IW Councillor's Report, February 2017

Surgeries:

11-11:30am, Friday 3^rd February, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
10:30-11:30am, Thursday 9 February, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes. (Rescheduled date)

11:45-12:15pm, Thursday 9^th February, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 15^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 23^rd February, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Friday 24^th February, Eegon’s, 72 High Street, Cowes.

11-11:30am, Friday 3^rd March, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.

Following its submission by Gurnard Parish Council in November, the IW Council is undertaking a consultation on the proposed Gurnard Neighbourhood Development Plan and supporting documents. This can be found at: www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Planning-Policy-new/Neighbourhood-Planning/Gurnard-Neighbourhood-Plan and continues until Monday 27^th February.

Having spoken to Planning Officers, I’m advised that given a requirement to follow formal timescales, the very earliest date that a referendum can take is August.

IW Council Administration.

Last month Cllrs Jonathan Bacon and Steve Stubbings resigned their positions as Leader and Deputy of the IW Council.  As a consequence my Executive position was short lived, and at Full Council a new leader Cllr. Dave Stewart was appointed to take control of a Conservative/ Individual Members Group/ UKIP administration.

Unlike the former ‘Independent’ administration, which I am a member of, there is now a majority of members (21) that are aligned and in a position to work together to set what will be a very difficult budget.  

One of the frustrations which Jonathan had as Leader, was how it was becoming very challenging to set a budget following decisions taken by Central Government to reduce financial support and particularly support to Adult Social Care.  This was particularly relevant to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainability and Transformation Plan, which members considered failed to recognise the extra care costs linked with our ‘Island’ factor. 

Cllr. Stewart approached me to become a member of the new 9 strong Executive and although I was thrilled to be asked, I know that priorities and loyalties shared with my colleagues, and those priorities for the new administration would undoubtedly be compromised.  In the meantime, I’ve wished Cllr. Stewart every success and look forward to continue working alongside his new Executive in moving the IW Council forward.

New Housing development at Place Road.

Following last year’s competition from developers to name the three new roads at this development in Place Road, Island Roads (in conjunction with feedback from Gurnard Parish Council) have agreed to name the new roads as:

·         Deauville Avenue (This proposal was supported by three residents and the Deauville Twinning Association)

·         Cordelia Crescent (Suggested by Lanes End School student Claudia Summers, supported by Gurnard Parish Council)

·         Sunset Drive (Suggested by Lanes End School student Rufus Darroch and supported by Gurnard Parish Council)

These names are slightly different from those initially suggested, given the roads layout and configuration.  Prizes will be awarded to individuals and organisations at Gurnard’s Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 26^th April.

Land adjacent to Dottens Farm.

A new application was received last month to redevelop land fronting Baring Road adjacent to Dottens Farm.  Since being advertised, I’ve letter-dropped notifications of this application to seventy households nearby in Baring Road, Debourne Manor Drive and Woodvale Road.  This was followed up by a public meeting held at the Isle of Wight Community Club.

This new application has reduced the number of dwellings from 11 houses to 8.

In discussions had with residents, concerns continue to be raised regarding increased traffic to an already (at times) congested area, and settlement coalescence between Cowes and Gurnard. Also of concern was the impact of any future development upon habitats of protected species, as well as the setting of the listed Dottens Farm and its barns.

These issues, along with others have been relayed by Gurnard Parish Council who considered the proposal at their planning meeting in January.  Comments for this application should be received before Friday 3^rd February 2017.

For further details on this application, please visit: https://www.iwight.com/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=32191

The Range.

Following the sign off of recent Planning consents, The Range has confirmed that their new store at Place Road will open on Friday 14^th April.

Cowes Banks/ Post Office Update.

Last month I joined members of Cowes Town Council, Northwood Parish Council and Gurnard Parish Council who met with Andrew Turner MP to facilitate his support in retaining both a Post Office and Bank facilities for the town.

(From my notes), outcomes from the meeting included the following:

·         Andrew Turner agreed to liaise with the Post Office concerning its future in Cowes’ Town Centre. If this was not possible, Mill Hill Road’s Co-Op was considered as a last resort solution.

·         What potential was there to utilise the existing Lloyds Bank building?

·         I asked what opportunities may be available to create a ‘Community Hub’ facility, comprising of a Bank, Post Office and outreach for Cowes Town Council?

Cowes, Traffic Regulation Orders.

On our fact finding mission over two days Town Councillors Geoff Banks, Paul Taylor and myself met with local residents in Churchill Road, school Governors in Park Road, parents and principle teachers at Gurnard Primary to discuss future traffic orders for the area.

Issues highlighted included:

In Cowes, and adjacent to Cowes Primary School and Cowes Enterprise College:

·         Parking of Hire vehicles in Crossfield Avenue, Churchill Road and Winston Road.

·         The perceived lack of Parking Enforcement (Esp. Mounbatten Avenue, Edinburgh Close and Charles Road)

·         Improved safe pedestrian access to Park Road via Blackberry Lane from Cowes Primary School and Cowes Enterprise College.

·         The need to update existing parking orders, and potential to remove restrictions in place from Crossfield Avenue.

·         The future of the Parklands Resource Centre.

·         20mph zone and Speedwatch?

·         Long term financial support and sponsorship for the Road Crossing Patrol in Cowes and potential utilisation of body warn cameras?

In Gurnard/ Cowes, and adjacent to Gurnard Primary School:

·         Dangerous and non-compliant parking of parental vehicles in Woodvale Road and Baring Road.

·         The perceived lack of Parking Enforcement, and the need for more rigorous controls.

·         Damage to Grass Verges and planting in Woodvale Road.

·         The need to update existing parking orders, and to remove restrictions for the non-utilised bus stop in Baring Road.

·         Consideration of improved crossing facilities and traffic calming measures

·         Concerns over future school growth

·         Utilisation of developer’s contributions, and how future housing may mitigate against current problems.

Following the site visits, I will in the first instance speak to the IW Council about the future of the Parklands Resource Centre.  Should the Centre’s future be assured, further investigations will be required to upgrade Blackberry Lane.

Suggested recommendations to Cowes Town Council:

1.    Removal of Restrictions for School Buses in Crossfield Avenue and Baring Road.

2.    In Crossfield Avenue and at the junction with Churchill Road request a No Parking restriction (12-1pm) to prevent commuter parking.

3.    To support Gurnard Parish Council’s ‘No Loading’ Parking Restrictions in Woodvale Road.

4.    To request a Red Route Stopping Control between the junction of Woodvale Road and Curtlemead, Baring Road.

5.    To request a formal 20mph speed restrictions in Park Road, Crossfield Avenue and Baring Road.

6.    To consider three year funding and sponsorship of the Crossing patrol (and body warn video) at Park Road.

Primary Care Strategy

Isle of Wight (IW) Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is consulting on the future of services provided by GP practices (Wednesday February 15, 2017).   This follows a period of engagement as part of the My Life a Full Life programme and work by the CCG with GPs, Practice Managers, Practice staff and Practice Patient Participation Groups (PPGs).  

The strategy recognises the challenges providing primary care and sets out a vision for the future of General Practice including extending access to routine Primary Care seven days-a-week, implementing digital technologies enabling greater access and control, and developments in using new staff groups to work differently.

For details, please visit: www.isleofwightccg.nhs.uk/GB16-088%20Primary%20Care%20Draft%20Strategy%20FINAL%20v3.pdf. This consultation continues until Wednesday 15^th February.

Planning and Highways Matters

Glen Place.

At Glen Place residents have asked that I request double yellow lines on this new development’s junction with Worsley Road, given the difficulty with site lines for residents exiting this junction.

I have contacted the Planning Department regarding this, and have suggested that ‘if’ it is considered necessary for a traffic order, this is funded by the developer given the problems are as a consequence of this new development.

On another issue concerning Glen Place, I’ve been contacted by residents concerning the future management of the ‘Ecological’ areas on site.  The Planners have highlighted that because of environmental constraints, these areas should be safeguarded as a wildlife habitat intrinsic to the green gap which separates Cowes and Gurnard.

On this issue the Planning Officer is liaising and monitoring compliance.

Gurnard Pines.

In the last few months, I’ve received a number of concerns over the current use of Gurnard Pines.  Surprisingly, most residents that have contacted me are owners who has asked for better planning enforcement

From the perspective of the Planning Department Gurnard Pines is currently defined as being a Holiday (or Tourism) site, and this is unlikely that this is likely to change, given its position and potential as one of the Island’s Principal Holiday sites.  Should permission be sought to formally alter the Pines’ change of use from Holiday use to permanent residential use, this could have an adverse impact and set a precedent for parks elsewhere on the Island.

Although it is accepted that some conditions do allow for residential use for a multitude of allocated periods(!), there will be a need for both Planning and Housing Departments to fully understand the Pines’ status, and where appropriate support residents.

Bird Poo.

Residents from The Avenue, Tilbury Road, Bay View Road and Albert Road have asked me to plea to residents when feeding birds, to please avoid feeding the large number of Herring Gulls insistent on ‘decorating’ clean washing in the area

If this is not possible, can I suggest residents please consider use of feed dispensers as these are an ideal way of dissuading both large gulls and other vermin, whilst at the same time providing sustenance to garden birds!  

Planning Committee.

A development to build 80 new homes at Westridge Farm, Ryde was refused, following concerns raised by the Planning Committee over access to the site from an existing narrow road.

Elsewhere for the first time in several years, the Head of Planning and Housing invoked the ‘cooling off’ period, following a split decision be supported by the Planning Committee for proposals to extend the marshalling yard for Red Funnel at East Cowes.

On this application, it was considered that the ‘Refusal’ element was be unsustainable (which I agreed..) 

Defibrillators.

Last year the Department of Health in Association with the British Heart Foundation made available grant funding for Community Groups to provide defibrillators in their area to reduce the number of deaths by cardiac arrest.  This was tested at Christmas time, when Fire crews saved the life of a motorist who suffered an arrest outside Newport Fire Station.

In Gurnard, I’ve been asked to find out whether there are any local businesses which would support the location and access to a defibrillator on their premises. If so, please let me know!!

Locally there are defibrillators at The Woodvale, the IW Community Club, Westwood Park (Cowes Football Club) and Cowes Enterprise College.

Also this month:

·         I’ve received complaints concerning vehicles being regularly parked on the Bus Stop, opposite the Portland.  John the Bus Driver has advised me that when vehicles which park in this location restricts mobility impaired residents alighting the community bus.

·         A resident contacted me concerned by mysterious white powder found at Appley. On further investigation it is believed that the substance was flour.. 

·         A Tree Preservation Order has been requested to thin (sycamore) trees in Debourne Manor Drive.

·         Comments have been forwarded to Planning Officers and the Planning Inspector following perceived inaccuracies regarding a Planning Appeal against ‘refusal’ to a property in Shore Road.

·         I continue to support an over 75 yr old resident, being chased by the TV Licensing Authority.

·         A request has been made to protect the sea wall on Shore Path, following submission of further plans to redevelop the area.

·         At the last meeting of the former IW Council’s Executive, the Council’s Parking Strategy was welcomed.  This strategy has been long awaited, since I first requested this be updated and revised six years ago.

REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FIRE, PUBLIC PROTECTION AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT TO THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY 18^th JANUARY 2017.

Executive Position.

My Executive role within the IW Council has changed!  New responsibilities are depicted with in italics below.

Areas I now take responsibility for includes:

·         The Environment including Rights Of Way, Cycling, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Countryside & Rural Economy, Public Spaces, Public Realm, Beaches, Public Slipways, Beach Huts and Allotments, Flood Defence, Coastal Erosion, Agriculture, Fisheries, Land and Marine Based Environmental Designations.

·         Fire & Public Protection including Fire Prevention, Road Safety, Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Food Safety, Licensing, Emergency Planning, Bereavement Services, Crime Prevention, Liaison with Police & Emergency Services.

·         Local Engagement (Liaison with Town and Parish Councils- Especially regarding the transferral of services)

Areas that I no longer take responsibility for is:

·         Waste and Recycling. (With changes being implemented last year, this took up much of my time)

Rights Of Way.

·         Path Orders and upgrades.

No objections were received to upgrade Public Footpaths BB5 and BB34 to Bridleway Status.  In addition, work is underway to divert Public Bridleway A41 to provide a safer and improved access point to Blackwater Hollow.

Additional moneys (including s106) have been allocated to Rights Of Way to make surface improvements to Petticoat Lane (N211), the path between the pond at Carisbrooke and Purdy Road (N54) and a Path at Binstead (R112).   All are very popular routes including routes to school, and will be be delivered by end of financial year.

Rights of Way have completed a project on a path leading to Beech Copse from the Griffin in Godshill (GL57).  A grant was provided by HF Holidays to carry out these impressive works.

Rights of Way are due to meet with St Helens Parish Council, the local member and the RSPB to discuss a permissive path running parallel with Embankment Road, Bembridge.  The RSPB have suggested that the route may be dedicated if a through route can be opened avoiding the current dead end.

·         Permissive Paths:

Stone Farm: Thanks to the negotiation of the IW Bridleway Group a new permissive bridleway route has been proposed and agreed by a landowner.  This will provide a link between Byway A43/Blackwater Shute to the cycle track at Blackwater.  Formal permissive agreement is currently underway with Legal Services.

Westover Farm:   The legal complication has now been resolved and the Permissive Path Agreement has been completed offering a very popular route for the public to use on foot, by bicycle and on horseback.

·         Dedications:

Homstead Farm, Ningwood.   The issue which was causing delay has been resolved.  The dedication agreement is out to all parties for signing.

Brading & Nunwell Down Bridleways:  These routes over Council owned land have are now dedicated as bridleways.

·         Paths reopened:

V93a beach access to Orchard Bay, Ventnor.

·         Temporary closures:

V124 (Undercliff Drive-Binnel Bay) has been inspected. Works expected to take place in the summer of 2017 to reopen.

N155 (Robin Hill). Rights Of Way will monitor to assess the situation over the winter to see if any further landslides occur.  If the land remains stable over the winter a health and safety assessment will take place to consider reopening.

·         NFU Conservation Award

Rights Of Way Maintenance Officer, Neil Morey has been awarded for his many years maintaining the Island's rights of way.  Neil’s local knowledge, "can-do" attitude and willingness to pitch in and get the job done, is worthy recognition to keeping our many miles of footpaths and bridleways clear and gates operating.

This award further highlights reflects Neil’s recognition within our Island’s Farming and Landowning Communities.

Bereavement Services.

·         Northwood Cemetery

Work continues with the Friend of Northwood Cemetery on the Heritage Lottery Bid. The natural burial area is now complete and we are finalising the number of burial plots and the ongoing operation of the area.

Work continues on stabilising and refurbishing the east and west Victorian chapels to enable them to be used once again by the local community.

Public Protection.

·         Avian Flu.

Following the recent confirmation of Avian Flu at Abbotsbury, Dorset Officers continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to escalate action should a Council response be required.

It is noted that there remains no suspected or confirmed cases on the Island, whilst risk to the public remains very low.

Local media messages have been released highlighting the Prevention Zone requirements and details of how to spot and report Avian Flu.

In the meantime, Trading Standards have engaged with local poultry and pigeon clubs, the RSPCA, the National Trust, the RSPB, poultry producers as well as feed suppliers and pet shops who have agreed to display DEFRA advice notices.

·         Enforcement.

Successful licensing enforcement has taken place concerning a premises in Newport.

·         Staffing.

Two new Environmental Health Officers, specialising in Food Safety has recently been appointed to the Team.  In addition, the Council’s new Agricultural Specialist who is based on the Island will be seconded to share his good practice with other authorities in our region

West Wight Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

This is due to be adopted by the Executive, with the principal aim of reducing flood risk and coastal erosion through the provision of technically, economically and environmentally sound management measures.

On this, I thank all residents and organisations involved in widespread consultations which took place for this strategy, and I wish to place on record my thanks to both Jenny Jakeways and the Environment Agency for drawing the feedback together in such an accessible form.

Since last Full Council.

·         I attended a Southern Inshore Fisheries meeting, whereby a Permit was issued to fish for shellfish in Poole Harbour.  The meeting also considered feedback from the Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw and the Solent Dredge Byelaw consultation which ended in November.

·         I attended the IW Association of Local Councils Executive Meeting which took place in November, and attended a follow up meeting with the Chief Executive earlier this month.  Key issues include: Improvements to Planning Enforcement, Parking, Insurance liabilities for Community Minibuses, Principle Parks and Town/ Parish Council Involvement in future Regeneration initiatives.

·         I co-ordinated a meeting between the IW Council, Amey and Ryde Aspire to facilitate better partnership working.

·         A large number of meetings have taken place with principle officers to provide input in the 2017/8 budget.

·         A report has been forwarded to Ryde Town Council concerning Fly Tipping, Waste and Recycling.

·         I attended a meeting of the Local Access Forum.  Items discussed included bringing the Gunville Greenway to fruition, Digital Mapping of Rights Of Way, Debating the Stick and Flick initiative, Fords and Cow attacks.

·         I have met with key members of the Fire Service, and am in the process of arranging my first meeting with the Chief Constable for the Island and the new Police and Crime Commissioner