IW Councillors Report, February 2016

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd February, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 9^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 17^th February, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 17^th February, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (To be confirmed).

6-6:30pm, Thursday 25^th February, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

Isle of Wight Council Budget 2016/7.

The budget for the IW Council to find a further £17.386m savings next year continues to be a priority for most, if not all Councillors. Since last month’s report, I’ve fedback suggestions forwarded to me.  As highlighted previously, the reduction in grant funding in the context of increased costs for Adult Care and children’s services, alongside how the ‘Island’ factor impacts upon our local economy, has exacerbated some of the challenges we face.

From my point of view, I wholeheartedly sign up to the ethos of Councils operating in an efficient, more robust and business-like way. However following the consistent extent of savings required, the Island now finds itself in a position whereby it is a challenge to continue to find these.   

In the meantime, meetings have taken place between Cllr. Bacon, Council Leader, Officers, our MP, Civil Servants and Ministers. Although it is agreed the Council can legally balance its books for this year, both the Island and a number of other authorities (across the political spectrum) will next year see a real challenge maintaining the statutory services.  Prior to meetings, civil servants and Ministers have been provided with financial statements and these have been scrutinised, acknowledged, and accepted by Government.

Recently, Andrew Turner MP has in parliament asked the question to Government as to what happens to authorities like the IW Council who can no longer fund those statutory services which Councils have to lawfully provide?  This followed the same question being asked by councillors and officers late last year.  As such the Island, and the other 20 authorities affected has not yet heard back.

For details concerning options and the challenges of this year’s budget, please visit the IW Council simulator: http://youchoose.esd.org.uk/IsleOfWight, and: https://www.iwight.com/documentlibrary/view/budget-consultation-information-pack

This important consultation continues until 12^th February, with the budget being set by Full Council on 24^th February.

Roads Update.

Last month, following a large number of complaints I was in regular dialogue with contractors working at Glen Place.

Given the closure of Worsley Road, and the impact that this had upon both residents and businesses, I was very grateful to contractors who ensured the road was reopened ten days ahead of schedule.

In the discussions which I had, I was advised that due to recent weather conditions this development has fallen behind schedule resulting in contractors not being to park on site.

Elsewhere a huge pothole was filled within 2 hours of me reporting this between the junctions of Parklands Avenue and Reynolds Close in Park Road, Cowes.  Last month gully clearance took place in Baring Road, Parklands Avenue and Cockleton Lane.

In Ward Avenue repairs have been scheduled to take place February/ March (!) on sections of the road which has deteriorated since being resurfaced September 2014.  Island Roads have also stated that they are due to undertake repairs and reinstatement of damaged kerbs in the area.  Many thanks to Cllr Geoff Banks for persevering on this matter!

Indiscriminate car parking continues to be a problem in Woodvale Road, where grass verges have become damaged following incidents of parents parking.  Island Roads have echoed the need to regulate parking in the area, and long term options continue to be investigated. 

Marsh Road.

I am advised that further beach nourishment and coastal defence work has been requested to take place on the seawall at Marsh Road.  Requests have been made to both Chesterton Humberts (Agents to the Crown Estate) and the Isle of Wight Council to ensure that any remedial work undertaken is compliant with regulations.

In the meantime last month, further flooding took place on Marsh Road.  At this stage speaking to residents I am pleased to report that all buildings avoided flood damage.  In the meantime, I’ve spoken to John Dart who has offered room at the car park of the Little Gloster for sandbags should these be required during the coming weeks.

Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

Work continues on Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan, and in the past few months meetings have taken place to take our plan to the next consultative stage with the IW Council before being considered and adopted by local referendum later this year.

A huge thank you to those volunteers who have invested their time on this project.

Cowes Harbour Commissioners.

Four non-executive members are being sought for the Board of Cowes Harbour Commissioners (CHC). The Board is responsible for the strategic oversight of a range of activities that are vital to the safe management and prosperity of the ‘Trust Port’ of Cowes.

The Commissioners are seeking candidates with knowledge and expertise in finance, law and project management. Additional relevant experience relating to the following skill sets would be advantageous, but not prescriptive, namely port development, business management, safety, marine science and engineering, Human Resources and Information Technology.

Appointments will be effective from 1^st May 2016, and will run for three years.  Further information is available on the CHC website.  If you are interested in being considered, pleas apply to the Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7AS, by email: chc@cowes.co.uk or telephone 01983 293952.

Also this month.

·         An update has been requested regarding redevelopment to the rear of the Three Cowes, High Street, Cowes.  This matter is being dealt with by Planning Officers.

·         I have offered support to both Northwood Parish Council and Northwood WI over future management of WI Hall in Newport Road.

·         Following a number of enquiries, I have requested feedback on the future use of Parklands in Park Road, Cowes.

·         There has been a further bonfire incident which has occurred in Gurnard.  I’ve taken this matter up with Environmental Health again, and given that the wind direction did not directly impact upon neighbours, and by the fact the contractor on site highlighted this was a one off,  it could not be demonstrated this caused a ‘statutory nuisance’.

·         Following several requests from residents asking me to do so, I supported a motion at Full Council urging concern over Fracking and it’s impact upon the Isle of Wight.

·         A request has been received to thin bay trees in Northwood Park, this is due to the trees growing too large and becoming difficult to manage.  This has in the past been supported by the IW Council’s tree officer, as this has opened up the area.

REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR PLANNING, LICENSING, PUBLIC REALM AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY 2016.

Planning.

·         Planning Appeals.

In the last few weeks, decisions have been received in respect to the Blanchards Planning Application for Brighstone, and for the Brickfields redevelopment at Binstead.  Both these applications were refused by Planning Committee against officers recommendation, and in both cases these applications were overturned by the Planning Inspectorate. 

In light of  Planning Appeals in general, the Local Planning Authority continues to exceed the Government target of 70% of our decisions being dismissed by the Inspectorate.   Of the 31 appeal hearings since April 2015, 7 have been allowed (23%), whilst 24 have been dismissed (77%)

The start of the Brighstone Neighbourhood Development Plan consultation has been deferred, at Brighstone PC's request, until Friday 22^nd January, to Brighstone’s community the digest the Blanchards appeal decision, and to understand whether it will have any implications for the proposed plan.

·         Planning Committee

Planning Committee met in December and applications were approved at Harcourt Sands, Puckpool and Bembridge Marina.

·         Area Action Plans.

Consultation on the Area Action Plans concluded on 21^st December.  In respect to this consultation, over 100 representations were received from individuals, organisations and from Town and Parish Councils.  All comments in the process of being analysed, and will be fed back.

Licensing.

·         Highways Permission Policy.

A meeting was held with Island Roads regarding the enforcement of A Boards, after they were removed from the Highways Permissions Policy. It was agreed that the guidelines for A Boards which was originally drafted and agreed for inclusion in the policy, can be provided to businesses as good practice should a problem be identified.  This policy is scheduled to reviewed following the summer.

In the meantime, the licensing Department has completed street permission licensing in Newport and will now be prioritising  Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, St Helens, Seaview and Bembridge. The licence ensures that all tables, chairs and other similar items placed on the Highway have the correct permissions to do so.

Town and Parish Council Engagement.

·         Transferral of Services.

I have attended a number of meetings with the Isle of Wight Association of Town and Parish Councils, with both the Executive of the Association, and with lead officers.  These meetings continue to explore the transferral of Services, with discussions currently underway on the transferral of public toilets.

·         Highways.

A meeting took place between IWALC, Island Roads and Officers to resolve a number of ongoing concerns raised by members.

·         Public Meetings.

I attended a public meeting at Shanklin, for the purpose of outling the Area Action Plan and its objectives.

During the meeting, an emphasis was highlighted on the Council’s pending Parking Policy.  Subsequently, since this meeting I can report, that with officers it is agreed that Planning Policy for Town Centre Parking is consistent and is allowed to feed into with the new Parking Strategy.

In addition to this, I’ve received constructive input from local residents regarding the budget, and public toilets which I have referred to officers.

Rights Of Way.

The wet weather is having an adverse impact on the Rights of Way network.   In addition to wet, muddy and flooded paths, landslips are affecting the coastal path and beach accesses, the most noticeable of which is Compton car park beach steps at Hanover Point –the situation is being monitored with a view to considering beach access reinstatement proposals once land is stable.

On a positive note the following can be reported:

·         Nunwell Down – ROW are grateful for landowner agreement to upgrade a public footpath to bridleway status to open up the network to a greater number of users.  The path in question (B30) is particularly useful as it will link up to existing bridleways and other available routes on Nunwell and Brading Downs.

·         Coastal Path, Tyne Ledge, Bembridge.  A Diversion Order has been made to reroute the coastal path at Tyne Ledge.   The existing route has been closed for some time due to landslips but with landowner agreement a new route on stable ground has been possible.

·         Niton Bridleway (NT26).  ROW are receiving messages of thanks for improving a bridleway at the back of Niton Primary School.  With landowner agreement the width was increased by about 1m, opening up the path for convenient and safe multi use.

·         Lynbottom, Newport.  ROW via Planning have successfully negotiated funding from Amey via s106 moneys to improve a Public Footpath and Bridleway in the vicinity of the civic amenity site at Newport.

·         HF Holidays:   ROW have been awarded further grant funding from HF Holidays to improve a popular path (GL57) through a copse near Sainham, Godshill, works to start in the Spring when ground conditions have dried to allow access.

·         IW Ramblers Association.   Successful joint schemes involving IW Ramblers working parties on steep paths in Ventnor and Niton where new retaining steps were required have been completed.

·         IW Bridleway Group.  ROW supporting volunteer working parties clearing vegetation to improve visibility at points where bridleways meet roads.  Jointly funded new bridle gates.

Also since last Full Council.

·         With the local member, I met with marine businesses based at Medina Yard.  This was followed up with a meeting between businesses, Executive members and Lead Officers to understand the challenges these businesses face, and how as a local authority we can support businesses grow. 

·         I have attended a meeting of the Local Access Forum.  At the meeting, I raised questions regarding the future of the Forestry Commission and how the priorities of woodlands on the Island, are in transition from being areas seen primarily for timber production to areas for leisure, recreation and ecology.  In addition there is a mission from members to work towards 100% of bridleways being re-opened.  At the meeting I was informed that it was necessary for the police to intervene following damage to burrows from cycles, horses and other animals on Common ground.   Finally the LAF are seeking to use local expertise to bid for future funding initiatives.   

IW Councillors Report: January 2016

Surgeries.

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

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

6-6:30pm, Thursday 14^th January, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 20^th January, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 28^th January, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd February, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Medina Valley Area Action Plan.

Public consultation on this local area action plan ended last month. Issues which I flagged up as Local Councillor, include:

·         Removing the settlement boundary from Gurnard.

·         Safeguarding the Jordan Valley Green Gap, as a means to protect both the Cowes and Gurnard communities from settlement coalescence.

·         Requesting protection of other green spaces from development These include:

°         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,

°         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/ open space within & opp. Magdalen Crescent, Crossfield Avenue, and west of Churchill Road, Cowes.

·         Retention of land for Employment use at:

°         BAE Systems, Northwood.

°         Medina Yard, Cowes. (ensuring deep water and water frontage is maintained for marine and maritime industries)

·         Supporting the Medina Estuary is designated as a Local Enterprise Zone.

·         Supporting the creation of small scale development, prioritising the local need for 1 and 2 property units.

Isle of Wight Council Budget 2016/7.

Last month I attended briefings linked to next year’s Budget, and how the reduced funding from Government continues to impact directly upon how our Council continues to deliver services.

The future of the New Homes Bonus grant, Governments Financial settlement, the impact of the living wage, the increasing costs of Adult Social Care and the scope to which local authorities can raise Council Tax is being analysed. These issues will have an impact on next year’s precept, which is predicted to increase to its maximum level (3.99%)

There is no doubt the IW Council does not want to reduce the number or level of services it provides, however it can and is argued that Government has a mandate to ensure Local Authorities and the Public sector closely monitors expenditure.

From the briefings, I attended it was made very clear that the savings are finite, and unless new ways can be found to operate (for example, devolution), some authorities including the Isle of Wight included will fail to fulfil its statutory duties beyond 2017. Again with devolution proposals, these are not being welcomed or embraced by all Councils or members- However it is highlighted that this is being promoted by Government, and therefore it is important for Council’s to be at the table to help to shape options moving forward.

In the meantime, the Chief Executive, the MP and Council Leader, Jonathan Bacon is meeting with the Local Government Minister to underline our Island’s unique case. 

In one of the briefings which I attended with Parish and Town Councils, it was made very clear for all Council’s to work together to ensure those services considered most important are safeguarded. From my perspective, local councils do want to do more to assist, and I’m working with colleagues to ensure this can be pursued in a less bureaucratic way. 

Gritting/ Salting.

So far this winter, there has not been a need to grit or salt roads to the extent that this has occurred in the past years.  However, should conditions change the gritting routes are:

In Cowes (West) these are: Place Road, Park Road, Ward Avenue, Baring Road and Crossfield Avenue.

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.

Road Works.

First the Good news! I’ve been advised that following perseverance and support, Island Roads have moved forward their resurfacing schedule for Parklands Avenue from 2017 to September 2016. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of inspections from six months to monthly, given concerns expressed.

Last month, I also requested that the gully drainage and ponding which currently applies to Parklands Avenue is investigated and remedial action taken.

Elsewhere, I’ve received calls from residents concerning roadworks being undertaken by utility companies.  Initially this was raised as an issue concerning the closure of Three Gates Road, however similar issues have also been reflected following the closure of Worsley Road and Shore Road at the same time in Gurnard.  

This issue has also been discussed by Town Councillors in Cowes.

I’ve taken this matter up with Island Roads, and with Cllr John Nicholson who has taken a lead on this, will be addressing issues concerning the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 with our MP.  Of concern to us both is how we consider this piece of legislation can be opened up to abuse by Utility Companies undertaking ‘Emergency works’, and how this impacts upon newly resurfaced roads as well as of course the communities that are affected.

Also within Worsley Road, I was asked to intervene before Christmas when it was perceived by residents that the quality of work fell below standards on infilling utility works for the new Glen Place development.    

Medina Yard.

Last month Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, and I met with businesses and was shown around Medina Yard.

Subsequently, a meeting was arranged and took place between businesses, the local member, Executive Members, and key officers to provide an insight as to the challenges being faced. From my point of view, it is important for the IW Council to understand the needs of businesses to ensure they receive both support and assistance.  

In the media, I received some criticism for not opening up the meeting to more Councillors. However, in this instance, I considered it important for me that businesses had the opportunity to be frank and open with Council leaders, and any views related were in no way diluted.

Volunteer Drivers: Support Needed!

There is a current shortage of volunteer drivers from Cowes and Gurnard, and the Optio Voluntary Car Service are seeking new drivers to support less mobile residents accessing transport to attend medical appointments at St. Mary’s Hospital and Cowes Medical Centre, which is given priority.   

If you (or somebody that you know) might be interested in volunteering for this rewarding and valuable service, please call Optio on 01983 522226, who can tell you more!

Also last month:

·         Action was requested and reminders chased up to repair the street light in Winding Way.  This caused concern, as the request to replace the LED bulbs took weeks, rather than days.

·         Following last month’s article on debt, I have received positive feedback from residents.

·         Bonfires continue to cause major concern.  Last month, it was necessary to request intervention from Environmental Health and action taken which has (so far) resulted in no further bonfires being lit.

·         Work seems to be commencing on the Range store, in Place Road.  Subsequently, residents have approached me concerning this, and to what extent Planning conditions relate to this development.

·         I am currently in discussions regarding Fracking, and how the issuing of local licenses could impact upon our Island.

·       A complaint has been received regarding the residential use of holiday accommodation at Gurnard Pines.