IW Councillors Report: October 2015

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 6^th October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 6^th October, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 14^th October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 21^st October, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 29^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Gurnard Playing Field and Orchard Update.

The land has now been transferred to Gurnard Parish Council who has agreed to oversee the management of both the playing field and orchard.

On two dates last month a selection of apples from the orchard were picked and distributed to attendees of Gurnard’s Harvest Show.  Many thanks to Martin Bilson, Ben Cooke, Jenny Schofield, Sue Waters and members of the Green Gym who attended the apple picks.

There will be a further apple pick in the coming weeks to take away further apples and the cooking apples that had not ripened. In addition to this in the coming days Brenda Schofield (who helped to nurture the orchard for the school) will be returning to the village to assist with mapping of trees within the orchard.

In the short term the Working Party will next meet at 7pm, Wednesday 30^th September at the Garden Room of All Saints Church, Hilton Road.

In the medium term, it will be necessary to remove overgrowth from both the orchard and the two ponds.  There is also a requirement to remove some fruit trees that have died.  It is anticipated that this work can be undertaken by the Green Gym and is likely to take place this winter.  At the meeting, discussions will need to take place on agreeing a cutting regime for the former playing field.

Another issue, of concern is the amount of dog mess that has been left by one dog walker in the orchard.  This will be required to be removed following the next apple pick.

Planning Applications.

·         Land adjacent to Dottens Farm.

I am awaiting confirmation as to when this hearing takes place.  This application will be required to go to Planning Committee regardless of any recommendation unless the application is withdrawn. This is a constitutional requirement due to the applicant being linked to an Isle of Wight Councillor.  As yet, I am unaware of what timescales are in place for the hearing. 

·         Planning Decisions and Appeals.

Planning Consents have been granted for proposals at 76 Worsley Road, Gurnard and 22 Battery Road, Cowes.  On both these applications it was considered that given the nature of the street scene and overlooking issues being overcomeable in both cases by planning conditions a refusal could not be justified.

Elsewhere an appeal has been lodged to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal at 61 Marsh Road, Gurnard.

NHS Dentists.

I have been asked to support local residents who are struggling to find NHS dentists locally.  At the moment, I am in the process of gathering feedback from residents about their experiences and will be relaying these to Andrew Turner MP in the coming weeks.

Flu Jabs.

Cowes Medical Centre, Newport Road are holding walk-in Flu clinics on the following dates this month:

4-7pm, Wednesday 7^th October.

8:30-Midday, Saturday 10^th October.

4-7pm, Monday 19^th October.

My grateful thanks to the surgery in making this year’s dates more convenient and accessible for residents who are reliant upon the Community Bus.   

Jet Skis

As summer drew to a conclusion, I received complaints from a number of residents with respect to jet ski’s coming into conflict with bathers on Gurnard Beach.  Subsequently, I’ve passed on details of the Marine Police to residents who have complained to me.

It is noted, there is a bye-law in place which restricts the speeds of jet-skis to 8 knots and limits use to depths of in excess of 2 metres. For details please contact the Marine Police on 02380 236753.  

Cowes Post Office.

Once again, Cowes Post Office is threatened by closure should a location for the temporary post office not be found.  A site is still required from 15^th October, and I’ve spoken with the IW Council who seem tentatively supportive to relocating to one of their car parks or on land which they own within the town.  Unfortunately, following a meeting which took place between Council Officers and the Post Office, I understand sites identified (both temporary and permanent) seem unacceptable to the Post Office.

I hope to attend a meeting with the Post Office and representatives from the Town Council to discuss whether this is logistics of moving and relocating this facility.

School Parking.

With the onset of the new academic year, I’ve been the recipient of complaints from both Parents (about parking availability) and from residents, at all three local Schools.

I know this continues to be an ongoing frustration for staff and governors from both primary schools that instigate patrols to ensure children are safe.  What I consider is wholly unacceptable is the fact that staff and residents have been subjected to varying degrees of verbal abuse from those collecting and dropping off children.  Should I receive further complaints of this, without hesitation I will report incidents and details of those responsible to the police.

In the meantime, I’ve received a very proactive email from Mrs Praetig, Head of Cowes Primary and look forward to meeting up with the new Head Teacher from Gurnard Primary School to reinvestigate longer term measures.  In the meantime, I’ve requested further parking patrols are undertaken by the Council’s Parking Enforcement Officers.

Construction Traffic Parking.

I’ve requested that contractors working in and around Worsley Road are sympathetic to where they park, and whether it’s possible to park on site.  Although this may not always be possible, I’ve raised this and hope this situation can improve.

Elsewhere, I’ve contacted the IW Council on various sites where residents park on and cause damage to local verges.

Site Visits with Island Roads.

This month, with Cllrs. Peacey-Wilcox and Nicholson, I’m looking forward to catching up with Richard the District Steward for Island Roads.  Issues which, I will be addressing with him includes Parklands Avenue (and the need to fully resurface this road) kerbing at Ward Avenue, sight lines/ resurfacing in Shore Road, litterbins and white lines in Princes Esplanade and a dodgy manhole cover in Park Road.

Gurnard to Thorness Cliff Path.

This important footpath is due to reopen once fences have been repaired, a new access has been created and a boardwork is built to bridge one of last year’s landslips.

I would like to place on record my thanks to landowners who have worked proactively with Rights of Way to see this path reopened. I know this is very much appreciated by residents.

Cowes Breakwater: Rock Deliveries.

Residents have contacted me over the last month to complain of rocks being unloaded for the new breakwater.

I’m told that understandably the contractor wishes to get the job done quickly, and this has resulted an inevitable trade-off between limiting construction hours and the overall length of the job.

I understand from Environmental Health that discussions are ongoing between themselves, the Cowes Harbour Commissioners and the contractor.  Following witnessing the deliveries of large rock Environmental Health requested work to finish no later than 9pm (rather than 11pm) with a start time, in exceptional circumstances of 7am on weekdays and Saturdays.  In light of this, Environmental Health has stepped in to request 9am start times and 8pm finish times.

I’m assured this situation continues to be monitored and reviewed.

Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend.

Following the success of the 2014 event, the Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA and the IW Bus Museum are to hold another Beer and Buses event on the Isle of Wight on 17/18 October 2015. Please visit: http://iwbeerandbuses.co.uk/ for details!

Mornington Woods.

There seems to be some good news for volunteers who are looking after this important bit of woodland.  A few months ago, it was discovered that the pond in the woodland had been infilled several years ago was in fact a balancing pond.

Since this occurred, surface water flooding within the local area has increased.  This was alerted to me earlier this year by Cliff Road residents and subsequently I’ve now had confirmation from both the volunteers and the IW Council that a new pond will be established to deal with the run off, and I hope can and will be a haven for wildlife.

Many thanks to Martin Bilson and the volunteers for their perseverance on this matter!  

Rubbish Update.  

Next month see’s the commencement of the new Waste Contract which was awarded to AmeyCespa in July.

On this subject, a resident from Cowes contacted me regarding the collection of refuse, particularly for households that have limited space.  Because this enquiry and the response was helpful to many householders from Cowes North where I am a Town Councillor, I have copied this below:

What is going to happen to those of us who don’t have space for wheelie bins?

Amey will be conducting a new survey of all properties during the period November/December, to establish the suitability of each property for bins.

Properties that are not suitable for bins will be provided with a gull-proof reusable sack to put their waste bags out in on black bag day and put recycling sack out in on recycling day. During the week the gull-proof sacks can either be folded and put away or used to store waste bags in.

The Gull-Proof sack are weighted to prevent them blowing away, residents will be encourage to put and address label (luggage tag style) in-case it goes walkabout - so that it can be returned. Although they are branded Gull-Proof sacks, they are a proven deterrent to other urban wildlife and will reduce litter and detritus on the streets on bin day.

Should a resident feel they are allocated the wrong receptacle type, they will need to contact the call centre and allocations will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Union Road and Sun Hill are classic examples of houses where it is impossible to store those awful bins.
It is noticeable that many houses in Cowes need sacks as is noticeable on clear sack weeks. It would be interesting to see just how many green bins are presently in use in Cowes.

3271 properties in Cowes are currently allocated to 240 litre Green Recycling bins

150   properties in Cowes are currently allocated to 140 litre Green Recycling bins

2284 Properties are currently on a clear sack allocation in Cowes

Assisted Collections.

I know there are a large number of residents who struggle leaving out their refuse before this is collected each week.  For these residents there remains a provision to apply for assisted collections whereby the waste contractor will collect refuse from a mutually accessible point for the resident, when and if their mobility is impaired.  This service, is free to residents who are entitled.

To apply, please contact the Isle of Wight Council on 01983 821000.  

Groyne Repair, Gurnard Marsh

During this summer repairs took place to a groyne which became weathered and damaged and required restoration.

Although this work did not receive formal consent, this however was sought prior to commencement and prior to rocks being displaced on the beach.  I am advised from the coastal protection engineer that because of the improved protection to the new sea wall the Council would not have objected.

Given cuts to council budgets and difficulty securing government coast protection funding assistance, it will be necessary for this kind of self help by frontagers to see homes protected. So while there is no doubt that the proper consent process was in this case not followed I can see the benefit these works afford to homes and properties in the area.

Litter Bins.

New litter bins are being sought to replace those which have mysteriously vanished over the passage of time on the Esplanade between Cowes and Gurnard.

Following some detective work by Sue Waters Parish Clerk for Gurnard, Island Roads have agreed to replace the bins which are thought to have been lost (and not replaced) following inclement winter weather.

Council Tax Support Consultation.

The IW Council is seeking views on proposals to offer Council Tax Support for residents. For details visit: https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Benefits-Council-Tax-and-Business-Rates/Local-Council-Tax-Support/test3

Solent Forum.

Last month I attended the Solent Forum Meeting held in Southampton.

At the meeting there was a presentation on the Bathing Water Directive on local beaches.  Of the 28 beaches being monitored 18 were rated Excellent, 6 were rated good and 4 sufficient, with none failing.

I asked the question, as to how local authority saving may impact upon next year’s results, in line with more stringent testing.  The view of the Environment Agency was in their view, they did not foresee this was likely to be a problem, given their testing related more to water borne pollutants rather than litter deposited.

Within the Forum there were also presentations on the use of dredgings which are being considered to protect salt marshes from erosion locally on the Western Yar (I’ve also referred to the potential enhancement of Newtown Harbour spit which is breached during high tide)

There were also a presentation from the Royal Yachting Association, highlighting members concerns over Licensable, Non-Licensable and Exempt Activities for Recreational Boating Organisations and individuals and an update from Natural England on the progress of Coastal Access which commenced on the other side of the Solent last month.

Other issues raised included a disappointing conclusion to Oyster stock recovery in the Solent, the utilisation of Coastal Community Funding within the Manhood Peninsula (Selsey) and the imminent upgrading of Portsmouth Harbour.

Full Council.

At Full Council, though supported by the majority of Councillors, I voted against the appointment of a Chief Executive due to the salaried cost of this position.

I supported the motion to retain Island Line within the South Western Train Franchise and supported the Hampshire/ Isle of Wight Devolution Bid, due to this initiative being pushed by Government. It was emphasised within the debate, should the Isle of Wight Council not support working closer with other Local Authorities, this could leave the Council looking vulnerable should it not be at the table to negotiate future funding opportunities. For further information please visit: https://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/mod-council/2-9-15/Paper%20C.pdf

   

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.

The Trust are holding an event 11am-3pm, Friday 30^th October at the Riverside Centre, Newport, whilst I’ve arranged for a local event to take place 5:30-6:30pm, Thursday 5^th November at the IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.  

Also this month:

·         I continue to chase up connection  to superfast broadband for residents of Rew Street and Hillis.

·         I’ve contacted Southern Vectis regarding overfilled buses from Rural Areas who recently had services cut.

·         I’ve forwarded requests for affordable/ social housing for residents.

·         A compromise was negotiated, as to the name of the new road opposite Gurnard Village Hall.

·         I attended Gurnard’s Harvest Show, and have subsequently resolved a number of local issues for residents.

·         I’ve assisted a resident requesting support for Council Tax support.

·         The Wightfibre cabinet in Church Road has now been re-wrapped! 

•   I’ve supported a vulnerable adult which neighbours alerted me to.  This adult is now receiving support following being discharged from hospital.
•       I’ve received a reassurance that Temporary Traffic Lights located at Northwood Garage will be removed before October. 

IW Councillors Report: September 2015

Surgeries:

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

12:30-1pm, Wednesday 9^th September, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 23^rd September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Planning Matters.

Land adjacent to Dottens Farm.

Consultation on this Planning Application has been extended to 4^th September due to the original application being advertised as Dottens Farm, rather than land adjacent to Dottens Farm.  It is noted that the current application for 11 new dwellings has been submitted by the former owners who retained ownership for this land which fronts on to Baring Road.

In light of comments, Gurnard Parish Council has raised an objection citing concerns over:

·         The impact of the development on the listed Dottens Farm and Barn.  Concerns were expressed on the ambiguity of the age of these buildings within the applicant’s heritage statement.

·         Highways and Traffic implications and local evidence of traffic related incidents at school drop off collection times.

·         Loss of the Green Gap between Cowes and Gurnard and Settlement Coalescence between both communities.

·         Less Housing Need demand, following the approved development at Place Road.

·         Loss of a green field site in preference to Government’s commitment to redevelop brown field sites as priority.

Planning Application: Bailey’s Stores, High Street, Cowes.

In recent weeks a number of residents have contacted me concerning the application to locate a Costa Coffee Shop at the Baileys Store in Cowes.

It is worthwhile remembering this is a Planning Application and not a consultation on the perceived merits (or not) of this particular business.  It should be noted that the Planning Authority will base any recommendation and decision on relevant, sound and where appropriate evidenced planning reasons only. Issues beyond this are not relevant to those who will consider this application.

The deadline for comments passed on 28^th August, however officers will continue to receive representations until such point as their decision is made. 

Because of potential conflict of interest issues with the local IW Councillor for the area, I’ve been asked to seek justify grounds to take this to Planning Committee.  This may prove challenging under new legislation implemented to revitalise Town centres where retailers are able alter retail use for limited periods under permitted development rights legislation.  

Conservation Area request, Shore Road, Gurnard.

In light of recent developments, I have been asked to investigate whether Shore Road could be worthy of a designation for Conservation Area status, in order to safeguard the characteristics of this area.  Please let me know your thoughts!  

Cowes Post Office.

Following the efforts of Cowes Town Council, residents, Cowes Business Association and the MP (which I’ve supported), The Post Office provided very much an 11^th hour reprieve to retain the Post Office in its current position in Cowes for a further two months with grateful thanks to M&S.

The latest communication from the Post Office specifies ‘we [The Post Office] are working really hard to move to a permanent home as quickly as possible’... In the meantime, I very much note that local businesses, Cowes Town Council and others are working very hard to find a solution to resolve this ongoing saga.

Nat West Bank in Cowes to close.

I’ve been advised that the above bank is due to close on 25^th November.  This is as a result of reduced footfall and is a result of internet banking.  The bank has advised that after this date the mobile bank will visit Cowes three times a week.  Customers have been notified regarding this.

Highways.

Cowes Week.

Highways-wise, this year was quieter than usual with respect to complaints to me over disruption.  I remain at a loss to understand why Southern Water decided to repair a broken man-hole cover, Horsebridge Hill, Newport. This is an issue which I know Cllr. John Nicholson is persevering with vigour!

Elsewhere, I received calls regarding the late siting of traffic cones on Princes Esplanade and Egypt Esplanade.  The principle of siting of traffic cones in Ward Avenue and the late removal of traffic cones from Worsley Road.

On Saturday, I complained to Island Roads about litter bins were not being emptied in Cowes High Street. The contract specifies bins should be emptied at least three times daily. On this day, no bins were emptied until 8pm. 

Road Resurfacing.

No observations were made to me concerning the road resurfacing regarding Marsh Road. It was anticipated this might have taken longer than expected owing to the ground conditions.

Baring Road also received limited complaints.  Action was requested to ensure accesses were maintained during works.  Meanwhile, action was necessary to resolve the issue of replacing the drainage gullies, and I’m awaiting confirmation from Island Roads that the pinch-point bollards opposite Lammas Close will be reinstated. 

The small stretch of road between Bay View Road and Hilton Road in Cockleton Lane presented Island Roads with a number of problems.  Like Marsh Road, Island Roads anticipated problems with ground conditions and soft spots in the sub base of the road.  This resulted in Cockleton Lane being closed much longer than anticipated.  On this closure, in the opinion of residents who contacted me communication could have been much better.  That said, the contractors were congratulated by other residents on the quality of the work undertaken.

Street Naming, Westbrook Close vs Oaklands View.

Negotiations are ongoing as to what the new road passing Gurnard Village Hall leading to the new development will be called.  The developer proposed the road was named Oaklands View/ Way/ Close, and at the July meeting Gurnard Parish Council suggested an alternative- Westbrook Close.  Subsequently, this was not acceptable to the developer creating a stalemate.

To move forward a compromise has been suggested (potentially including both names!) which might be mutually acceptable.  This is due to be discussed between the developer and Chairman of the Parish Council, and could be resolved at September’s Parish Council Meeting.    

Correspondence from Island Roads…

Residents have contacted me following the receipt of letters from Island Roads.  These letters have been sent, and are written the way they are to outline to residents the legal requirements of what Island Roads are requesting. These have been sent in relation to overhanging garden foliage (after the nesting season) and for residents perceived requirements for dropped kerbs.

If you receive a letter which you believe is overly officious and require support please let me know!  

Speeding.

Speeding continues to be an issue for some residents in Tuttons Hill (again!) and Cockleton Lane. I have requested that The Police takes appropriate action. In Tuttons Hill I’ve noted that the Speed Indicator Device remains broken, this will be a matter that I am adding to my list to be addressed by Island Roads. 

District Meeting with Island Roads.

Cllr John Nicholson and I are seeking to call a Cowes District Meeting with Island Roads to resolve and be updated on these ongoing matters. John and I were recently appointed to represent Cowes Town Council on this body established by Island Roads.  Please let me know, if there are ongoing issues which require resolution.  

Also this month:

·         Flytipping has been reported and rubbish removed from Blackberry Lane.

·         I am anticipating that the Gurnard Cliff Path negotiations are close to being concluded by way of a positive agreement between all landowners and Rights Of Way.

·         Complaints have been received and reported concerning low flying aircraft over Cowes.

·         I have taken forward concerns raised over weedkiller use in parks and children’s play area, and have requested for reassurance from officers on the use of certain components.

·         Investigations continue over derelict properties and over the compliance of Planning Conditions.

·         Service 35 will discontinue this month.  I have met with adjoining Councillors and have forwarded proposals and suggestions as to how a future service could operate.  These have been circulated, and I am awaiting a response back.

·         I have had initial conversations with Shore Path property owners on undertaking remedial and collective work to repair the sea wall.  I’m hoping future discussions will take place on protecting the wall for the foreseeable future.

·         It is hoped that Hillis Corner and Rew Street will be connected to BT’s Superfast Broadband this month.

·         I’ve received a number of calls with concern to Fracking, what threats are there to the Island, and what the Isle of Wight Council can do to take action.

·         The Wightfibre cabinet in Church Road has been rewrapped in direct response to residents’ concerns.

·         My Executive portfolio has increased to include Public Realm (This includes Countryside, Parks and Open Spaces, Beaches, Public Toilets and Rights Of Way) and Community Engagement (Town/ Parish Council & voluntary sector liaison)

REPORT FROM CLLR. PAUL FULLER,  EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR PLANNING, LICENSING, PUBLIC REALM AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO FULL COUNCIL, WEDNESDAY, 2^nd SEPTEMBER 2015.

·         Planning.

The new Planning Structure came into effect from 1^st July following a reduction in resources.  Further changes are due to come into force over the coming months.  This will include pre-application charges, agreed by Executive on 4^th August and will be introduced from 1^st September.  

Also agreed by last month’s Executive was the Planning Enforcement Policy, which gives a priority approach to Enforcement Action. 

Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee met in July and approved applications for West Wight Alpacas, Wellow, Culver Way, Yaverland; whilst Planning conditions for the Asda development were revised.

The committee requested action is taken with respect to retrospective development.  Options are to be investigated.  

·         Public Realm

Beaches and Grounds Maintenance

Whilst the savings target presents a real challenge, officers continue to work with Town and Parish councils to ensure any impact to the public are minimised.   Much of the work is complete with some very effective partnerships have been developed with town and parish councils. The contracts in place for the above services have been altered to reflect the savings.

·         Licensing

Street Furniture

As from 1 September 2015 the licensing of street furniture will be undertaken by the Licensing Department. Until the end of August the applications have been received by Island Roads and dealt with in consultation with the council’s highways PFI contract team.

All businesses which place items - with the exception of A-frame style advertising boards - on the highway (including pavements) may need permission before doing so. Earlier this year a consultation on a new policy aimed at regulating the placing of objects on pavements and highways which was approved by full council on 24 March 2015.

Bestival

The arrangements for this year’s Bestival are very much in an advance stage with no issues being anticipated.  The weather and ground and conditions are being regularly monitored.

The event plans have been approved as required by the Premises Licence.

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub-Committee has met twice, and have considered positive outcomes for The Beach Shack, Sandown and the Beachside Club, Totland.

As Executive Member, since July I have:

·         Arranged meetings with Cllr. Barry to discuss options for the Roadside Inn, Nettlestone.

·   Arranged my first Select Committee liaison meeting with Cllr. Whittle.  Further meeting will be arranged with Cllrs Gilbey and Whittle this month.

·         Attended and taken feedback from Local Members and Town and Parish Councillors from Planning For The Future Meetings.  I am working with the lead officer and am hopeful our next meeting can be combined and will take place prior to the next consultation for the Area Action Plans.

·         I’ve attended the AONB Management Committee meeting.

·         I have attended meetings, and am looking forward to working with local members and Town and Parish Councillors on rural transport initiatives.

·         I met with the Member of Parliament, and look forward to building upon liaison with respect to Planning and other matters within my Executive position.