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.