IW Councillors Report, July 2016

Surgeries:

2:30-3pm, Tuesday 5^th July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 13^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

12-12:50pm, Wednesday 20^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 20^th July, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

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

Public Rights Of Way Consultation.

The IW Council are currently consulting on its Rights Of Way Improvement Plan. The purpose of this consultation is to explore ways and means of making Public Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways better for residents and visitors. 

The key objectives within the Improvement Plan are:

·         Maintain a high quality rights of way network.

·         Develop the network to benefit as wide a range of users as possible.

·         Identify a programme of achievable improvements.

·         Improve access for those with mobility difficulties.

·         Promote the network and countryside to non-users.

·         Promote the network for health and leisure.

·    Promote the network as an option for sustainable journeys.

The consultation continues until 16^th September. For further information please visit:

www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Rights-of-Way/Public-Rights-of-Way/Rights-of-Way-Improvement-Plan-2016-Consultation

Public Footpaths

·         CS4. The public footpath linking Egypt Esplanade with Battery Road has been temporarily closed, owing to a landslip. The Isle of Wight Council are currently monitoring ground movement and the footpath will be reinstated once the ground has stabilised.

·          CS5a.  A request has been received to remove brambles and overgrowth on this footpath. On this I am liaising between Gurnard Parish Council and Rights Of Way.

Cowes High Street.

Last month, I helped arrange a meeting between the Isle of Wight Council, Island Roads and Cowes Town Council to resolve a deadlock which arose in response to vehicles not complying with existing traffic orders.

Cowes Town Council are investigating replacing the metal bollards which have passed their respective useful lives.

Following the meeting it was agreed to:

1.    Circulate Cowes Town Council’s wish list of proposals to the IW Council, Island Roads and the Police.

2.    Following acceptance, these would be costed and recirculated to Town Councillors.

3.    A follow-up meeting may be called in July to agree/ accept/ revise the current Traffic Order.

4.    If appropriate, the Traffic Order would be advertised.

High Sided Vehicles, Crossfield Estate.

I have received several calls from residents of Crossfield Avenue, Churchill Road and Winston Road complaining to me about the high volume of high sided vehicles seemingly being parked and stored in these roads.

This is an issue which I am taking up with vehicles owner.  Although there is limited action that can be taken, given most vehicles are lawfully parked I will be speaking to the vans owners, who I hope will park sympathetically to the needs of residents in these roads.

Public Toilets.

Freeholds for public toilets are due to be issued in the coming weeks to Town and Parish Councils.  In Gurnard (and Yarmouth) this has been complicated by recent reassessments by Governments Valuation Office who recently determined the exemption which applied to the Public Conveniences on Gurnard Green being no longer valid.

On this, I intend to support an appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Worsley Road Bus Stop.

I’ve received recent complaints from Buckers View residents following vehicles being parked in the layby for the Bus Stop. I have also spoken to John the bus driver concerning this, and he also highlights the difficulty caused to residents getting on and off of the bus.

I understand Parking Enforcement have been contacted regarding this.  

Prior Approval Planning Statement,  Land adj. to Farm Bungalow, Baring Road.

A Prior Approval Planning Statement was received to develop two residential dwellings on the existing footprint of former agricultural dwellings off Baring Road.

Prior approvals, are similar to Permitted Development Rights and were introduced by Government in 2013 to relax development rights.

Although this development has been questioned by residents, who through the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan has challenged further residential development within the Jordan Valley, powers to oppose or object to such applications are very limited on the proviso that the footprint does not exceed certain criteria

Planning Applications Update.

The Application for Phase 1 of the new development at Place Road has been signed off under a delegated decision process.  This follows ongoing positive dialogue between the developer and local residents.

I am in dialogue with the Planning Department concerning the request by applicants to remove the footway condition which seeks to connect the new development at the former Gurnard School site with both Hilton Road and the new Cockleton Meadows Public Space.   On this, both Island Roads and Gurnard Parish Council have made comments on the importance of retaining this safe pedestrian thoroughfare, which I am supportive.  In the meantime, I remain hopeful that a compromise can be sought, whereby it is not necessary for this application to be determined by the Planning Committee.

Reinstatement of Rural Bus Service.

Following the removal last year of the service bus 35, which used to call at Hillis Corner, Porchfield, Thorness, Newtown and Shalfleet,  I have had discussions with Cowes Enterprise College and the IW Council in the hope that a service bus could be resurrected at term time to double up as a school bus.  On this discussions are ongoing…

 

Brexit Update.

It was good to have the opportunity to catch up with so many residents at the In/Out Referendum last month.I manned the polling stations throughout the day at both the Isle of Wight Community Club and Gurnard Village Hall.  At these, it was great to see many residents who never voted before, and it was good to listen and discuss local and national issues, which I look forward to address as your Councillor, where possible. In the conversations I had about the Referendum, it was very clear that voters researched carefully, understood the advantages and risks and weighed these up as their personal decision on 23^rd June.

At the same time (where I came in!) there was a number of issues which residents have asked me to investigate, these were largely linked to Potholes, Waste Collections, Grass Verges, Neighbours, Double Yellow Lines and Road resurfacing.

I am currently following up these enquiries. If I haven’t had the opportunity to get back to you, or if the item remains unresolved please let me know!

In the meantime, like most residents I’m watching this space as to how our country moves forward on the monumental decision taken.

Waste Roll-Out.

During June, I spent a considerable amount of time chasing up residents enquiries regarding the roll out of the new waste contractor, Amey.

As Executive member, this resulted in me spending time away from Cowes to be more hands-on by manning surgeries throughout the Island.  From the information that was fed back to me, it was clear that problems within town centres were more complex than within rural and semi-rural areas.

Issues concerning communal waste facilities within flats, reassessments for smaller bins and Gull Sacks for elderly residents and the non-delivery of receptacles within specified timeframes featured high in those complaints received. In addition, perishing garden waste sacks, new unregistered homes and the inability to speak to Isle of Wight Council/ Amey to resolve these issues also featured high in the complaints received.

With respect to the new biodegradable garden waste sacks, this month I will be testing their durability over 2 weeks to monitor for myself how strong they are in response to ongoing complaints that I have received from gardeners.

On waste, this summer I will be focusing on ensuring that residents who find it difficult to leave out bins are properly supported.  On this particular subject, if you (or somebody you know) are struggling to put out your/ their waste each week, please let me know, so that I can arrange for assessment for an assisted collection.  These collections are free for residents entitled.

In light of ongoing reassessment requests, knowing a few households that have been missed I am holding two further surgeries.  These take place: 

9:30-11am, Monday 18^th July at Ryde Library, George Street, Ryde. (I have requested for Amey & IWC to attend this!)

10:30-12:30pm, Tuesday 2^nd August at Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard, Cowes

Lynnbottom Civic Amenity Site closure 1-14^th August:

The Island’s Principle Civic Amenity site will close on 1^st August.  This is to allow for improvements to the traffic flow on site, and will see an increase of recycling bays.

During the closure the Afton Marsh Household Recycling Centre will remain open from 7am-8pm 7 days a week to allow for the disposal of household recycling and waste and bulky items. 

Residents may also take a limited number of recyclables and garden waste to a temporary recycling centre that will be provided by Amey at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde. The Smallbrook Stadium temporary facility will be open every day from 1 to 14 August 2016 from 8am to 4pm and will accept limited number of recyclables and garden waste. For details please visit: www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/

Road Resurfacing.

Summer resurfacing has taken place in Baring Road, Queens Road, Albert Road and Church Road with Ward Avenue pending for 10 days from 4th July, and Rew Street pending for 7-11^th July. 

In addition, repainting of double yellow lines has taken place in Gurnard.

School Transport.

The application process for school transport ‘privilege’ seats is now open.  Parents of children that are not entitled to a seat on council-provided school bus transport can apply for a ‘privilege seat’ until midday on 7 July.

In the past, spare seats were offered on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis, however, from September 2016 the seats will be offered via a randomised ‘lottery’ process.  Parents who wish their child(ren) to be entered into the process can apply online via the council’s website www.iwight.com/schooltransport

If a child is selected, and offered a privilege seat, the fee for the 2016/17 academic year will be £95 per term.

It is felt this new process of random selection will offer more fairness to Island parents and carers to obtain a privilege seat, while one is available, to assist them with getting their children to school safely; alongside the council’s statutory duty to provide such a service to entitled children.

Friends Of Cockleton Meadow Update.

Following the support of Gurnard Parish Council, the Gurnard School Open Space Working Party has resolved to move forward as a ‘Friends Of’ group to help to look after, maintain and manage the former school playing field and orchard.

Next year the friends’ group hopes to continue working in partnership with Gurnard Parish Council, whilst Gift For Nature can use their skills to seek funding for initiatives like the Annual Apple Harvest.  In the meantime the Friends are seeking funds for a Picnic Bench to commemorate the life of Jenny Thomas.

If you wish to contribute, or wish to know more please contact Martin Bilson at martin@vectisvet.freeserve.co.uk

Seafront Railings.

A meeting has taken place to agree options concerning the railings which run from Gurnard seafront to Egypt Point and beyond Princes Green to the Royal Yacht Squadron. These railings have been designated as ornamental, rather than a health and safety requirement and therefore are not a statutory requirement for maintenance. Officers from the IW Council have indicated that restoration and replacement could cost in excess of £100,000

As most residents should be aware, the IW Council does not have funding to undertake this work and several options are being considered. These include replacement, repair and removal- whilst opportunities to work in partnership with Town and Parish Councils and Local Business sponsorship can be fully considered.

This will be discussed by both Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council in September, once the full costings are known.  In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts!  

Response to West Wight Coastal Strategy:

I have been asked to make the following comment with respect to the West Wight Coastal and Flood Defence Strategy.  Issues raised by residents which I have been asked to relay to the IW Council are as follows:

1.    We have concerns over the redevelopment of coastal ‘dwellings’, and how these should be evaluated when considering grant funding for sea defence and flood alleviation schemes.  It was felt that in in recent years’ property and land values in Cowes and Gurnard had significantly increased, and therefore we ask that the formula is updated to reflect current property values when considered in assessing Coastal and Flood defence projects. 

2.    We ask Planning Officers to consider Section 106 conditions when permitting the redevelopment of coastal sites.  In addition, we welcome opportunities to pool long term ‘maintenance’ funds which would help sustain coastal and flood defences for the longer term.

3.    We ask that the Isle of Wight Council and the Environment Agency assists and promotes the implementation of less expensive flood defence measures. Examples we can give include the utilisation of barriers at public and private slipways, and regular maintenance of drains and gullies in areas susceptible to flood risk. 

4.    We ask that a mechanism be considered whereby when landowners undertake self-help, and when this is agreed- Could match-funding from Government become more transparent, easier to access and more seamless?

In addition, it is of concern the number of agencies involved when considering small schemes. This can be a disincentive for those with frontages requiring maintenance.  The current mechanism requires less bureaucracy and more simplicity not only for landowners, but also for members of the public and neighbours who maintains the right to scrutinise/ comment on such work.

5.    We ask that coastal defence measures at Cook’s Bay west of the Gurnard Luck is duly considered.  Concern has been expressed by residents of Marsh Road that should the cliff be undermined to the west of the Estuary of Gurnard Luck, flood risk and coastal erosion would substantially increase.

6.    We support intervention to protect and reinforce seawall on Cowes Esplanade. This is important to protect properties owing to the tow of the land to the south.    

7.    We support opportunities to increase investment in groyne repairs on the beach between Cowes and Gurnard.

8.    We support the long term need to strengthen the seawall at Shore Path, given its strategic importance to both residents who use this as an access to the beach and to property owners.

Also this month:

• ·         Overhanging hedgerows have been cut back in Baring Road.
• ·         Residents have questioned consented works to maintain sea defences against coastal erosion at Marsh Road.  From my perspective it is helpful if property/ land owners please let me know when work is due to be undertaken, so residents are fully appraised and reassured of disruption in advance of works taking place.
• ·         Residents have approached me in connection with new planning applications for properties in Shore Road and Marsh Road.
• ·         I am supporting a complaint from Marsh Road residents to Island Roads following increased flooding following this road being resurfaced last year
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REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 15^th JUNE 2016.

·         Waste Issues.

Since the roll-out of the new waste and recycling, a very large proportion of my time, officer time and call centre time has been spent responding to members and residents enquiries concerning non delivery of receptacles, reassessments and most recently perishable green waste sacks.  Although issues are being resolved there still remains outstanding issues, where bins and sacks have been missed.

On this matter, as the recipient of dozens of calls,  I very much share member’s frustration and will be pushing for the IW Council to press for the highest penalties when obligations within the contract has failed to be met.

A briefing has been held for Members to provide an update to Isle of Wight Councillors.  In the meantime, I am also holding surgeries in Newport, Ryde, Cowes, Sandown, Ventnor, Freshwater and East Cowes to listen to, and take up issues on resident’s behalf.

In the meantime, can I request members contact the Waste Team direct with enquiries at waste.contract@iow.gov.uk to reduce the level of enquiries to the Council’s call centre. If the enquiry is resident specific can members provide a name, address and telephone number.

·         Town Centre Waste Issues.

I called a meeting with representatives from Island Roads, Housing and representatives from our Environment Officer team to resolve flytipping and the collection of waste from Town Centres.  This is something that is long-standing, which I am anxious to make headway on, in partnership with Local Members, Town/ Parish Councils and landlords, once roll-out issues with Amey are resolved.

·         Coastal Access update:

At the Local Access Forum held on Thursday 2^nd June a representative from Natural England attended and confirmed that development of the England Coast Path (Coastal Access) pursuant to Part 9 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 is due to start on the Isle of Wight in the Spring/Summer of 2017 and that initial discussions within Natural England regarding the scheme on the Island have commenced.

·         Rights of Way Improvement Plan:

Public consultation on the review of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan will be starting later this month.  The current Plan is 10 years old and is due for renewal in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  It will be the opportunity for the public and key user groups to give their view as to the extent to which the rights of way network meets the needs of the public and what improvements are desired to provide a better experience.  The results of the consultation will confirm whether the current Plan requires revision.

·         Beach access:

ROW have reinstated beach access at Compton car park and Shepherds Chine.  Work will soon start on reinstatement works at Horestone Point, Bembridge Hard and Linstone Chine.

·         British Horse Society award: 

The Council’s Rights of Way team, have nominated by the Isle of Wight Bridleway Group to receive a British Horse Society Access Achievement Award. The award recognises their on-going work to equestrian rights of way and how the team has taken a resourceful and cutting edge approach to carrying out statutory duties.

·         Countryside

Gift to Nature have now taken over the day to day management of much of the IW Council’s owned Countryside Estate.

In recent months in partnership with Newport Parish Council Gift to Nature has successfully bid for grant funding for Pan Mill Meadows (£46k), whilst in partnership with Ryde Town Council Gift to Nature received a grant for Swanmore Meadows (£25k).

  

·         Transferral of Public Toilets.

Freehold documents are scheduled to be circulated to Town and Parish Council’s this month. I’ve asked this allows for Town and Parish Councils to consider these before the summer break.  In the meantime, I’ve asked for a drop in session to take place with officers during July to iron out any issues which arise with local councils. 

·         Appley and Puckpool Beach Huts.

A further beach hut consultation took place in March of the 144 owners contacted, 68 responded with 41 owners in full support of allowing a greater choice of colour and shades.

From 1^st June owners now have the option to vary colours.  On this matter, I wish to record my grateful thanks to the efforts, perseverance and support by Councillors Whittle and Whitby-Smith.

·         West Wight Coastal and Flood Defence Strategy

Last month, I accompanied officers from both the IW Council and the Environment Agency at public engagement events that took place in both Cowes and Yarmouth. Consultation on the strategy continues until 30^th June.

·         Local Sustainable Transport Fund Award.

The recent IW Council’s bid LSTF 3 funding was successful, and will provide £450k in Revenue funding for better access to education, work and visitor attractions across the Island.

Of note within my portfolio is the smart cycling corridor between Newport and Cowes, cycling hubs and continued investment in SUSTRAN training in partnership with schools.

·         Warm-Up Wight.

Warm Up Wight is an Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funded scheme which offers free insulation (and potentially heating) improvements to qualifying households.

Warm Up Wight is being delivered by J & J Crump & Son in partnership with The Warmfront Team.  The scheme has met the requirements of the council's Code of Conduct and is therefore supported by the council.

The aim of the scheme will be to offer customers 100% free products. However, if a property is oversized then a small contribution may be required.

Before any works are specified, an energy survey will be required for the property to determine what improvements will be effective in reducing energy consumption or making homes warmer to live in.

For further information, please contact info@warmfrontteam.co.uk or telephone on 0800 032 8322.

Also since my last report:

• ·         Attended a Police Rural Policing Meeting.
• ·         An IWALC conference, which addressed the evolving role of Town/ Parish Councils.
• ·         Accompanied Amey and IW Council Officers on IW Radio’s Friday Report twice.
• ·         Accompanied Amey and IW Council Officers on Vectis Radio.
• ·         Attended a Waste Briefing with Shanklin Town Council and residents.
• ·         Attended a meeting between IWALC and the Chief Executive.
• ·         Attended the Regional Flood Defence Committee with officers and members from the SE region.
• ·         Attended three Community Waste Forum meetings.
• ·         Attended a Rural Fund Projects meeting. This meeting is called to distribute LEP funding to rural businesses.
• ·         With the Council Leader and Rural Fund members attended a site visit to the Living Larder initiative in Apse Heath.
• ·         Attended three waste briefings called to update local and IW Councillors and the media.
• ·         Attended a meeting of the Local Access Forum.
• ·         Attended four sessions on the waste trailer which visited St Thomas’ Square and River Fest, Newport and Market Square, Ryde.
• ·         Made early contact with Town and Parish Councils in preparation of partnership working regarding principle parks.
• ·         Attended and Initiated Waste Drop in surgeries for Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Freshwater, Sandown, Ventnor and East Cowes.  During these sessions, I have met, listened to and engaged with in excess of 200 residents.  These will continue until issues are resolved.
• ·         Hosted a meeting of the Sustainability Forum.