marsh Road residents was held.  Flood Defence Information will be circulated to householders, whilst a grant to repair and reinstate the seawall at Marsh Road has been applied for.

·         I responded to the consultation for local Area Action Plan. My response can be found at paulfullercc.blogspot.com

·         Gurnard Parish Council are arranging a meeting with the landowners to discuss the future of the coastal path.

·         Parks & Beach are due to replace signage prohibiting dogs off leads on Gurnard Beach.

·         The police have offered to step up patrols on Gurnard Beach following complaints from residents.

·         I’ve received training on loans and investments that the IW Council undertakes, as a member of the Audit Committee, received training on school transport, Emergency Planning and helped organise the Annual Planning Site Visit for members of the Planning Committee.  

·         Cowes Town Council will consider a new litter bin for Blackberry Lane, following funding being unavailable via the IWC.

·         Whitepit Lane will have a new off-licence following a Licencing Committee I attended.  The objector failed to appear!!

·         I’ve taken up concerns raised over the transferral of the freehold at Cowes Enterprise College to Ormiston Academies Trust, with IW Council leader Cllr. Ian Stephens.

Medina Valley Area Action Plan Comments.

1 What are your views on the use of brownfield land first, to support regeneration, and the impacts this could have on infrastructure development?

In my opinion the re-development of brownfield sites should be a priority for the local authority.

2 If viability is an issue on brownfield sites, should the local planning authority take a pragmatic approach to negotiating s106 contributions?

Yes.  It is important that developers help to contribute towards infrastructure, although to a lesser extent when permitted to develop brown field sites

3 Should housing allocations be made on fewer, larger sites or on a higher number of smaller sites?

In the discussions that I have with residents, there is a clear preference to developing on smaller sites than on larger sites

4 What are your views on how the council should approach the size of sites that it allocates in the Medina Valley Plan?

At the moment the IW Council seems very focused on potentially developing sites of over .5 hectares, this has been outlined by the proposed SHLAA sites.  Locally, in Cowes West and Gurnard there are a number of ‘small’ infill sites, which I consider would lend themselves to redevelopment.

5 What are your views on these broad locations for new housing development?

There are an excessive number of large SHLAA sites, whereas smaller sites would be preferable.  Locally the SHLAA sites would create coalescence between the Cowes and Gurnard communities which residents quite rightly feel protective over. 

6 How do you think the council should define “immediately adjacent” to the settlement boundary?

The term inside, or outside the settlement is easy for both the wider community and developers to define.  Questions are often raised as to the meaning of ‘immediately adjacent’- What does this mean, how far can this extend to?  By not fully understanding this term gives the green light potentially for developers to take advantage of what is a vague statement, potentially to extend a development extensively beyond the settlement boundary.  Perhaps a way to address this would be to stretch the settlement boundary slightly to include some areas that are currently immediately adjacent to.

 7 What are your views on the approaches to ensuring no adverse effects on the integrity of designated sites within and next to the Medina Valley as suggested in paragraph 2.3?

Within Cowes and Gurnard, there is a reduction in the numbers of homes traditionally used for affordable homes.  In both Gurnard and Cowes, sea views are increasingly important and in recent years modest chalets (Horn Hill, Marsh Road, Shore Road, Solent View Road, Princes, Esplanade, Egypt Esplanade and Queens Road) have been replaced by new homes very much marketed outside the reach of local people.

In order to counter this, it would be useful if (where this occurs) an allocation could be setaside from developers towards affordable housing for local people.

8 Should the council seek ‘local lettings’ policies wherever possible, and if so should any particular group(s) of people be prioritised?

Yes.  Elderly residents wanting to downsize, whilst allowing younger residents especially young families to upsize, and move to accommodation which is fit for purpose.

9 Do you agree with the suggested amendments shown in the maps on the following pages?

Yes, mostly.  The only amendment I would make is to move the boundary on Place Road to run down the centre of the road, rather than to the rear of the building line.  This boundary would then be similar to that of Baring Road, and would be consistent to the Parish Boundary of Cowes and Gurnard.

10 Do you think there are any other areas where changes to the settlement boundary should be considered?

Please see above.

11 If enough land cannot be identified within or immediately adjacent to settlement boundaries, what other locations do you think should be considered for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople?

I have not had the opportunity to discuss this with my local community, However before a decision is made as to whether a site is located (or not), I consider that it is relevant to discuss this with the Travelling Community and Parish/ Town Councils.  I think within the Island it might be difficult to identify a ‘formal’ site given land availability and restraints.

12 Should the council seek to regularise existing unauthorised stopping places as an alternative to providing new sites?

No Comment.

13 What are your views on the need for a B8 distribution centre within the Medina Valley?

No Comment.

14 Should we protect employment sites with water access, to make sure they are not lost to other uses?

 Yes, All employment sites especially those with water access sites should be protected.  However, I see no reason why future residential development cannot be sited in close proximity to these sites.

15 How can the council support the individual shopping offers of Cowes, East Cowes and Newport town centres?

It is clear that people use town centres differently than in the past.  The night time economy and the use of living accommodation above shops has assisted in the regeneration of town centres particularly Cowes.

One issue that shop keepers have raised to me is the unfairness that edge of/ out of town shopping venues- complimented by the benefits of free parking.  Shopkeepers advise me this is unfair, and seek redress through the planning system and the need for a more level playing field.  Out of Town Free Car Parking is particularly an area where shopkeepers would like a rethink.  In mainland authorities there is an expectation that the further out of town a retailer is, the more money ‘they’ should contribute to regeneration of towns, through a requirement to charge for parking.  One example given to me is Leamington Spa…

16 What are your views as to the suggestion that the main shopping area boundaries should be altered as set out in paragraph 9.4?

I think it is difficult to define what is primary shopping areas and what is not.  In recent years Cowes has regenerated.  There are important shops and businesses outside the primary shopping area, that if lost- would make the town less of a sustainable location and would impact upon the character of the town.   Some of Cowes’ best locations have been lost to Estate Agents etc, which I sense could be located elsewhere. 

 17 Are there any main town centre uses that we should restrict in certain areas, and if so where and why?

Please see above.

18 Should there be core areas for specific main town centre uses, and if so what uses and where?

I support the principle of giving towns themed areas.  This could be a means of regenerating zones of towns that are under-utilised and require regeneration.

19 What are your views as to the suggestion that the main shopping area boundaries should be altered as set out in paragraph 9.8?

Retain shopping areas as they are.

20 Are there any main town centre uses that we should restrict in certain areas, and if so where and why?

No Comment.

21 Should there be core areas for specific main town centre uses, and if so what uses and where?

 No Comment.

22 What are your views as to the suggestion that the main shopping area boundaries should be altered as set out in paragraph 9.15?

No Comment.

23 Are there any main town centre uses that we should restrict in certain areas, and if so where and why?

No Comment.

24 Should there be core areas for specific main town centre uses, and if so what uses and where?

 No Comment.

25 What are your views on the areas of land listed within paragraph 10.4?

I support all these areas being included to prevent settlement coalescence.

26 Are there other areas that need protecting to prevent settlement coalescence?

Land between Place Road, Tuttons Hill and Cockleton Lane (The Upper Jordan Valley).  This has been borne out, and is evidenced through consultations with the Cowes and Gurnard Communities.  (See SHLAA feedback , Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan, Cowes Town Council’s  Consultation, Comments regarding proposals to develop on this land and Consultation that I have embarked with residents from Baring Road and Place Road).

27 Other than the actions suggested in paragraph 11.3 can you think of any other opportunities there may be to improve the GI provision in the Medina Valley?

Protection of other Green Spaces i.e

·         Notably the ‘whole’  of the Jordan Valley, between Place Road, Baring Road, Woodvale Drive and Worsley Road.

·         Dormers Copse and Land south of Princes Esplanade, Gurnard and Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.

·         The Luck Valley between Cockleton Lane, Marsh Road and Rew Street.

I am also suggesting:

·         The settlement boundary is amended from the rear of the building line on the western section of Place Road to follow the Cowes Town/ Gurnard Boundary in the centre of Place Road. 

·         The settlement boundary is removed in totality from Gurnard

·         Careful consideration is given to what is meant by immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary, and how far this can extend.

Other areas, I will be requesting to be safeguarded in Cowes West include:

·         Land west of Churchill Road, Cowes (Old Reservoir?)

·         Westwood Park, Reynolds Close, Cowes.

·         Sports Field, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

·         The Green, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

·         Cowes Golf Club, Crossfield Avenue Cowes.

·         Grass Verges in and opposite Magdalen Crescent, Cowes.

·         Mornington Wood and Mornington Green, Mornington Road, Cowes.

·         Northwood Park, Ward Avenue, Cowes.

·         Land adjacent and north of Blackberry Lane, Cowes.

28 Do you think it’s a good idea to start a Newport to West Wight cycletrack, based on the former railway route?

Yes.  This will help to promote tourism and provide an off road route to the West Wight.  I would suggest that this route is accessible to horseriders also.

29 Do you think the current locations of local level recycling facilities are right? If so why, if not can you suggest any alternative locations?

One difficulty highlighted to me is the inability for non-car users to access recycling facilities.  Light Bulbs, Electrical Equipment, Paint and Furniture can often be difficult for elderly and mobility impaired residents to get rid of.   To have a service where these goods could be collected would be very helpful to residents reliant upon public transport.

30 What items do you want to be able to recycle at these local level recycling facilities?

See Above.

31 What are your views on the sites in paragraph 12.9?

No comment.

32 Should there be more local waste facilities in the Medina Valley or would you prefer to see a larger appropriately located waste management facility that would be capable of dealing with most of the Island’s waste?

The key for me, would be that waste could be collected.   

33 What, if any, types of renewable energy technologies would you like to see on new developments?

Renewable Energy technologies will need to become more accessible within the life of the MVAAP.  Solar Panels, Domestic Wind Turbines and Geothermal Technology, are renewable energies that warrant greater promotion.  At the same time, exceeding guidelines for more effective energy efficient new homes would greatly help reduce the Isle of Wight’s Carbon footprint.  

34 Do you think the council should use its resources to further explore whether such a bridge is feasible?

No Comment.

 35 Do you agree that there should be a Floating Bridge between Cowes and East Cowes? What are your views on the importance of a pedestrian and vehicle link across the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes?

Yes.  The Floating Bridge helps to underpin the sustainability of both towns, and whilst it exists there remains an opportunity to by-pass growing congestion on the Coppins Bridge gyratory system in Newport.

 36 Do you think that the council should consider the potential for park and ride for Newport?

Yes.  However to be effective the Park and Ride would need to be cheaper, more convenient, more reliable, more comfortable and more accessible to Newport than the private car if it is to be successful.

37 Are there any sites that you think would make good park and ride sites? If so where?

The Old car parks Parkhurst Road?

38 If this project goes ahead what, if any, uses would you wish to see developed on the current marshalling areas in East Cowes?

No Comment

39 Do you support the improvements planned for East Cowes?

No Comment

40 Should the “Union Jack” building be retained as part of the project, and if so what could it be used for?

No Comment.

 41 Is there any reason why we shouldn’t deliver interactive signalling to advise users of traffic-related problems before they arrive in East Cowes?

 No Comment.

42 In addition to those listed in paragraph 16.3, are there any other junctions that you think are at capacity, or are problematic, and if so can you suggest any solutions?

No Comment.

43 Are there any particular utility infrastructure issues within the Medina Valley that you think we need to be aware of?

In Gurnard there are issues with substandard and leaking combined sewers.  Particularly at Shore Road, Worsley Road and the bottom of Woodvale Road, this is perceived to be an ongoing issue.  Furthermore, I often receive complaints concerning water and sewage mains within the Crossfield Estate.

44 In addition to the sites listed in paragraph 17.4, are there any other buildings or sites that you are aware of that you would like the council to consider taking action on?

Land east of Castle Road, and north of Market Hill, Cowes and land at the far end of Westwood Close, Cowes

45 Do you support the council in putting in place a more pro-active approach to empty and derelict sites?

Yes.

46 What are your views on the use of Local Development Orders to enable economic development? What areas in particular do you think the council should consider?

I wholeheartedly support the IW Council to designate the Medina Estuary as a Local Enterprise Zone.

47 Do you think the council should introduce a requirement for the appearance of development sites to be maintained to a reasonable standard?

Yes.  I would also like to see sites that are granted planning permission developed swiftly and legislation introduced  which prevents developers to 'sit' on  land.

48 Is there any planning matter not covered in this document that you think the council needs to consider within the Medina Valley Plan?

I would like to see a policy generated which enables better use and re-use of water and water efficiency measures in new homes.

IW Councillors Report: July 2014

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st July,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1 July, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes

6-7:30pm, Tuesday 8 July, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes

 (Place Road Planning Application Information Evening)

3:30-4:30pm, Wednesday 9 July, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

(Coastal Protection/ Flooding Issues meeting)

6-6:30pm, Thursday 10^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 23^rd July, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 31^st July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Tuesday 12^th August, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

Place Road Planning Application.

I am holding a Councillors Surgery from 6-7:30pm on Tuesday 8^th July, which will update residents on the Planning Hearing scheduled for 22^nd July.  This date will coincide with confirmation from Planning Officers, on what the likely recommendation will be for members of the Planning Committee.

Last month there was a ‘minor modification’ to the proposal where the layout has altered slightly with the number of dwellings falling from 90 to 87.

Because of the importance of this application, and preparation required to reflect local residents concerns to the Planning Committee this will take priority for me over all other ward issues this month.

Other Planning Applications.

Since my last report there has been two meetings of the Planning Committee.

The first meeting refused an application to develop between woodland and properties in Kite Hill, Fishbourne.  This was refused because it was felt the proposed dwelling would be out of scale with neighbouring properties.

At the same meeting the Planning Committee granted permission to allow the Taverners Pub in Godshill to offer a site for a market for one day a week on their car park, and the same for the Griffin on one other day.

The second Planning Committee has been set aside to determine two retail applications for Newport, and will be determined by the Planning Committee on Wednesday 2^nd July.  Both applications are recommended for approval.

Rights Of Way- Update from the Local Access Forum: 

It was reported at the last Forum meeting that Landslips are continuing, with four landslips occurring within the last two months, which have affected Rights Of Way.  The IW Council are anxious not to commence remedial work until land has dried out and the land has stabilised.  Of concern was the view that it could take up to 3 years to repair the damage caused by winter storms.

As yet there is no news from DEFRA regarding including the Isle of Wight’s Coastal Path within the Coastal Access and Maritime Act.

Because of Safety and to improve timings, Network Rail are intending to close all Railway Crossings within 5 years.  That stated, Network Rail has not been given powers to close public rights of way, and within the 8 crossings on the Island options are being explored.

Other Issues discussed include a consultation on ensuring dogs are kept on leads at St Helens Duver, a request made by a national cycling organisation CTC to allow cycling on public footpaths and news that the Sunshine Trail between Shanklin had been extended and tarmacked to Yarborough Road, Wroxall, whilst resurfacing had taken place on the coastal path between Ladies Walk and Quarr Lane, Binstead.

Local Rights Of Way: An Update.

430 signatures were gathered requesting action being taken to reopen the coastal path between Gurnard and Thorness. Since I received a petition from 417 residents, I understand a further 13 residents have added their names.  Many thanks to Paul Schofield, local businesses and those who signed the petition this demonstrates the importance of keeping this footpath open!

With Gurnard Parish Council, I am awaiting a response from landowners following Gurnard’s resolution to meet at June’s meeting, to discuss options which may result in reopening the footpath CS16 following the landslip East of Cook’s Bay.

With respect to the other section of the footpath closed at the Thorness end of the path CS17, I understand that ground movement continues to be monitored, and once land dries out and conditions stabilise this path can reopen, with fences replaced etc.

Elsewhere, I have been meeting with residents from Marsh Road, who are seeking to replace the seawall, which may result in reopening footpath CS35, between Gurnard Luck and the bottom of Solent View Road.  Further discussions will take place at a special meeting which I have called for 3:30pm, Thursday 9^th July at the Little Gloster, Gurnard.

Island Roads.

Ward Avenue.  I continue to have discussions with Island Roads over when Ward Avenue will be resurfaced.  Initially, it was suggested this could take place towards the end of July- However, following discussions with residents it was considered more appropriate to for the resurfacing to take place in September. 

The main concerns raised included disrupting the coach park during the summer holidays, and the concern that work, could over-run and conflict with Cowes Week.

With fellow Cowes IW Councillors, a meeting is due to take place with Island Roads next week.  Issued to be discussed includes arrangements for Cowes Week, Traffic Regulation Orders, The Road Resurfacing Programme, Street Lighting,  Grass Verges and potentially cycling in Cowes High Street.

In the meantime, I will be attempting to arrange a Residents Drop-In during September/ October.

Medina Valley Area Action Plan.

I know that both Cowes Town and Gurnard Parish Council have made representations to the IW Council’s Informal Discussion Document on the Plan.

I am currently working my way through the 48 questions, and will post my formal response on-line once this is complete before Monday 7^th July.

Issues which I will be suggesting includes the protection of the Green Gaps between Cowes and Gurnard. 

·         Notably the Jordan Valley, between Place Road, Baring Road, Woodvale Drive and Worsley Road.

·         Dormers Copse and Land south of Princes Esplanade, Gurnard and Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.

·         The Luck Valley between Cockleton Lane, Marsh Road and Rew Street.

I am also suggesting:

·        The settlement boundary is amended from the rear of the building line on the western section of Place Road to follow the Cowes Town/ Gurnard Boundary in the centre of Place Road. (Thank you Cllr Mark McNeill for this suggestion!)

·         The settlement boundary is removed in totality from Gurnard

·         Careful consideration is given to what is meant by immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary, and how far this can extend.

Other areas, I will be requesting to be safeguarded in Cowes West include:

·         Land west of Churchill Road, Cowes (Old Reservoir?)

·         Westwood Park, Reynolds Close, Cowes.

·         Sports Field, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

·         The Green, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

·         Cowes Golf Club, Crossfield Avenue Cowes.

·         Grass Verges in and opposite Magdalen Crescent, Cowes.

·         Mornington Wood and Mornington Green, Mornington Road, Cowes.

·         Northwood Park, Ward Avenue, Cowes.

·         Land adjacent and north of Blackberry Lane, Cowes.

Waste Collection.

Following complaints received last month concerning litter being left behind, by contractors on Thursdays there has been an improvement.

I have since met with residents, who have requested that a rubbish bin is located in Blackberry Lane following a recent increase in litter being left on the route between Rashley’s, Cowes Primary School, Cowes Enterprise College and the wider Crossfield Estate.

I have discussed this and have promised to write a report for Cowes Town Council’s Town Improvement Committee seeking their support!

IW Council Appointments.

I have recently been appointed to three of the Council’s four Executive Advisory Committees.  This follows me leaving the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee due to meetings coinciding with Cowes Town Council.

The Executive Advisory Committees have been set up to assist in formulating IW Council Policy, and (I hope), will enable greater participation and involvement from stakeholders and user groups.  The Committees that I have joined are the Childrens EA Committee, The Adult Services EA Committee and the Environment & Public Protection EA Committee.  Last month, I deputised for a member of the Economy & Tourism EA Committee.

I also remain a member of the Audit Committee, Planning Committee and Licensing Committee.

In a nutshell issues raised last month:

Economy & Tourism Executive Advisory Committee:

David Thornton and Simon Dabell from Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, gave a presentation to members regarding the Isle of Wight’s Destination Management Plan.  The purpose of this plan would promote the the Island’s Economy through Tourism, and plan the infrastructure required.

It was reported that the 2.8m visitors who come to the Isle of Wight is worth £260m to the local economy directly and £520m indirectly.  It was noted that the Island lags behind visitors on their spend per night, and there was a need to tailor experiences and re-invent experiences to cater for the growing market of ‘active holidays’, for 50+ adults.

Recent successful campaigns included marketing the Isle of Wight as ‘England In A Nutshell’ campaigns in China and publicity through the India Times.  It was reported that VisitIsleofWight.com is the most visited local website on line with 180,000 hits in May, and this figure still consistently growing.

Environment & Public Protection Executive Advisory Committee: 

I made a request for the Advisory Committee to investigate researching a better means to address cross-over issues between agencies relating to Flood Defence matters, and the need for there to be better interaction between Councillors, Southern Water and the Environment Agency.

Members learnt that there was a need to implement a Community Highways Fund, to progress over 500 requests for outstanding minor capital schemes.

It was also agreed to set up an Informal and Cross-Party E&PP’s meeting to prioritise Community Fund Requests and comment to the Executive on the Area Action Plan Consultation.

Also this month:

·         Concerns were raised regarding overcrowded and cancelled buses (esp. in Cowes!).  Southern Vectis reported this was an issue, due to the DVLA not processing licenses before the summer timetable.

·         Following parental concerns raised by me regarding the use of electronic cigarettes on school transport,  Southern Vectis has now rethought its policy and banned use on all services.

·         It has again been necessary to liaise with Southern Vectis and Island Roads regarding diversion of the Community Bus.  The Managing Director has now taken this matter up, and (at last) there seems to be progress.  I will continue to chase!

·         There are Teachers Strikes scheduled for 10^th July.  A I am advised that at no schools locally are due to close… At the moment.  Please watch this space!

·         Another uphill battle.  A grass verge outside Dottens Farm will now be cut by Island Roads!

·         I’ve received a number of emails, and have met with residents concerned by a Planning Application for a storage facility on land west of properties in Rew Street.

·         A meeting has taken place to consider the disposal of the former school playing field and orchard site in Gurnard.  The IW Council has offered this at a peppercorn rent to Gurnard Parish Council.  The Council are due to consult with residents over this.

·         Overhanging hedges have been reported in Baring Road, Cockleton Lane, Place Road and Winding Way.

·         The Planning Committee will be undertaking their Annual Site Visit in the coming weeks.  I have suggested Councillors visit Solent Shores in Princes Esplanade(!)

·         I’m advised Superfast Broadband has now arrived in parts of Gurnard.  Precisely where I don’t know, but I’m hoping to find out soon!