Surgeries:
4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3rd November,
Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3rd November,
Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.
6-6:30pm, Thursday 12th November,
The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
1-1:30pm, Thursday 19th November,
Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.
6-6:30pm, Thursday 26th November,
The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
2:30-3pm, Tuesday 1st December,
Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
Gurnard
to Thorness Footpath.
This footpath reopened on the 1st
October. Since being reopened, I’ve received a number of positive calls from
residents.
It is noted that for the first time in
several years the Isle of Wight’s Coastal Path which can now be walked
uninterrupted. My grateful thank’s to all landowners who have made this
possible.
Island
Roads meeting.
I held a seemingly constructive meeting with
the Head of Island Roads and principal officers from the IW Council last
month. Roads visited, and action points
raised are as follows:
Road and Issue
|
Action Proposed.
|
BARING ROAD: Highways Safety Issues
|
Further consideration of Traffic Order, and
highway remedial schemes.
|
PARKLANDS ROAD: Resurfacing
|
This is being reprioritised and timetabled
following survey undertaken.
|
WARD AVENUE: Quality of Resurfacing
|
This continues to be monitored by the IW
Council.
|
MORNINGTON ROAD: Protruding footway
|
A bollard is to be considered within the
highway Network Integrity Register.
|
SHORE ROAD: Resurfacing
|
The recent survey, has made this a very
high priority for resurfacing.
|
This meeting was followed-up by a meeting of
the Cowes Local Council Cluster, with representatives of Cowes, Gurnard and
Northwood Councils. During the meeting
17 questions were put to Island Roads. A
response to all questions raised will be made available on-line.
In the meantime the Head of Island Roads, was
happy to ensure incidents, when arising would be communicated better.
Since my last newsletter, I can report that
the Baring Road bollards have been
replaced. However, following these being
resited, it has been necessary to request that adequate width is enabled for
pedestrian access.
Grass
verges
have been trimmed on the Crossfield
Estate. In the meantime an action
plan for the management of hedgerows in
Cockleton Lane is being discussed
following enquiries being raised by residents.
One of the items raised at the Cowes Council
cluster meeting was the issue concerning the replacement of the traffic lights at Northwood Garage. According
to officers, the delay was caused due to a new bespoke controller being built
for the junction following the damage being caused by a rogue motorist in
August.
Dialogue is ongoing between myself and Island
Roads to resolve inappropriate dropped kerbs, which has been subject to
correspondence between householders and the company. I have some sympathy with these residents who
live on the Crossfield Estate, as in
my view they cannot be held responsible for poorly constructed rights of
access..
Worsley
Road Parking.
I’ve spoken to the two contractor firms
linked with construction within Gurnard. With respect to The Glen redevelopment, an
assurance has been given to me by contractors that long stay parking immediately
outside businesses is being avoided. I
understand, that there is ongoing dialogue between the businesses affected and Andy,
the site foreman should problems arise.
Following the suggestion concerning that contractors
park on site, I am advised this is not possible at the moment due to the
limitations and the need for access for the heavy plant required.
Cowes
Post Office.
Whilst a permanent location continues to be
sought, the temporary Post Office located in the Car Park of the M&S
Foodstore in Cowes will close on 12th
November.
Following this closure, The Post Office will
be reopen at 9am, Tuesday 1st
December in Cowes Yacht Haven.
Dentist
Meeting
Many thanks again to local residents who contacted
me regarding their experiences finding local NHS dentists. Gurnard Parish Councillor, Aslam Javaid and I
are meeting with our MP on Friday 13th November to campaign for this
issue to be properly addressed.
Litter
Bins.
New litter bins have been located by Island
Roads on the Esplanades between Cowes and Gurnard. Residents will be aware these are position
closer to the kerb, in the hope that this will assist to extend the bins life.
Garden
Bonfires.
Bonfires continue to cause misery for those
residents living in the Baring Road
‘bowl’ where the smoke has a tendency to gather between Lammas Close and Egypt Hill.
In addition, I continue to receive
complaints from residents who live between Hilton
Road and The Avenue in Gurnard. Residents are asked to follow the Bonfire
Code by:
·
Only
burning dry material
·
Avoid
burning household rubbish, rubber tyres (yes,
it does still happen!) or items containing plastic, foam or paint.
·
Avoid
lighting fires on damp, still days.
·
Ensure
neighbours washing, open windows and roads are kept clear of smoke.
·
Avoiding
burning when pollution levels are high or very high.
·
Keeping
bonfires away from fences, trees, hedgerows and buildings.
·
Never
use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to light a fire.
·
Never
leave a fire unattended, or leave it to smoulder
Further information can be found: http://paulfullercc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/iw-councillors-report-november-2014.html
Planning Matters.
Costa
Decision.
My request to take this Planning Application
to Committee was rejected by the Head Of Planning. The rationale expressed, to
the issues which I raised (that were consistent with comments made) are listed
below:
Dear
Paul
Thank
you for sending through your request for this application to go before planning
committee. As you will be aware the council’s constitution provides for
the final agreement of committee items to be undertaken by the Head of Service
and in this particular case I am unable to support your request for the
following reasons:
1.
Loss of A1 retail use and its impact on Cowes' Primary Retail area,
particularly given the size and 'anchor' store potential of the Bailey's store
site. It is noted that the non-retail use in this part of Cowes is
nearing the 30% threshold.
Policy DM9 states that applications for A2, A3, A4 and A5 uses
within Primary Retail Areas will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated
that, either individually or cumulatively, the development would have no
significant adverse impacts on the retail function, character and viability of
the town centre.
The application is for a mixed use A1/A3 as they will retain an
element of retail sales (coffee, syrups, mugs etc.). As of April 2015 Cowes has
no vacant units within the Primary Retail Area, as such the application would
not impact upon the viability of the town centre. The threshold to which you
have referred relates to a policy within the UDP and not the Core Strategy and
is therefore not relevant as the UDP is no longer the development plan for the
Island.
2.
The need to ensure and protect Cowes Town Centres' sustainability,
diversity and mix of retail units, particularly in light of the fact that Cowes
has always maintained a higher proportion of 'open' shops than elsewhere.
It is not clear how the scheme would impact upon the sustainability,
diversity or mix of retail units. The scheme would ensure that this unit would
not be vacant and would therefore ensure that viability of the centre.
3.
Sustainability of the current use. Bailey's are closing due to
retirement of the owner, rather than due to the suggestion this shop is
uneconomically viable. This in itself can demonstrate this retail use is
viable and therefore should be maintained.
This is not a material planning consideration as equally the owners
could have sold the business as a going concern. It is the choice of the
owners as to what to do with the unit, and the LPA cannot insist that what may
well be a viable unit maintains its current use.
4.
Flood Risk. Contrary to the application form submitted, this site
is lies in a flood risk area. In light of no Flood Risk Assessment from the
applicant, and no comments from the EA residents have requested what
alleviation will take place should the application be approved?
This
could be conditioned through the submission of a Flood Evacuation Plan, as it
would not result in a principle objection due to the level of risk not
altering. A flood risk assessment would not have been required to be submitted
with the application as the use would not increase the level of risk associated
with the site (e.g. no overnight accommodation is proposed).
5.
Openness and Transparency. The need to ensure any decision is
perceived by the public to be open and transparent, given the immediate
neighbour and retailer is the local IW Councillor for the area. It is noted
that from Cllr Bertie's perspective he also sells clothing and has similar
retail use on his premises. (If there were not significant objections to
this application this would not be a problem). However in light of these,
and in light of objections from the Town Council, I consider this application
with its relevance is given similar scrutiny than any site owned by any IW
Councillor/ Planning Officer.
This
is not a material planning consideration. The planning process itself is open
and transparent as it allows for consultation and representations through due
process. The constitution provides for a route for applications to go
before committee and not being a committee decision does not of itself prevent
a delegated planning decision being open and transparent.
Indeed it
remains the intention of government to ensure that planning application are
dealt with efficiently through the delegated decision process.
Place
Road Planning Application.
The call-in request against the Place Road
Planning Application made by Gurnard Parish Council to the Secretary Of State, supported
by both myself and the MP has been rejected.
This outside chance to resist development, particularly in light of
subsequent announcements by Government, I know has come as a body-blow to opponents
of this proposal.
Other Planning
Applications.
I am advised that Planning Officers are still
considering the Planning Application for land adjacent to Dottens Farm, Woodvale Road, Gurnard.
In the meantime proposals for The Heritage, Tuttons Hill is conditioned
to ensure the Holiday element of the application remains ancillary to the main
house, whilst an informative has been requested to ensure the parking bay better
reflects the surrounding area.
At Mornington
Mews, Enforcement Action is ongoing against Barratt’s who failed to revise
air conditioner units on the top of the building that are not compliant with recent
planning consent. This issue has been
ongoing now for three years. I’m ever
hopeful that this month this matter will be resolved and keep my fingers
crossed.
Following expressions of concern raised by
residents of Worsley Lane over the impact of the new development at Westbrook
Lane, I have spoken to Planning Officers about the hedgerow which separates
this development and Worsley Lane.
Officers have advised me that the current hedge which has been thinned
will be replaced by a privet hedge, which will protect both the privacy and
amenity of residents living on either side.
The tree officer has subsequently advised that the existing hedge is not
protected and of limited ecological value, and the new hedge will be an
improvement to what exists at the moment.
Shore
Road Conservation Area: No further action to be taken.
Many thanks to those residents who contacted
me concerning the suggested proposal to award Shore Road and it’s adjacent area
special ‘conservation area’ status.
Following feedback received from residents potentially affected, there
was no consistent support received, whilst 3 residents opposed any restriction
being applied. Therefore, in light of
this I will be taking no further action.
Gurnard
Open Spaces Project.
Last month, I stepped down as the Chairman of
the Gurnard Open Spaces Project Chairman. This is for two reasons, Firstly, I am
currently extremely busy doing so many other things than to take an active lead
on this, and secondly a view has been expressed of the importance that this
project is led by the community, rather than by members of ‘public’ bodies.
It remains my intention to keep involved,
however the new Chairman and Gurnard resident, Martin Bilson has been very
active in recent months both at the Playing Field & Orchard, and leading
the Mornington Woods Project in Cowes.
In the past month with my grateful support local
farmer, Terry Butchers the playing field and hedgerow has been cut. With the support of residents the orchard has
been harvested, trees are being identified and wild flowers have been sown on
the former playing field.
Beach
Huts.
I am talking to officers about Beach Huts and
the colour(s) in which they are painted across the Island.
At Ryde, Councillors Whitby-Smith and Whittle
are suggesting that the Holly Bush Green is out of date, and suggests the
colour scheme for the Beach Huts at Appley requires being re-thought. It is
noted that at Colwell new beach huts have a less traditional colour scheme, and
similar schemes may warrant reconsideration elsewhere on the Island.
In Gurnard, I have not received similar
requests from Beach Hut owners, however as the Executive Member responsible for
‘Beach Huts’, I’m interested to know owners and resident’s views.
Prior to any formal consultation taking
place, please let me know your views!
Gurnard
Marsh
Work is due to commence on the repair and
restoration of sea defences on the seaward side of Marsh Road.
At a site meeting which I attended with the Council’s
Coastal Protection Engineer, consent has been sought by the landowner also, to raise the height of the seawall. This in turn will reduce flood risk to properties and businesses in the area. It is hoped that work can begin before
Christmas.
Down
To The Coast Award.
The Isle of Wight
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is celebrating the announcement of a grant
award of more than £1.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The grant has
been awarded for its landscape partnership scheme – Down to the Coast, the
focus of which is the intricate and diverse landscape of the eastern half of
the Island.
This area is amongst
the UK’s richest areas for wildlife with a complex geology underpinning its
incredibly varied landscapes. With few deer and no grey squirrels, our woodlands
are unique as a place where red squirrels, Bechstein bat and dormice thrive
whilst a lack of mink means that water birds and water vole can flourish. It’s
also a landscape admired since the 18th century for its picturesque qualities.
Our landscape and the
very things that make it so valuable are changing, as are the ways people live,
work, learn and play in this part of the Island. Local stakeholders have now
come together under the banner of the East Wight Landscape Partnership to
manage this process of change resulting in a balanced, conservation-led scheme
with an emphasis on training and community participation that will leave a
lasting legacy for the landscape.
Thanks to the National
Lottery, Down to the Coast will reconnect fragmented habitats in our woodlands
and river systems. It will provide support that will enable more people to take
an active role in managing our landscape and create new opportunities for young
people to access apprenticeships and accredited training in land management. This
will help ensure that the skills and expertise necessary to maintain the
qualities that give the Down to the Coast landscape its unique sense of place
remain and not lost from our community.
Although
very different, it is hoped that the Down to the Coast scheme will equal the
achievements of the West Wight Landscape Partnership.
Energy Help Warms Up On The Island.
The Footprint Trust are offering free
training to anyone who works in the community so they can help Islanders with
basic energy-saving tips. The Trust have staff available to visit people in
their homes for further money saving ideas. Ray Harrington-Vail and Mark
Russell, from The Trust, have been appointed ‘champions’ by the Big Energy
Saving Network. They deliver free, fun, informative 45 minute sessions to any
group of six or more people. Ray Harrington-Vail said:
“We cover basics which people working
in the community find when they work or help people especially in their homes.
“In our session, people will find out
how to check that someone is on the right tariff, information about switching,
how to save £140 off electricity bills, and how to make sure the most
vulnerable people get help if the electricity supply fails. We are happy to
talk to groups such as health or community workers, or clubs, associations or
social groups. We want to get the message out that there are simple ways of
saving energy and money”.
Thanks to funding from the ScottishPower
Energy People Trust, The Trust can save Islanders thousands of pounds each
year, following one of their free visits. For details please call: 01983 822282
or email: don@footprint-trust.co.uk.
The Footprint Trust is a local charity
founded in 2002. It assists over 2,000 people a year through its work in energy
conservation. The charity also involves people in a whole range of projects
that enhance the environment.
I have arranged for an event, which takes place
5:30-6:30pm, Thursday 5th
November at the IW Community Club,
Park Road, Cowes.
Also this Month:
·
I’ve
spent a considerable amount of my time this month attending meetings (45!).
·
These
include the Isle of Wight Cycle Forum,
where I am working with cyclists (and horseriders) campaigning for recognition
of road space.
·
I
attended a meeting of the Footprint
Trust who are seeking to reinvent the Adopt A Garden initiative, following
a reduction in the number of gardeners wanting to participate.
·
Following
last month’s report, PCSO Derek Howard has initiated a Speedwatch with volunteers in Tuttons
Hill. Many thanks to Derek and all
those involved. I hope to report the
outcomes from this in my next report.
·
At
Executive, I supported delaying consideration of CPO's in East Cowes for the
Solent Gateway Project. This was due to
the prematurity of making such a decision in light of the outcome of recommendations
from Planning Officers relating to the current Planning Application. In light of this, I am in the process of
meeting businesses from both sides of the Medina Estuary to explore
opportunities to extend the economic and regeneration potential to
businesses. For me, it is important that
this exciting project is supported by the wider community affected.
· A
bike was stolen in Gurnard.
· Following requests, grass verges have now been cut for the winter within the Crossfield Avenue Estate, Cowes Seafront and throughout Gurnard. In addition to this maintenance Hedgerows have been trimmed in Cockleton Lane.
· I've received several complaints this month concerning dog dirt in grass verges in Baring Road
Report
from Cllr. Paul Fuller, Executive Member for Planning, Licensing, Public Realm
and Local Engagement to Full Council, Wednesday 14th October.
Planning.
·
The
Planning Committee approved outline development which included up to 904
residential units, school, energy centre and associated highway works at
Pennyfeathers, Ryde.
·
The
Committee also supported reserved matters for onshore elements for the
Perpetuus Tidal Energy Centre at Flowers Brook, Ventnor and approved use of
land for marine and general storage at Kingston, East Cowes.
·
A
Planning Appeal and costs application has been lodged with the Planning
Inspectorate against Planning Committee’s refusal to develop on land at
Blanchards, Brighstone.
Meetings have taken place with:
·
Cllr.
Lumley, which I’m hopeful will help resolve ongoing issues with the development
at Pan Meadows.
·
Cllr.
Gauntlett which clarified some of the aspects of Westridge Waste Management’s
recent planning application.
Both meetings have provided local members and
officers with expectations and timeframes.
In the coming weeks the following meetings
for relevant members take place:
·
10-1pm, 22nd
October- Planning Seminar.
Training will be provided on updated planning
refresher training, Enforcement and Section 106 issues. This training is available for all Isle of
Wight Councillors and representatives from the Town and Parish Councils
·
6-8pm, 28th
October- Parish and Town Council Area Action Plan Update.
Consultation on the three key regeneration
area’s Area Action Plan will commence at
the end of October. This briefing was
requested in partnership with the Town and Parish Councils prior to the
consultation commencing.
Licensing.
·
I
am supporting licensing officers who will be revising child safeguarding policy
for Taxi Drivers.
·
I
am awaiting the conclusion of debriefings from both the Bestival and V-Dub
events which took place this summer.
·
Councillor
training events have taken place in recent months.
Meetings have taken place with:
·
St
Thomas’ Square Businesses to work in partnership concerning the recent
introduction of the Highway Permissions Policy.
Officers have subsequently assisted businesses affected.
·
Newport
Parish Council has been provided with an update on how the above policy can be
implemented & enforced.
Public
Realm.
·
Following
a hearing to balance views, an application for Definitive Map Modification
Order for a footpath at Seagrove Bay, Seaview was rejected by the IW Council’s
Appeal Sub-Committee.
·
Ventnor
Park has received a second award and recognition this time for grounds
maintenance for public open spaces from the British Association of Landscape
Industries.
·
The
Thorness to Gurnard section of the Coastal Path reopened following positive
negotiations between Rights Of Way and local landowners. My gratitude and thanks to our officers,
partners and individuals for their ongoing support.
·
I
am looking forward in coming weeks to investigate opportunities for the Isle of
Wight Council to work closer with local businesses, Town and Parish Councils
and the Voluntary Sector in safeguarding the long term future for our Island’s
Public Toilets. This is an issue, I
fully recognise is supported by members of this council and look forward to
progressing suggestions being made.
Local
Engagement.
·
At
a recent meeting I attended with representatives of Ryde Town Council, Planning
Enforcement proposals have been suggested to strengthen the link between Town
and Parish Councils and Planners. These
proposals are being investigated by the sector and by officers. With Cllr.
Jordan, I’ve also attended a meeting with representatives from Freshwater
Parish Council to resolve a number of ongoing Highway related matters.
Also
since Full Council:
·
I
attended a meeting of the Local Access Forum.
Of note, the meeting discussed issues relating to Permissive Paths, and how by working in
partnership with landowners these footpaths can be properly utilised.
·
I
met with residents affected by PTEC’s proposals, who raised concerns with me
over perceived noise nuisance matters, these were relayed to Planning Officers
in advance of Planning Committee’s hearing.
·
I
attended the most recent meeting of the Isle of Wight Association of Local
Councils. There is due to be a follow-up
meeting in the coming weeks.
·
Both
myself and Cllr. Julia Baker-Smith, Chairman of the Planning Committee attended
the Planning themed Sustainability Forum meeting.
·
I
attended a meeting of the Solent Forum, which discussed the disappointing
observations regarding oyster recovery, and raised a number of queries
concerning Bathing Water and the use of dredgings to protect Salt Marsh
habitats in the Solent Area.
·
I
attended September’s Planning Committee, the Economy and Tourism Select
Committee and will join the Licensing Committee for this week’s training event.
·
Alongside
various other members, I attended the recent Housing Summit. From that meeting
came suggestions regarding the lack of single bedroomed properties and the
potential for the Council to do more.
This is a matter that will be taken up with Planning Policy makers.
·
I
had a very constructive meeting with Select Committee Chairmen, Cllrs Jon
Gilbey and Wayne Whittle. A number of issues
were raised which I’m looking to address with their support in coming weeks.
