Medina Valley Area Action Plan Consultation, My comments as ward councillor...

Medina Valley Area Action Plan.

I wish to make the following comments with respect to the Medina Valley Area Action Plan, as Ward Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

Settlement Boundaries.

Following discussion with local residents, Gurnard Parish Council and Gurnard Neighbourhood Plans Steering Committee, there is support from the Community to remove the settlement boundary from Gurnard.

In recent times the principle of permitting sustainable development ‘immediately adjacent’ to the settlement boundary has meant that applications have been allowed in the primary area where local residents have been eager to protect (The Jordan Valley).  By removing this principle, would assist the community through the GNPSC giving greater opportunity to identify sites for a larger quota of small scale developments on a variety of sites throughout the village, rather than focusing on a small quota of large scale developments.  This principle complies with Gurnard’s Housing Needs Survey (2014).

Green Gaps.

Both Cowes and Gurnard residents have highlighted the importance of safeguarding and protecting the green gap which separates both communities within the Jordan Valley.  For locational purposes, I am formally requesting that land bounded by Woodvale Drive, Baring Road, Place Road, Cockleton Lane, Hilton Road, Worsley Road and Worsley Lane and Solent Lawns is given due recognition as a formal Green Gap, in order to protect settlement coalescence between Cowes and Gurnard.

This request can be recognised and evidenced within the consultative process for Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, through consultations for recent planning applications (i.e Place Road, 44 Worsley Road, Dottens Farm) and from feedback on the determination of SHLAA sites.  

There are further green spaces within Cowes West and Gurnard which I request are given protected status. Therefore I ask these include the following locations:

·         Dormers Copse and Land south of Princes Esplanade, Gurnard and Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.

·         The Luck Valley bounded by Pallance Road, Cockleton Lane, Marsh Road and Rew Street, Gurnard.

Other areas, I will be requesting to be safeguarded in Cowes West include:

·         Cowes Golf Club, Crossfield Avenue Cowes.

·         Westwood Park, Reynolds Close, Cowes.

·         Sports Field, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

·         The Green, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

·         Mornington Wood and Mornington Green, Mornington Road, Cowes.

·         Land adjacent and north of Blackberry Lane, Cowes.

·         Grass Verges and open space within and opposite Magdalen Crescent, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

·         Land west of Churchill Road, Cowes.

Employment Land.

As local Councillor, I wholeheartedly support the principle of providing opportunities which allow local businesses to grow and provide quality jobs for our local workforce in Cowes.

Therefore, I fully support the retention of land at BAE Systems, Newport Road, Cowes to be zoned for Employment purposes.

In addition, fully understanding the need to retain deep water, and water frontage for employment use at Medina Yard, I support this being of primary importance when considering the regeneration of the Medina Estuary.  

Further to my comments in respect to the Discussion Document as consulted upon previously, I reiterate my support for the Medina Estuary to be designated as a Local Enterprise Zone.

Housing.

Following feedback from local residents, I have been asked to flag up the need for a greater proportion of low cost and affordable accommodation to be allocated within the Cowes West and Gurnard Ward. 

A number of residents have highlighted to me, that owing to the popularity and desireability of Cowes and Gurnard it is difficult to find housing or to downsize.

Because of this, I suggest the importance of investigating a greater proportion of 1 and 2 bedroomed properties are considered by developers to enable greater flexibility within the affordable housing market within my ward.

Yours,

Councillor Paul Fuller,

Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

18th December 2015.

IW Councillors Report, December 2015

Surgeries.

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

5:30-6:30pm, Thursday 10^th December, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

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

Isle of Wight Council Services, Christmas and New Year.

As normal at this time of year, the IW Council will be running a reduced service during the holiday period.  During Christmas it is important for the Council who are under pressure at this time of year to ensure services are maintained. Please visit: https://www.iwight.com/news/Council-services-over-Christmas-and-the-new-year2 for details.

In the meantime, throughout Christmas and the New Year- although it may take a little longer to help with enquiries, I will try my very best! 

The IW Council will again be part of Small Business Saturday on Saturday 5th December, and will not charge motorists to park in any of its long stay car parks between noon and 6pm. 

Area Action Plans: Public Consultation.

The IW Council are consulting on its Area Action Plans.  This offers an opportunity to provide feedback on proposals which the Council believes will regenerate the economy, whilst protecting the Island’s environment within the key regeneration areas of the Medina Valley, Ryde and the Bay area. These proposals can be found on www.iwight.com/aap, and can be viewed at the receptions of County Hall and the Seaclose Offices in Newport, or at Cowes Library.

The consultation continues until Monday 21^st December.  For further information, please write to Planning Policy, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 2QS or email: policy.consultation@iow.gov.uk.

From our perspective, this is a very important consultation as this will offer Cowes and Gurnard residents a final opportunity to highlight issues before this is considered by the Planning Inspectorate next year.  

My representations will be posted on my website at paulfullercc.blogspot.com, at around the same time!

Isle of Wight Community Club.

I’ve been supporting the Community Club to renew and extend their lease with the IW Council.  For the club this became important, following an opportunity to create revenue from the installation of new and flash Solar Panels for the Club’s roof.  Following success, now all is required is the miracle of sunshine!

Helping You Stay Warm this Winter?

People struggling with energy bills are being helped thanks to funding from the ScottishPower Energy People Trust. Local energy experts from the Island’s Footprint Trust visit people in their homes and give free impartial guidance on reducing bills and using energy wisely.

Save Energy, Save Money… 6 Top Tips from the Footprint Trust:

·         Overcharging (Save up to £100): Make sure that you are not on the wrong energy tariff.  Don’t be loyal to your energy company- Shop around to get the best deal!

·         Close Curtains (Save up to £15): Get some nice thick curtains from your local charity shop, or fit a thermal liner to your existing ones- You will feel warmer!

·         Keep It Covered (Save up to £15): Keep saucepan lids on, turn down heat, use the right size pan for your hob.  This will speed up cooking times and reduce energy costs.

·         Be WaterWise (Save up to £250): Showering is generally cheaper than taking baths. (Unless you spend an half-an-hour in there!). See if you can manage to be washed and out in four minutes.

·         Turn that Dial. (Save up to £200):  Every degree over 18C costs about £75 per year. If you are at hole in your pants in winter, turn down the thermostat, and put on some clothes!

·         Insulate Now. (Save up to £300): Grant funding may be available to you for loft and cavity insulation, depending on where you live, the age of your property or financial status.

The best way to cut your bills is to have a FREE home energy visit! For details contact Ray Harrington-Vale from the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282, email: ray@footprint-trust.co.uk or visit www.footprint-trust.co.uk

Garden Waste.

In the last few weeks, I’ve received a number of enquiries regarding the collection of Green Garden Waste.

From 1^st November, green bags will be collected separately and will change to collection on Recycling Collection Day. These will need to be pre-booked at least three working days in advance of your recycling collection days.

Following residents feedback, sacks are now compostable.  This follows both IW Council and Government commitments to reduce landfill and subsequent penalties associated.  For further details, contact 01983 823777

Dog Poo.

Last month saw an increase level of dog mess in Gurnard in and around The Avenue, Cockleton Lane and Church Road.  

Despite an innuendo to the contrary, I’m advised that the Council’s Environment Officers (who recently took on the dog warden role) will rigorously take action against offenders.

Bonfires.

Another perceived scandal to which I received calls last month are Garden and ‘land clearance’ Bonfires.  Although, I’m always very happy to support complaints, in the first instance these should be directed to the IW Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01983 823000.  The reason for this is due to the fact officers need to speak to complainants to ensure the right action is taken.

Further information can be found: http://paulfullercc.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/iw-councillors-report-november-2014.html

The Range Update.

I know a number of residents will be disappointed that The Readers site remains undeveloped for the new Range store.  On this matter, I’ve contacted the Planning Agent who has advised me that it remains the intention of the Range to ‘forge forward, but the appointment of a local contractor with the capability and capacity to complete the works has taken longer than anticipated.’  According to the Agent ‘the process is now nearing conclusion, so works will commence soon’…

Cowes Post Office.

This is due to be reopened on Tuesday 1^st December at Cowes Yacht Haven.  Access will be from Town Quay, where the Post Office will be located opposite Cowes Harbour Commission. Many thanks to Cllr Mark McNeill for his perseverance, M&S for their patience and those involved in relocating this facility.

Rural Superfast Broadband: Are you connected?

Last month, I attended a meeting with BT.  At the meeting it was reported that 97% of Island homes now have the capability to be connected to superfast broadband, with a number of villages going live this winter. This exceeds Hampshire where coverage stands at only 90%.

Please note, superfast Broadband is not switched automatically to householders by providers, and it remains necessary for residents to first opt in to their broadband provider. For details please contact jayne.tyler@iow.gov.uk.

Remembrance Day.

It was an honour to lay wreaths on behalf of the IW Council, at both Cowes and Gurnard.  This year it was particularly fantastic to see growing numbers of children with parents who chose to pay their respects on this day.  Thank you, to all those involved!

Gritting/ Salting Routes.

In Cowes these are: Place Road, Park Road, Ward Avenue, Baring Road and Crossfield Avenue, whilst in Gurnard these are: Woodvale Road, Shore Road, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.

If you’re concerned Gritting/ Salting does not take place, please let me know!  Alternatively, Island Roads can be contacted 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week on 01983 822440.

Parental Parking, Baring and Woodvale Road.

Following a further traffic incident (the fourth that I am aware of) in the vicinity of Gurnard Primary School, where one vehicle collided headlong into another it seems inevitable that traffic restrictions in the area will be reviewed.

Last month action was also necessary following damage which has occurred by parents parking on the grass verge at the top of Woodvale Road.

Cowes Enterprise College: Humanutopia.

I had a real pleasure of being a guest invited to the College’s Humanutopia Conference, which is an initiative that recognises the importance of raising the self-esteem, motivation and long term life and employment of students.

For the morning which I attended, I was absolutely blown away by the impact these sessions were having upon the students. It was made very clear to both Cllr Nicholson and I who attended as Councillors and to the local businesses who attended- the strides being made.

It has been noted the marked change this has had when implemented elsewhere and the positive feedback provided by Cowes students.

Debt Advice: News from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

There are a number of organisations that offer support to those with concern over debt and payments. Two of the best organisations recommended for impartial advice are the Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Debtline, to assist you taking action quickly to stop the situation getting any worse.

Please visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/. This will help you work out how much money you owe and whether you've got any urgent debts. On the website, you'll need to look at the section on Budgeting to see if you've got enough money to pay off repayments.  If you'd prefer to talk to someone call the CAB’s Adviceline on 0300 330 1313. Calls cost the same as calling 01 and 02 numbers. Alternatively you can also contact the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000. National Debtline offers a free online service at www.nationaldebtline.org  

Also this month:

·         Further updates and enquiries were requested regarding Planning Condition compliance issues at Mornington Mews, Tuttons Hill, Lower Church Road, Worsley Road and Shore Road.

·         Officers have reset and secured the frame for the Umbrella Tree at Princes Green, Cowes.  Following incidents which have occurred, signage has been necessary. In the meantime, the frame and new tree will continue to be monitored and inspected.

·         The Dottens Farm Planning hearing may not take place until March, owing to the need for an Ecology Report.

·         I’ll be speaking on behalf of local residents at the Planning Hearing for the Island Sailing Club, which has been recommended for refusal on design grounds by Planning Officers.

·         I understand a recent meeting was called by the developer behind the approved application for Place Road to listen to issues raised by residents of Place Road.  Although, I accept this will not create heaven for everyone, this is at least a step in the right direction.

·         Pot Holes have been reported to Island Roads at both (the top of) Church Road and Shore Road.

·         With Councillor Peacey-Wilcox, I met with businesses at Medina Yard, Cowes.  A formal meeting has been arranged for this month.

·         I joined residents meeting our Member of Parliament.  Andrew has offered both myself and residents invaluable advice concerning Car Parking, and has promised to take up concerns from those who contacted me regarding registering with NHS dentists.

·         At Full Council last month, there seemed to a breakthru’ in creating one vision for greater unity between the different political groups. I supported motions safeguarding Council Tax Support Grant for Town and Parish Councils and gave support to our unions representations against the Trade Union Bill.

·         Due to a conflict of interest by the local Councillor, on the Planning Committee I spoke as adjoining Councillor in respect of the proposal to extend the Island Sailing Club.  The recommendation by officers for Refusal was made ‘on-balance’, and the final decision by members of the Committee reflected this, and was only refused on the casting vote of the Chairman.        

REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR PLANNING, LICENSING, PUBLIC REALM AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENTTO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCILON WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2015

Planning

·          Area action plans

Consultation is underway until 21 December on the area action plans for the Island’s key regeneration areas of the Medina Valley, Ryde and the Bay Area. 

This consultation is important for communities and local businesses, as this will when adopted offer certainty on how best we can grow our economy while safeguarding our environment for future generations. 

Prior to this consultation commencing a briefing was held with local members and town/ parish councils affected. 

·          Planning appeals

Following concerns raised earlier this year I can report that between 1 April and 31 October, 16 out of the 20 planning appeals have been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

This demonstrates that the council’s success defending planning appeals stands at 80 per cent, and has returned to exceeding the national average of 65 per cent to 66 per cent and benchmark of 70 per cent.

A full report is being prepared for January’s Planning Committee.

·          Members’ training

Planning Committee chairman, Councillor Julia Baker-Smith recently attended a Local Government Association planning training event. This event provided an insight into how the emerging Planning and Housing Bill could impact upon local authorities and provided an opportunity to feedback questions and concerns to the Department for Communities and Local Government as to how this legislation may change local planning and impact upon localism. This event also offered an opportunity to look at best practice across local planning authorities.

Cllr. Baker-Smith visited Wolverhampton City Council to look at how their restructure using the Vanguard Model has led to increased satisfaction of residents and developers and how lessons learnt can be used locally to shape the future of planning.

Licensing

·          Bestival debrief

On the whole, all agencies seem happy with the way the event went this year. There were very few issues regarding traffic. However, at Fishbourne Lane late afternoon/early evening on Monday there are some ongoing actions which will require addressing before next year's event.

·          Highways permission

The Licensing Department has started the process of ensuring that all tables and chairs and other items placed on the highway have the correct permissions to do so. Although there are some teething problems, I am supporting officers to ensure these issues can be overcome in a positive way.

·          Taxi fare review

Officers undertook a review of the taxi fares in place. In light of the feedback received, and in consultation with operators, officers and the chairman of the Licensing Committee, I have supported no increase in fares for this year.

Public realm

·          Beach cleaning contract

Officers are preparing details for the new beach cleaning contract. Invitations for tenders will go out by the end of November 2015, with the award for the new contact being in February. There will then be a period of mobilisation with the new contact beginning on 1 May 2016.

·          Beach huts

I’ve arranged meetings to move forward a formal consultation on potentially changing beach hut colours at Appley. I am hopeful, with support of councillors Whittle, Whitby-Smith, Ryde Town Council and officers that a meaningful consultation can take place in the coming months.

It remains my intention to feed this back at a future date to those engaged with this consultation.  

·          Public toilets

At Executive members resolved the following:

That the invitation of expressions of interest from parish and town councils to contribute to or take on the ownership of the management of the facilities be agreed.

That the consideration a community asset transfer (CAT) of the facilities be agreed.

That the investigation of the opportunity for a council owned company to manage the facilities which could include interested parish and town councils within the company, be agreed.

Local engagement.

·         Planning enforcement

Discussions are underway between planning officers and the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils to explore the potential of a partnership arrangement to support the ‘discretionary’ planning enforcement service across the Island.

·         Play area partnerships

The council has established a partnership with Ryde Town Council to help maintain, refurbish, and replace play equipment across the Ryde area. Ryde Town Council has agreed to release £13,000 to the local authority help improve local play spaces within its local communities.

Also since last Full Council…

·         I attended a recent meeting of the Isle of Wight Cycle Forum, and am working with both the forum and officers on the ‘Stay Wider of the Rider’ campaign. Also discussed were suggestions to duplicate future events which followed the recent well received Pearl Izumi Bicycle Race in Ryde.

·         I attended the Chamber Of Commerce Developers’ Forum. Under the spotlight at this meeting was low cost affordable housing. In discussions during and after the meeting developers seemed supportive of the new pre-application service in place and outcomes.

·         I attended a meeting of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils. Issues raised are due to be discussed with officers next week.

·         A meeting was arranged with Councillor Lumley to resolve ongoing issues at Pan Meadows. Timescales are due to be circulated by officers, to ensure that residents are appraised of deadlines and action points required.

·         I provided a summarised report as to how the Isle of Wight Council is engaging with town and parish councils, following earlier recommendations made. A more in depth and fuller report has now been circulated.

·         I met with representatives from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England. A number of questions were raised prior to this meeting, which were responded to.

·         Planning Committee approved applications at Windsor Drive, Shanklin, Oakfield Primary School and to redevelop the Costume Workshop site in Sandown. Following feedback from local members, committee supported this proposal against officer’s recommendation.

·         Planning training took place for all members of the Isle of Wight Council and representatives of town and parish councils. The focus of this event was to provide planning refresher training, training on Section 106 agreements and planning enforcement. For this event which I chaired, 33 attendees took part. Overheads have been circulated to all members and clerks.

·         I attended the Environment and Transport Select Committee meeting.

·         Meetings have taken place between myself and select committee chairmen. Issues discussed have included improving liaison between the Isle of Wight Council and town and parish councils, beach huts and public toilets. My continued thanks to councillors Gilbey and Whittle for their ongoing assistance!

·         In addition I have held a briefing with Councillor Jones-Evans as Licensing Committee chair.

·         On Councillor Smart’s behalf, I attended a meeting of Solent Transport held in Winchester, and have provided what I hope was pro-active support for the Sub Regional Transport Model Upgrade, (which is a tool that will undoubtedly support economic growth to the region) and regional bids for low emission buses.

Thank you, as always for reading my report!  If you require updates or further details please visit my blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com

In the meantime, I wish all residents and their families a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous Christmas and New Year!