IW Councillors Report: September 2014

Surgeries:

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

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

12:15-12:45pm, Thursday 11^th September, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

(RESCHEDULED TIMING!)

3-3:30pm, Thursday 25^th September, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5-5:30pm, Tuesday 30^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7th October,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 7th October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Gurnard Coastal Path Update.

I am awaiting an update from Gurnard Parish Council on the meeting requested with landowners.

In the meantime, I’m ever grateful for the feedback and support which I have received from residents concerning this.  During this summer I’ve spoken to Rights Of Way, fellow Councillors and the MP who has taken an active interest on this and offered suggestions which I am pursuing.

I can report that with regard to the section of footpath lost towards Thorness, quotations have been requested for the cost of re-fencing the path.  Towards the Gurnard section, I’m informed that a further cliff fall has taken place, and a site visit will take place between the landowner and Rights Of Way in the coming days.

Dog Mess.

I know of a number of complaints received concerning bags of dog poo being indiscriminately deposited in hedgerows, on the beach adjacent to local footpaths and in some cases resident’s gardens!

In one case, I’ve been advised that the police were called and action taken.

I appeal to the minority of dog owners who don’t already do so, to please take bags home with them, or discard these in bins provided. Should a bin be overflowing, please let me know so I can arrange for these to be emptied!

In the meantime, within the countryside, both the Local Access Forum and the AONB Partnership consider this a problem.

Pallance Road Post Office To Close?

I’ve been informed that the local Post Office in Northwood may close later this year.  This follows the imminent retirement of the postmistress and reduced subsidies to maintain a shop and Post Office.  Northwood Parish Council are exploring options, in the hope of preserving a counter within the confines of another existing business.

As adjacent Councillor, and knowing that many residents from Gurnard consider this to be their local post office, I’ve offered my support in seeking an alternative.

Cowes Enterprise College.  

This month, I’ll be sadly stepping down as Governor following the College transferring to Ormiston Academies Trust.

Well done to all Cowes Enterprise College students who took exams this year!. Following the hard work of students with the support of staff and parents the school/ college gained their highest ever GCSE results.  As a parent myself, I’m very proud of how much progress has been achieved in challenging circumstances.

This year, the college achieved its highest ever results and grades in English were particularly strong with 84% of students making expected progress. 64% of Maths students achieved an A-C grade. Subjects that performed include Art, iGCSE in English, Further Maths, Media, PE, Performing Arts, Physics, RS and Textiles

In addition 34% of A Level students achieved A* and A grades, a 19% increase from last year. All students who applied for university places have been successful.

Planning.

·         Proposed Storage Unit/ Garage, Rew Street.  What was considered by some neighbours to be a dominant building behind properties on the western edge of Rew Street, has been formally withdrawn by the applicant.

·         Proposed 7 dwellings, Land at former Gurnard School.  This application has been slightly downsized from a previous application.  From my perspective, I would be very surprised if this application was not acceptable to Planning Officers.

·         Land adjacent to: 44 Worsley Road. With the decision notice now signed, a number of concerns from residents have been raised that are being clarified with Planning Officers.

·         Planning Committee. The Planning Committee did not meet in August (There was two meetings in July!). Instead the Committee visited a number of sites which were approved and offered members to go back to and revisit.  Sites revisited included Solent Reach, Princes Esplanade.

·         Planning Appeals, Arreton.  I attended in part the appeal hearing for the two housing proposals for Arreton.

Cowes Community Bus.

This summer loading figures for the Cowes Community Bus has reached its highest levels.  The number of daily passenger journeys has now exceeded 100 on several occasions.

Last month, I was advised by Southern Vectis that it remains their intention to divert buses via the Aldi store.  I understand the section between Northwood Garage and Somerton Roundabout will be missed out in favour of allowing the bus to return from The Horseshoe via Nodes Road, Place Road and Three Gates Road.

If approved, the new diverted route will come into force for the Winter Timetable due to commence from October, and this section of the service will operate on a hail and ride basis

Environment and Public Protection Executive Advisory Committee.

As a member of this committee, I hope to have focused involvement on Planning Matters and Public Protection issues. The Committee are exploring the following issues for our next meeting:

·         The potential formation of an All-Island Flood Defence Committee to consider ‘Belwin Fund’ Expenditure.

·         Options for the IW Council’s successful bid for Phase 2 of the Local Sustainable Transport Funding. This funding amounts to £900k

·         Implementation of the Isle of Wight Parking Strategy.

·         Supermarket Levies.

·         Feedback from the recent Area Action Plan Consultation.

·         Marine Conservation Zones, and preparing for next year’s Consultation.

·         Investigating Plantlife accreditation.

Bonfires.

Many thanks to residents who have provided feedback concerning bonfires!

Issues with neighbour’s bonfires seem to be more widespread than I first anticipated.  That said, I have contacted Environmental Health.  Environmental Health have advised me that although there is no local bye-law restricting fires until after 6pm. Action can, and is taken by them through both the Clean Air Act, or by the police when smoke restricts visibility on the highway.

Through the Environmental Protection  Act (1990), Environmental Health can act when a neighbour lights regular bonfires (defined as more than 2 or 3 times a month), when a bonfire is particularly noxious, or out of control.

Further details of advice, and correspondence between myself and Environmental Health feature below:

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN MYSELF AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REGARDING BONFIRES AND POWERS AVAILABLE.  (JULY/AUGUST 2014)

Paul,

It is a commonly held belief that byelaws exist in many parts of the country that control bonfires or restrict bonfires to after dusk.

In fact, there are no byelaws on the Island (or any other Council area in the UK as far as we are aware) that control bonfires. Byelaws can only be created where they are approved by the relevant Government Minister and we understand that approval of byelaws to control bonfires are very unlikely to be approved.  I have actually made such an enquiry before so know first hand.  I don’t believe there is a demand and no, there is no specific budget to persue it (at least not in Env Health).

There is, however, national legislation that makes the emission of dark smoke from a bonfire on a business or commercial site an offence (as defined under the Clean Air Act) and allows the Council to take legal action where it has good evidence that a bonfire on any premises has caused a statutory nuisance.

On the wood burner issue – certain restrictions apply to the use of certain fuels and certain appliances in areas Local Authorities have designated as ‘Smoke Control Areas’ - These were made to reduce air pollution in cities, mainly arising from the use of coal for heating purposes in the 1950s.  That doesn’t mean wood burners are banned in Smoke Control Areas, just that authorised fuels (often called smokeless fuel) and/or appliances exempt from the restrictions can only be used.  THERE ARE NO SUCH AREAS ON THE ISLAND so the restrictions do not apply.

I’ve asked for some assistance from my colleagues in the Health Protection Agency to answer your query about the linkage between high asthma rates in Cowes and pollution so I’ll come back to you on that one when I have something.  What I can so is that air quality on the Island to relatively good as you might expect and I am unaware of any evidence that links high asthma rates to pollution in Cowes.

Good afternoon Paul,

Following on from my last reply I would like to provide reassurance that the Isle of Wight has very good air quality given our coastal locality.  The air quality here is something we should be proud of, especially when compared with other areas inland on the mainland.  I do have sympathy for them and would encourage them to pursue the complaints they have raised with us.

 “Levels of asthma” can be considered in isolation of air quality.  The Public Health Practitioners describe disease frequency in two ways—as incidence or as prevalence.  Using asthma as an example: Incidence is a measure of new cases of asthma in a defined population, within a specific amount of time.  Prevalence is a measure of all of the cases of asthma in a defined population.  It is important to make this distinction as we have had FOI requests asking for one, but wanting an answer to the other.  Therefore, interpretation of “levels of disease” should be done carefully. 

 The crude asthma prevalence rate for the Isle of Wight is 6.9% (2013).  Isle of Wight prevalence is described by locality and range from 6.2 to 7.5 %.   East Cowes is a part of the North East Wight figures (6.2%) and  Cowes is considered a part of Central Wight (7.0%).  Prevalence in England is 6.0% (as per the Health and Social Care Information Centre Quality Outcomes data, 2013-2014).

 I caution against drawing a cause-and-effect conclusion that pollution or wood fires in the Cowes area have caused cases of asthma.  There is certainly no evidence to support that claim.  The true cause of asthma is not known, triggers however are numerous and further include house dust mites, diet, exercise, occupational hazards, poor housing conditions, etc.  It has been argued that asthma is associated with deprivation. e.g. cigarette smoking, for example, is more prevalent amongst lower socio-economic groups as are poor housing conditions (e.g. dampness and poor ventilation) and poorer diets. Asthma may also be associated with affluence e.g. central heating, carpeting, and double-glazing, for example.

 The Isle of Wight has very good air quality and local asthma prevalence figures in the north of the Island do not raise extra ordinary concern. 

 I hope that’s helpful,

COPY OF ISLE OF WIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LEAFLET: 

BONFIRES.

During this time of the year, I always receive complaints from residents concerning either advice or complaints about bonfires.

I have copied guidance from the IW Councils Environmental Health Department below for further details please contact the department direct on 01983 823000. Office Hours are 8:30 am- 5:00 pm Monday - Thursday. Friday’s 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BONFIRES?

Air Pollution

Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. This will contain pollutants including carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles. Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell, but also produces a range of poisonous compounds. Your bonfire will also add to the general background level of air pollution. Air pollution in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels – do you really want to make it worse?

Health Effects.

Emissions from bonfires can have damaging health effects. Serious harm is unlikely if exposure to bonfire smoke is brief. However, problems may be caused for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and children.

Annoyance

The smoke, smuts and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local authorities. Smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads.

Safety

Fires can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets. Never leave your fire unattended.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?

Composting

Rather than burning garden waste or putting food waste in the dustbin where it will end up buried or incinerated, a compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner, saving money on commercial products. Woody waste can be shredded to make it suitable for composting or mulching. You can buy or hire shredders and some allotment societies have their own. If using a shredder, then be considerate – they can be very noisy. Take care not to replace one nuisance with another.

You can obtain compost bins cheaply via the IW Council’s get.composting.com website, or by calling 0844 571 4444. (Currently compost bins are retailing at under £20!)

Recycling.

Household waste should certainly not be burned on a bonfire. Many items can be recycled; find out about recycling facilities from your local council offices. Garden waste should not be mixed with household waste. The refuse collectors may not take your refuse if it contains garden waste. They will not take furniture, carpet or builder’s rubble. Waste can be taken to the local amenity site if you have your own transport or you can purchase special bags from the council which will be taken by the normal refuse collection. There are local contractors who will take rubbish to the tip for a reasonable charge. Old beds, mattresses and sofas should never be burned. There are local charity groups who will collect, refurbish and recycle old furniture for re-use in the community.

Bonfires and the Law

It is a common misconception that there are specific byelaws to prohibit bonfires – there aren’t. An outright ban would be difficult to enforce and very occasionally a bonfire is the best practicable way to dispose of garden waste. If used sensitively, the occasional bonfire should not cause a major problem. However, where a neighbour is causing a problem by burning rubbish, the law is on your side.

Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990

Under this act, a statutory nuisance includes “smoke, fumes or gasses emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance”. In practice, to be considered a statutory nuisance, a bonfire would have to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.

If bothered by smoke, approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future. If this fails, contact the Environmental Health Department (tel. 823000) . They must investigate your complaint and can issue a nuisance abatement notice under the EPA. The Act also allows you to take private action in the magistrate’s court. If your neighbour’s fire is only occasional it is unlikely to be considered a nuisance in law. Similarly, if you are being troubled by bonfires from different neighbours, each only burning occasionally, a nuisance action would be difficult as there are several offenders. In this situation encourage them to consider the alternatives.

Highways Act 1980

Finally, under the Highways Act 1980, anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. In this case it is the Police you need to contact as they enforce this Act and not the Local Council.

Barbeques.

Barbeques can also cause a smoke problem – especially if you use lighter fuel. If the weather is still and sunny, a barbeque will contribute to photochemical smog (this is formed in the summer, by the action of sunlight on pollutants). Again, be considerate. If you are having a barbeque – tell your neighbours. Don’t ignite it when they have hung their washing out, and if it is windy check that smoke won’t blow straight into neighbouring properties.

…But I like Bonfires.

A bonfire can be a convenient way of getting rid of a large amount of waste, or perhaps you want a bonfire just for fun, on Guy Fawkes night for instance. If a bonfire is the most practicable and environmentally friendly way to dispose of dry garden waste (for example, diseased plant material that cannot be composted) warn your neighbours – they are much less likely to complain. Remember that bonfire and barbeque parties can cause noise nuisance as well as smoke.

Bonfire Guidelines.

If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden waste, follow these guidelines and the chances are you won’t annoy your neighbours or cause a serious nuisance.

·         Only burn dry material.

·         Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.

·         Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or encourage it.

·         Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening. If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbour’s gardens and across roads.

·         Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens.

·         Avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high. This information is given in weather forecasts or you can check by ringing 0800 556677.

·         Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – douse it with water if necessary

 Also last month:

·         I have suggested that the IW Council investigates ensuring that all IW Councillors are police checked, owing to the extent councillors have in dealing with issues that involve safeguarding and liaising potentially with vulnerable residents. Within many jobs, where there is a similar interface between individuals and potentially vulnerable residents, it is taken as read that police checks apply.  At the moment this is not a statutory requirement.  I believe this should be!  Please let me know your thoughts.

·         I joined Andrew Turner at his summer surgery held in Gurnard.  Issues I discussed with the MP included the Place Road Planning Application and closure of the Coastal Path.

·         Residents raised concerns and made suggestions on future use of the former Gurnard School playing field & orchard.

·         Dropped kerbs for pedestrians in Park Road, Cowes has received a favourable response to Community Highways Funding.

·         A large number of issues which I’ve taken up with Southern Water remains unresolved.  Disappointed with this reaction, I am attempting to arrange a face to face meeting to ensure these matters are fully addressed

·         I received a request from a resident to make Cockleton Lane a one way traffic route. Before I consider supporting such a proposal, I can advise this will only be pursued if I am convinced there is overwhelming support from residents to do so.

·         I’ve requested hedgerows on routes to schools are trimmed back prior to term starting.  

·         I have attended two further Executive Advisory Committees, an IW Association of Local Council’s Meeting, the inaugural meeting of the Community Highways Fund Group, and a meeting of the AONB Partnership.