IW Councillors Report, February 2020

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 4^th February, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th February, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 6^th February, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 12^th February, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5-6pm, Wednesday 12^th February, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 18^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 27^th February, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 27^th February, Eegons Cafe, 72 High Street, Cowes.

Planning Applications.

·         28 Albert Road. Application for 4x Flats. (Ref: 19/00773/FUL)

An application was previously approved for two semi-detached properties at this location. Although successful referring this to Planning Committee last month, the focus for objectors had to be based upon separating the new proposal on what had been approved.

Issues raised included:

°         The lack of parking provided, and the impact this would have upon existing and new residents.

°         Overdevelopment of the site, and the impact of the increased density of housing upon residents and neighbours.

°         How the design fitted within Albert Road’s street scene.  

Supported by two residents, we challenged the recommendations made by Planning Officers. Despite putting very credible evidence forward, disappointingly the Committee chose to support planning officers recommendations, and the application was duly approved.  Many thanks again to Jonathan, Sharon all to who all gave their support.   

Transcript of my comments to the Planning Committee can be found here:

28 Albert Road, Gurnard.

Chairman, I wish to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address concerns over this planning application.

Mindful of the approval for 2 semi-detached houses, considered acceptable to replace the former bungalow on site, I acknowledge the parameters on why this proposal is less acceptable than the approved scheme.

Whilst recognising this, I do appreciate the support provided by the case officer and note that this decision is very much ‘on-balance’, following the previous approval for two homes.

Of concern is the added size, scale, mass and overdevelopment to this modest plot.  I make the point that on this more densely developed application the scale of overlooking, loss of privacy and loss of amenity to neighbours in Albert Road and Tilbury Road will increase significantly, in respect to the fact that four families will reside, rather than two.

The impact this will have, will adversely affect residents locally, given its overdeveloped nature, which I consider will be out of keeping within this largely Victorian road in a semi-rural village location.  

Another concern that I have is with the development’s design and how it impacts upon the street scene of Albert Road.  Whilst the previous approved scheme, did much to sympathetically reflect the character of the road and its street scene, this scheme is of a more contemporary and urban nature. This I consider, will impact much more significantly upon the road’s character.

The issue for which residents feel strongest about was reflected in Mr Marsland’s presentation on parking. In recent years car growth particularly in village communities has had a significant impact. 

Last year, following several complaints of parking congestion in the area, and access for the Community Bus, refuse and delivery vehicles, in Albert Road, and adjacent streets, I commissioned my own study following neighbouring arterial roads getting clogged up by traffic. As a result, I continue to meet with officers to attempt to resolve resident’s concerns.

Like Mr Marsland’s study, my feedback clearly demonstrated an overspill of off-road parking of wider, larger vehicles onto narrow highways adversely impacting upon traffic flows.

On behalf of my community I ask for the Committee not to replicate the same mistakes whereby off-road parking is not fit for purpose to meet the needs of homeowners. 

As an aside, of interest is the photo montage, featuring a mini parked comfortably where the parking is at its most extensive. It is noted that the architect did not park a 4x4 vehicle.  Clearly this would not only impact not only on the pavement, but also the light and living conditions of the ground floor. 

Members of the Planning Committee will understand, and make their assessment as to whether the 3.2 metre frontage for vehicles to ‘nose-in’ is acceptable.  To note, the authority provides 4.8m bays in residents parking zones. Again, members will consider whether four spaces for four families on a modest front plot, in a currently densely populated village road, is adequate.

Please note that by potentially having four families living at this location will make a bad situation, considerably worse, by setting a precedent for the density levels of future applications.

·         Bucklers View. (Ref: 19/00080/FUL)

Following last year’s approval, I have requested a residents information session to take place in the coming weeks.  As such, Planning Officers/ lawyers are still completing the decision notice for approval and once completed, this meeting can take place.

From my perspective, I continue to raise concerns over how construction traffic will be managed.

·         Baring Road. Application for 6 dwellings. (Ref: 19/01578/FUL)

A readvertised application for 6 dwellings between Greenacres and the Farm Bungalow in Baring Road, was advertised last month. A letterdrop has taken place to residents of Baring Road and Tuttons Hill, whilst Gurnard Parish Council will make recommendations to Planners, at its meeting to be held on 29^th January. 

For details please visit: https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

The consultation on this planning application continues until Friday 7^th February.

·         37 Woodvale Road. (Ref: 19/00077/FUL)

A notice was received last year that this application for refusal was being appealed against.  This application was originally refused for being overbearing in terms of scale, design and location and concerns were raised in terms of unsatisfactory access.

Meetings with the Head of Planning.

Following concerns over housing targets, I have met with the Head of Planning Ollie Boulter on two occasions, once with Gurnard Parish Council and once with Northwood Parish Council. During both meeting concerns were expressed on the detrimental impact of the focus upon both Gurnard and Northwood given restraints elsewhere, and how this impacts upon green gaps. Also raised was amended schemes (particularly those wishing to remove conditions), the impact of Air B&B and the need to review planning policy to align itself with use and the current Housing Needs Survey taking place.

Housing Needs Survey.

In preparation for the Island Plan (the development bible for the Isle of Wight) the IW Council are undertaking their updated housing needs survey, to ensure future housing needs are catered for. To find out more/ take part, please visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IWHousingNeeds2020.  In addition to the online survey, hard copies are also available from local libraries, call centres etc. This consultation ends 17^th February.

Highway Repairs.

A request has been made to repair two manhole covers in Baring Road.  In addition the longstanding broken manhole cover in Park Road opposite Blackberry Lane has been repaired.

Other repairs requested include repairs to the chains on the green south of Spencers Copse in Worsley Road, repairs to flickering street lights in Princes Esplanade and Shore Road, monitoring of the condition of Baring Road, east of Ward Avenue,  overgrown vegetation, Winding Way. To date the carriageway resurfacing programme for 2020/21 has to still be agreed between the IW Council and Island Roads.  In the meantime, I have supported a briefing to all Councillors on progress of the PFI contract, with the end of the core investment period looming…      

Cowes Seafront Stormboards.

Further to my request for added protection for residents of Briary Court, gaining access to and from Egypt Esplanade I have been advised that my request for stormboards is supported.  The stormboards have been requested to be located at the top of steps that lead to the beach from the seafront.

Crossfield Avenue.

Carriageway Resurfacing and skid resistance works took place in Crossfield Avenue.  This follows perseverance by residents, myself with support from the District Steward, who on several occasions was asked to fill pot holes.  It is noted that the carriageway repaired, was the section in greatest need between Churchill Road and Mountbatten Avenue.

Powered Transporters.

I have been asked in this month’s report about Powered Transporters (i.e Escooters, segways, hoverboards, Go-Peds and U-Wheels), and the fact that these devices are not lawful on any public right of way, cycletrack, public pavements and roads under the Highways Act.  

The government issued guidance last year, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/powered-transporters.

Highways Matters.

·         Rolls Hill Road.

Since last month, a further traffic incident had occurred in Rolls Hill/ Road.  Speaking to a residents this is as a result of a minority of motorists not driving with due care or attention.  In light of this both Island Roads and the police are fully aware of resident’s concerns, with increased enforcement action being constantly under review.

·         Cockleton Lane.

I continue to receive complaints regarding the speed of traffic using Cockleton Lane.  This is particularly relevant to pedestrians, dog walkers, cycling and horseriding which is commonplace on this lane. Please, when using Cockleton Lane drive with caution- particularly with the prospect of vehicles travelling at speed, in the opposite direction! 

·         Glen Place junction with Worsley Road.

A number of residents from Glen Place has suffered difficulties getting in and out of their road, although this may be as a consequence of the junction not being designed in accordance with approved plan a request has been made for double yellow lines.  In response to recognising there is a strong likelihood this will be opposed, officers have suggested  that a better short term option would be for residents to request an Access Protection Bar.  It is felt that an APB would prevent the requirement to undertake consultation, whilst preventing any significant parking loss which is at a premium.

In the meantime, a follow-up request has been made to Planning Enforcement concerning the splayed junction.  

·         Improved signage for village shops, Gurnard.

Following a request made for improved signage to the Portland Inn and village shops in Worsley Road, I continue to speak to Island Roads to help find a solution to traffic from the main road bypassing Gurnard.  In response to the requirement that Brown Signed locations require a car park, I have pointed out that this does not apply to locations such as Newport Roman Villa and Appley Tower.

·         Pedestrian Refuge, Place Road.

The battle for the refuge linking the Range to the bus stop opposite, has moved up a gear.  Planning Enforcement and the Council’s Legal Team are now dealing with this, following promises made not being actioned.  In addition to the pedestrian refuge, the Planners are also making a standpoint on the poor vehicular access from the site which was also conditioned with the original approval 2½ years ago.  

·         Gurnard Primary School Traffic Order.

Since the school reopened following the Christmas Break, I continue to receive representations from parents concerning perceived dangerous parking outside the school gates.  Whilst recognising some negativity on social media, and when I drop by the Pub…  The overwhelming feedback that I receive from parents is that more needs to be done.  In response to this, with Island Roads and Parking Services, I am meeting with the Head Teacher to consider options.  A potted history on the order can be found below:

Parking restrictions necessary for:

·         Ensuring access to school is safe for children, parents and residents.

·         This follows numerous incidents reported including crossing patrol hit by car, parents struck by and between cars, speeding, parking on junctions, parking on pavements, double parking, triple parking, dangerous manoeuvres, blocked accesses to properties, verbal and physical abuse in front of children by parents to other parents, residents and school staff.  In addition, I am told (unsubstantiated) that at least one child was hit by a parents car.

Over the ten year period, I received on average 1-2 complaints of incidents each month, whilst the head teachers received the same number of complaints each week. Most complaints came from parents about parents... ***

When considering evidence to support parking restrictions, the consultations need to be very clear and beyond reproach for any order to be accepted.

Despite restrictions in place there is no guarantee of compliance or future incidents which are dependent on highway users complying with road conditions.

Following meetings and robust consultation**, this was supported by:

• Gurnard Primary School, two Head Teachers and their respective Governing Bodies.
• For 10 years by the PTA, and its Chairmen.
• Most parents.
• Children when consulted showed a preference to walking/ cycling/ scooting to school.
• Local Residents of Baring Road, Woodvale Road and surrounding areas.
• The Isle of Wight Council, as Highway Authority
• Island Roads, as Highway Contractor.
• The Police. 
• Gurnard Parish Council
• Cowes Town Council
• The IW Councillor.

Despite the original proposal being more onerous, The Parking Order permits:

• Parking within 5 minutes walking distance from the school gates.*
• Access via the driveway as priority for children with mobility needs.
• Lawful dropping off facilities at the former bus stop.
• Loading requirement which permits 5 minutes grace to pick up/ drop off.
• Parking on the Baring Road cycle lane.

If compliance is not met there remains an option to introduce a no loading no waiting experimental traffic order.  This will restrict all parking in accordance with the original order.  It remains an option to extend restrictions to include the cycle lane.

Loss of the school crossing patrol:

• Caused by Councils not being funded by government for discretionary services.****
• Baring Road is a minor road funding by IWC was not classified a priority.
• Match funding was assured by local Cowes and Gurnard councils.
• IWC following discussion were prepared to train and ‘manage’ patrol.
• No replacement to crossing patrol could be found.  Recruitment/ retention proves difficult Islandwide owing to pay, the abuse from parents.
• The school/ PTA unable to meet 50% of cost (£2k per year). 

Elsewhere, Cowes Primary School’s patrol is now fully funded by Cowes Town Council, and is assured for 3 years.  

* To note, 5 minutes walk extends as far as Crossfield Avenue, Pine Tree Close, Gurnard Heights and the bottom of Woodvale Road

** Consultations included:

• a door to door face to face survey with residents.
• a questionnaire to residents in Baring Road, Woodvale Road and adjoining roads.
• discussion with neighbourhood watch co-ordinators 
• election canvassing.  All election candidates supported action.
• a public meeting attended by highway officers at the school, 
• three meetings with representatives of the schools PTA, 
• engagement with children via school’s Councillors, 
• and through lessons/ school assemblies
• four site visits outside the school, 
• face to face meetings between the Headteacher, the PTA, Town and Parish Councillors, 
• Liaison with Gurnard Pre-School.
• Meetings at County Hall and Gurnard School with Highway Officers.
• Updates and feedback asked in Gurnard News, Cowes Magazine, Beacon.
• Updates in Solent Middle School and Gurnard Primary School newsletters.
• Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council meetings
• Individual one to one meetings/ correspondence with residents & parents.
• The Statutory six week consultation.  This was promoted by notices attached to lampposts, formal notification in the County Press, discussed at meetings before and during the consultation, and through my reports. 
• Notices appeared on lampposts 6 months after the consultation ended.

*** Between May 2009 and September 2019 I logged 224 separate calls, emails, texts and surgery visits in connection with the parking arrangements at Solent Middle/ Gurnard Primary School.  Of these:

218 requests from 100 people supported stricter parking controls.

6 requests from 2 people supported no change. (One of these changed their mind once presented with the evidence and contrary feedback)

**** Since 2007 Through reduced Government Settlements Local Authorities have been forced to cutback on which services they provide, or not.  This has resulted in £65m of cutbacks in 10 years.  As a consequence, Local Councils have to by law provide certain ‘statutory’ services. Because of this, most ‘discretionary’ services were lost, or where exceptional circumstances apply have been taken on by Town and Parish Councils, who are not capped in the same way as the IW Council. To note under law, road crossing patrols are classed as ‘discretionary’.

Travel Information for mainland hospital care.

If you are referred to the mainland for an appointment or treatment, it can be confusing particularly the first time you travel.  Below is some information that may help with travel plans:

How do I access discounted ferry fares?

Hover Travel	Red Funnel	Wightlink
In person, go to the ticket office.	In person, go to the ticket office.	In person, go to the ticket office.
Telephone: 01983 717700	Telephone: 023 8024 8500	Telephone: 0333 999 7333
visit: www.hovertravel.co.uk	visit: www.redfunnel.co.uk	visit: www.wightlink.co.uk

How do I make my needs known?

If you need assistance or have mobility restrictions, you need to book your travel at least 48 hours in advance to let the ferry operator know what help you need.  If you use a wheelchair, or other equipment make sure you mention this. When you arrive, please let staff including those at the gate know of your needs.

Telephone Boxes Removal.

Consultation is taking place concerning BT removing phone boxes.  It is intended for BT to remove all its phone boxes in Gurnard.  This is due to lack of usage which has decreased by 90% in the last 10 years.  In the last year, the callbox opposite the Woodvale in Shore Road had 34 call made from it, whilst the call box in Solent View Road had 5 calls made.

If you wish to object regarding this please email: btp.authorisation.team@bt.com before 12^th February 2020.  If you are unable to do this, please let me know in advance of this date, and I am happy to forward your concerns.

Sail GP Update (Briefing note received from IW Council).

SailGP will be retuning this year and will be covering the same footprint as last year along Cowes Esplanade with racing will take place on 14^th and 15^th August.  The build of the Race Village will coincide with the build of Cowes Week Village on the Parade. This will reduce the period the traffic management arrangements will be in place.

The organisers have confirmed that they  will be holding a consultation during February to brief residents, Town Council and Cowes Business Association on their plans and to obtain comments back to ensure the disruption to the community is kept to a minimum. Once the date, time and location have been confirmed I will circulate accordingly.

Southern Vectis Helping Hand Initiative.

Helping Hand is an award-winning scheme empowering the holder to discreetly and directly advise of any assistance they may require. The card can be particularly helpful for customers with hidden disabilities.

The card holds a brief written instruction for the driver that can be shown upon boarding the bus. The driver is made aware of the customer's needs or requirements without the customer having to verbally communicate it.

The service user led scheme is now being used off the bus as well as - in taxis, shops and leisure establishments like the cinema.

If you or someone you know would benefit from using one of these cards, the link to apply for them is below.

For example, "Please face me I lip read" can help anywhere at any time.

The reverse of the card can display, if required, the customer's name and emergency contact number. This is optional, but it can offer assurance and instil confidence, that if needed, someone they know can be called upon for help. This is especially relevant for customers living with epilepsy, Alzheimer's or dementia.

How to apply for a Helping Hand card

Applying is easy applying online by visiting: https://www.islandbuses.info/helping-hand or by ringing 01273 886200 where one of our customer service advisors will be happy to help.

Helping Hand was designed by those people who use the services provided by the charities listed below. They directly influenced the final colour, overall design and - of course - the wording on the cards.

Waste and Recycling

·         Waste and Recycling Survey.

The IW Council and Amey want to know residents views on waste and recycling.  To find out more, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RecyclingWasteSatisfactionSurvey2019. This consultation ends 14^th February.

Lego Challenge, Cowes Enterprise College.

Last month, I attended a special presentation in advance of Cowes Enterprise College’s entry to the Isle of Wight First Lego League, where I was advised that the college won the Best Robot Performance, and was pipped by Porchester School as champions.

During the competition students had to complete three tasks that include:

°         Build and Programme a LEGO robot to complete a number of missions against a deadline.

°         Identify a problem with a building or public space in your community and design and share a solution to the problem.

Following the colleges proposals to creating a barrage to cross the Medina, I have contacted the Council Leader (who is also a strong advocate for a crossing point) to meet up and discuss proposals.

Green Garden Waste.

If you have not already added your details to the waiting list for the Green Garden Waste subscription service, and wish to do so, you can sign up to the waiting list here: https://bit.ly/2QAbOKQ by subscribing to the Waste & Environment e-newsletter; you will also be able to subscribe to a range of other Isle of Wight Council e-newsletters if you would like to.

Please be aware that when signing up to the garden waste Environment and Waste notifications you will be added to subscription waiting list only, you will be asked a series of questions that will help us to provide you with the right service. Your email address and property data will be used to inform you of updates to the Garden Waste Subscription Service and other updates on this topic.

Environment and Sustainability Forum.

I attended last month’s Environment and Sustainability Forum, which focused on the Isle of Wight Biosphere. 

During the meeting concerns were aired regarding the perceived lack of planning controls in place to prevent the Islands habitats being overdevelopment.  In addition, proposals to drill for oil,  the roll out of 5G technologies, recognition for funding for AONB’s rather than Natural Parks (Each year the IW receives £140k of government funding, compared to £7m for the similar sized New Forest) and sustainable farming was discussed.

Switching Energy Suppliers.

With recent reductions in energy tariffs, now is an ideal time to switch energy suppliers.  Particularly, given that with existing tariffs suppliers do not pass these on to their customers. This often can save customers £100’s each year.

For details visit: www.uswitch.com/energy call 0330 021 7772 or www.moneysupermarket.com; call 0800 1777 7019 or for impartial information contact the Footprint Trust www.footprint-trust.co.uk on 01983 822282.

Also this month:

·         Two ‘empty’ homes have been reported to the IW Council for investigation.

·         Floodlight Consultants from Cowes Enterprise College continue to work with residents to resolve floodlighting spillage.  

·         Funding opportunities were circulated to Gurnard and Northwood Village Hall Chairmen.

·         The IW Council unanimously supported proposals for rethinking committee allocations.  During the meeting concerns were raised and acknowledged the lack of attendance by some members of the Council’s ruling group.

·         Demolition of the old Watersedge Café has commenced.

·         I received a report concerning noise nuisance at an event held at Gurnard Sailing Club.  I remain positive that this was a one off, and with support from residents, Environmental Health and the Club itself issues can be resolved.

·         I have spoken to leaders of Newport and Ryde Local Councils, about the prospect of purchasing mobile CCTV cameras to resolve vandalism.

·         Following last month’s report and feedback from Gurnard Parish Council I have expressed concerns to the Tree Officer on the thinning of trees at Gurnard Cliff Wood off Worsley Road.  Concerns raised relate to ground stability, biodiversity, the visual impact of tree loss and vagueness in relation to the 30% of trees being thinned.     

·         I have contacted Southern Vectis requesting when replacing its current fleet of buses serving Route 1, they consider using electric buses to assist reducing pollution levels  

·         A Boat trailer without lights and reflectors has again been reported to Island Roads for inspection.

·         A proposal is being drafted to for a Trust or Association to take care of the Egypt Light.  In the meantime myself and Cowes Town Council are attempting to liaise with the IW Council concerning their jurisdiction and any liabilities they have over the Light.

·         Following the General Election, I have been advised that the Polling Station for Cowes West residents used at Northwood Cricket Ground was not first choice, due to the IW Community Club being booked for the same date.  In response, (and following an initial rejection for Lottery funding to upgrade the access) opportunities to upgrade the accesses condition continues to be explored…

·         Following a non-take up of volunteers, I have been reappointed to the IW Council’s Audit Committee. In addition, I’ve been appointed to the Appeals Panel and Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Children’s Services, Education & Skills.

·         I continue to support a business following what I consider to be an unreasonable complaint being made to the Equalities Commission.

·         A request has been received for a shelter in Place Road at the entrance to Deauville Avenue.  At the moment, I have some reservations given the impact on properties nearby, the width of adopted footway and funding for the scheme.

·         I am currently involved collating an alternative IW Council Budget and am liaising with colleagues on this.