IW Councillor's Report, September 2018

Surgeries.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th September, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Friday 7^th September, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30- 11am, Friday 14^th September, The Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

2:50-3:10pm*, Wednesday 19 September, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.
* Amended time

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 26^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 27^th September, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 27^th September, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Return to work!

Thank you so very much for the very kind word and best wishes for a speedy recovery following me eventually being diagnosed with listeria encephalitis in June, it is very much and gratefully appreciated!.

Following my holiday in August, I have now (almost) fully recovered and looking forward to picking up the issues I may have missed during the summer.  From this month, I will be reverting to working as a Full-time Councillor, and look forward to doing more, now no longer taking on the corporate challenges as the chairman of the IW Council’s Scrutiny Committee.  This gives more the time that I need to focus on local issues.

Planning Updates:

·         Dottens Farm.

There are proposals to increase the number of dwellings from 8 to 10 at land adjacent to Dottens Farm with access from Baring Road.

The agent acting on behalf of the applicant, will be in attendance from 5:30-6:30pm, Tuesday 4^th September, at my surgery being held in the Sports Bar of the Isle of Wight Community Club in Park Road.     

This is not currently a ‘live application’, rather a pre-application proposal to be viewed prior to submission. The agent has advised me that the proposal will have one entrance, rather than two; whilst new proposals will be distanced from the listed Dottens Farm, and is due to be advertised in the coming weeks.

I will be notifying residents of the pre-application.

·         Watersedge Café.

Following my request, the Planning Committee met last month to consider proposals to extend the Watersedge Café

The Committee disappointingly voted in favour of supporting proposals despite concerns being raised by residents, myself and Gurnard Parish Council about:

·         The size, scale, mass and design of the proposals and its impact upon the street scene.

·         With extended hours proposed, the potential loss of privacy, amenity, daylight and outlook.

·         Change of use/ opening hours of the café, and its impact.  Especially regarding parking.

·         Impact upon land stability and integrity of the culvert beneath the proposal.  

Many thanks to everybody who has commented on these proposals! My full transcript on proposals provided to the Planning Committee can be viewed below:

Watersedge Café, 40 Shore Road, Gurnard.

I wish to express both my gratitude and appreciation to both the Chairman and Officers for accepting my request for calling in this important application for Gurnard.

Unfortunately, I am not in a position to make this evening’s Planning Committee, as I am out of the country. Originally, I was advised this proposal would be heard earlier this year.

Whilst accepting the need for growth and expansion of the Watersedge Café, concerns have been raised by residents, Gurnard Parish Council and myself over the size, scale and mass of proposed new Café.

Particularly relevant is the adverse impact which proposals have upon neighbouring properties, particularly 36 Shore Road.  Neighbours have concerns that the impact will be dominant and will overshadow with the loss of sunlight.  For this reason, Gurnard Parish Council has asked for members of the Planning Committee to view this overdominance for themselves on site.   In addition to these are the concerns that proposals that will ensure privacy, amenity and outlook is lost, whilst it is considered that the design and character of proposals are out of character with the local area.

Please can it be noted by members that this area in recent years has lent itself to redevelopment, and many of the residential applications that have been refused because of size, scale and mass has been upheld at appeal.   What is of concern to residents is the fact that if approved this proposed two-storey application could revert to residential use in the future, and this application has been made to overcome upheld planning restrictions.

As local Councillor, I am very supportive of steps to regenerate this area.  However, concerns have been expressed to me that, although there is an expansion proposed, as well as extended opening hours there will be no extra staff.  If there is no intention to expand the business at this stage, why are there contradicting proposals for an extra floor with a balcony, and no extra parking to accommodate this ability for expansion?

Parking is of real concern to residents, and I ask for extra mitigation to be made.

Another issue raised with respect to expanding this business onto two floors are the concerns of noise nuisance for neighbours over the winter period, as well as during summer until 11pm.  Should the second storey be used, under current proposals this will increase noise nuisance for neighbours.  It is noted, this application is very different from the existing café, which is sustainable and open until late afternoons six days a week.      

Finally, concerns have been raised regarding land stability and the impact upon the integrity of the culvert that carries the watercourse from the River Jordan.  In discussions with local residents they remain unassured by mitigation following the initial objection by the Environment Agency.

Although the applicant has modified plans, residents feel that ‘modified’ proposals has not gone far enough to overcome objections.

As Ward Councillor, I ask that this current application is refused on the following grounds:

·         DM2. Because of the overdominant nature of the proposal, the design does not maintain, conserve, complement or enhance the important character of Shore Road.

·         DM14. It is perceived by residents that the structure does not adequate protect, or enhance land stability or flood risk to properties in Shore Road from the River Jordan.

Cllr.  Paul Fuller JP,CC.  Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

·         66 dwellings at Oxford Street, Northwood.

A number of residents have contacted me for support concerning proposals to develop on farmland, immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary in Northwood.  Although this does may not directly impact upon Cowes or Gurnard, if approved there will be further pressure put upon roads and infrastructure.  

Northwood Parish Council has objected to proposals at a meeting in the village, attended by over 100 residents.

·         Meadow View, Place Road.

I met with developers to discuss concerns which were raised by residents following the lighting of bonfires earlier this summer.  From my perspective, it is important that similar incidents do not reoccur, and I have approached both the Planners and Environmental Health to ensure action is taken.   Work is shortly due to commence on Phase 2, in respect to this I have forwarded individuals with a local need for the affordable housing aspect of this phase.

I understand also that the developer has also purchased adjoining farmland.  However, have been advised this is for potential environmental enhancements which the developer suggests will improve the outlook for residents once the Meadow View development is completed in the coming years.

Beach Huts.

Proposals to increase Beach Hut fees, remain under consideration by the IW Council.  Following feedback, last month I met with Cllr Hutchinson, and was advised that after feedback, some suggestions made will be within the proposals to be outlined in the coming months to owners. From my perspective, I support increased fees being introduced to non-Isle of Wight residents only.

Gurnard Pines.

I was invited to a meeting called by Gurnard Pines residents which followed increased fees being introduced for electricity and water through the installation of so called ‘smart meters’. Because the holiday park is privately owned, under current legislation the parks owners can introduce fees and charges as they see fit to manage the park. 

This is of real concern to me as there are residents that living on site, many of who are vulnerable and require support.

This issue does not only apply to Gurnard Pines, but to most holiday parks who have a residential aspect to them and is an issue for many authorities where tourism is important. 

At the meeting the following outcomes, were agreed:

1.    An article would feature in the IW County Press, to gauge issues/ questions from residents.

2.    Residents to relay concerns to local councillor by end of September.  These will be ‘in confidence’.

3.    A meeting will take place with residents’ representatives to take forward issues/ questions to site owners.

4.    Consideration of forming a resident’s organisation.  This will be for all residents regardless of chalet ownership.

5.    A delegation to meet with the Member of Parliament, should questions not be satisfactorily resolved.

6.    A drop in surgery may be held late autumn with residents to support their housing/ social requirements.

Cowes Week overview.

It was agreed by Cowes Town Council to invite one of the key organisers of events to provide an overview of events during Cowes Week.

Although I received some complaints concerning overflowing bins and discarded litter, businesses, visitors and residents generally supported and welcomed the night-time cleansing by Island Roads.

Parking continued to be an issue, again complaints were received about mobility homes and overnight parking on Egypt Esplanade. Following complaints, Parking Enforcement was also necessary on Egypt Hill and Baring Road, where motorists moved traffic cones to park.

Many thanks to (Cllr) Lynn Hammond and volunteers for brilliantly managing extra car parking at Northwood Park!

I also received complaints concerning impeded access for taxis and mobility impaired residents needing to access parking at the Red Jet, Town Quay and the High Street between junctions with Terminus Road and Carvel Lane.

In response to these issues, I am looking forward to arranging a meeting with officers to see what improvements can be made for next year’s Traffic Order.

Following cancellations, overloaded buses, mobility impaired residents not being able to find a seat I have also contacted Southern Vectis requesting extra capacity either through more buses or larger buses on the No. 1 service connecting Cowes and Newport.  Details can be found below:

Dear Mr Wickham,

As local councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard, I am writing to request better capacity buses on route 1 (Cowes-Newport).  This follows complaints that buses cannot always collect residents because they are overloaded. In addition, residents have also asked me to take up a number of issues with your company.

Please note that several residents over the last few months have asked me to request either larger buses or an increase from eight buses an hour to ten buses which was in place on this popular route ten years ago.

The reasons for my request are as follows:

1.     Residents are frequently not able to catch buses from Cowes Medical Centre and St Mary’s Hospital. At St Mary’s, I witnessed a fully laden bus stop in favour of buses behind where people were not standing.  I personally witnessed occasions when despite being flagged down, and being clearly visible the driver chose not to stop and pick up from St Mary’s- why.  If the bus driver is in a position to catch up time, does this show that due to over-capacity a problem exists?)

2.     Students filling up capacity on buses before Cowes Medical Centre and Roundhouse.  Do Southern Vectis know how many extra students buy rover tickets who will be staying/ using the IW College on the Cowes-Newport corridor and what steps do Southern Vectis take to accommodate these extra loadings?

3.     Buses being taken out of service, without replacements at Cowes Week and on Sundays. Please see an unresponded Twitter feed.  If buses do need to be taken out of service, why was this not posted on Twitter or within Real Time? 

4.     Why aren’t double decked buses used?  Currently Southern Vectis operates 8 buses an hour, with a maximum of only 2 Red Jets being operated. In addition, Town Quay is not used during Cowes Week.  Why are the Blue Line (school) buses not being used during summer/ busy periods?

5.     Often there is no room for disabled, elderly and other mobility impaired residents being able to find seats Newport bound after Smithards Lane and Cowes Medical Centre, and Cowes bound at Newport Bus Station.  One Cowes resident reported having to wait for an hour to get home at the Horseshoe because of no spare seats at Cowes Medical Centre.  In addition often there is no standing room on Cowes bound buses often from Bus Station.  Young people seem less willing to give up seats as there is a  presumption of ‘paying for a seat’.

6.     There is insufficient storage on Red Jet services.  This often leads to aisles being blocked and seats being used.  What is Southern Vectis’ policy to deal with this?

In addition I have been asked to highlight the following:

7.     (I understand) public money was spent to outline location indicators on the bus. This facility does not work, and is confusing for visitors and more frequently than not gives false information on the bus’ whereabouts.  What steps are being taken to rectify this problem, as no information is better than wrong information?        

8.     Access for disabled leaving the bus station towards the library is impaired for mobility scooters, wheel chair users, prams and pushchairs following the relocation of the No. 9 bus stop.  This is a concern for bus users as well as mobility impaired pedestrians using Orchard Street following Southern Vectis reconfiguring the bus station in spring.  What action is planned to improve mobility access since reconfiguration?

Yours sincerely,

Cllr.  Paul Fuller JP,CC.  Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

Elsewhere this Cowes Week, I had an excellent time meeting residents, visitors, businesses and supporters of this year’s regatta as Town Mayor. From the discussions that I had, helped by the fantastic summer this year’s event was over flowing with a good atmosphere, and was celebrated as one of the best events for many years.  Many thanks to Lendy and the sponsors for making this year’s Cowes Week a resounding success!

News from Cowes Medical Centre.

Cowes Medical Centre are urging residents to book their Flu Jab.  This can be undertaken by appointment, and is most effective when taken between September and November.  At the same time immunisation can also be taken for shingles.  In addition the Centre is also reminding residents about making appointments for cervical screening, and if interested registering to the practice for on-line services, where two forms of ID are required (Driving Licence/ Passport plus Utility Bill).  Please call 294902 to book an appointment.

Anti-Social Parking.

Thank you to those drivers who have stopped parking on pavements.  It is very much appreciated!  At Full Council, there was ongoing support from Councillors to see more done to tackle the issue in some areas of the Island, where mobility impaired residents/ mums with pushchairs are getting fed up with having to bypass vehicles and needing to walk in the highway.

Sadly, this is not a national priority for the police.  However, locally I would like to thank both police officers,  community enforcement officers and in many cases residents themselves taking positive action to free up pavements for pedestrians.  Thank you!   

Also this month

• ·         Work is due to commence resurfacing Tuttons Hill for 5 days from Tuesday 4^th September.
• ·         A meeting has been arranged to move forward proposals and new artwork for The Cut, Cowes.  I am liaising with Cowes Town Councillor, Paul Taylor and the Council’s Projects Committee to see this progressed.
• ·         I’ve been in touch with Floatyfinder.com creators who are providing updates on the Cowes Floating Bridge and its operating schedule. Thank you Mike and Adam for providing this important resource for residents!
• ·         I’m supporting the ‘Keep Newtown For The Birds’ campaign, following commercialisation of Newtown’s nature reserve, and the impact that some pursuits are having upon flora and fauna in this important SSSI.
• ·         I have supported a resident who approached me concerning a neighbours adverse planning application.
• ·         The Princes Esplanade broken handrail was fixed following intervention from myself and Gurnard Parish Councillor, Terry Nolan.    
• ·         I received a complaint from a home owner about the removal of the Biffa Bin in Shore Road.  This resident was advised to take up the collection plus service being that he was not permanently living locally.
• ·         I referred an elderly resident for assisted collections.  This was due to being unaware of this.  If you are aware of residents struggling with their waste and recycling, or if you have neighbours who may benefit from collection plus, please let me know!
• ·         I am supporting a resident who alleges their driveway damaged by refuse vehicles.
• ·         I am pursuing action is taken regarding a vehicle that regularly parks on double yellow lines in Baring Road.
• ·         I received a request regarding speeding traffic in Seaview Road, Cowes this was referred to Cllr Nicholson as local councillor for South West.
• ·         Discarded timber on Gurnard Green has been reported, and appropriate action taken.