IW Councillor's Report: November 2015

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd November, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 12^th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Thursday 19^th November, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 26^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

2:30-3pm, Tuesday 1^st December, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

Gurnard to Thorness Footpath.

This footpath reopened on the 1^st 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 12^th November. 

Following this closure, The Post Office will be reopen at 9am, Tuesday 1^st 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 13^th 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 5^th 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, 22^nd 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, 28^th 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.