Surgeries:
10:30-11:30am, Wednesday 4th August, Benches
adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Thursday 5th August, Gurnard
Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
4-5pm, Tuesday 31st August, Cowes Library,
Beckford Road, Cowes.
10:30-11am, Thursday 2nd September, Gurnard
Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
I have increased surgeries in response to
increased workloads. In respect to
unavoidable postponements, revised times will be posted online within 24 hours
of surgeries. With recent increases in my workload, please bear with me!
Although there are fewer surgeries for this month, I am not on holiday and can
still be contacted!
Dog Exclusion Order: Gurnard Beach.
Following issues raised, please can it be
noted that dogs are restricted from using the beach between the slipway at
Shore Road and the Water Fountain to the east of the pumping station.
This follows confusion from dog owners
following last year’s consultation on Public Spaces Protection Orders. The map
can be found here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/2053-Gurnard-v1.pdf with
further details at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1390-Dogs-on-beaches-guide-WEB-VERSION-FORMAT-6may15.pdf
Electricity Outages: Gurnard.
Following fluctuating energy supplies in
Worsley Road and Glen Place, I have been liaising with SEE about this. After initial positive feedback from
residents and the following power cuts, I have again contacted SEE.
Bathing
Water.
I continue to receive feedback concerning
water quality, this follows coverage of action taken by OFWAT and the
Environment Agency following 7000 discharges from 16 outfalls across the South
of England. As a result Southern Water
was fined £126m and provided a rebate to customers in 2019.
In the last month, at the Southern IFCA
meeting I spoke to Southampton Councillors. With IW Councillor colleagues are
hoping to meet with Southern Water representatives through the Island MP, Bob
Seely.
Sanitary Products.
Those seeking access to menstrual products can
sign up for their free monthly coupon using the supermarket’s app, Lidl Plus.
The voucher can then be exchanged for a free box of sanitary pads of tampons,
with the first arriving on a monthly basis.
In
addition to this initiative introduced by Supermarkets to combat period
poverty, Morrison’s are also supporting women and girls struggling to access
sanitary products. For details go to the
kiosk and ask for a package that Sandy has left. You will be given a FREE discreet bag with
what you need no questions asked.
Parish/
Town Councils.
Congratulations to Cllr Christine Bustin (elected to Gurnard PC), Cllrs. Alison Carter and Phil
Sanders (elected to Cowes TC).
Knowing that Christine, Alison and Phil have spent much of their lives
actively supporting their communities, I very much look forward to work and
supporting our new Councillors.
Please note, Northwood Parish Council are
also seeking new Councillors. If
interested please contact: Parish Clerk, Barbara Herbert at: clerk@northwoodparishcouncil.org before
27th August.
Isle
of Wight Council opening hours.
In the wake of ‘Freedom Day’, a number of
residents have approached me concerning the IW Council opening up buildings
(namely County Hall and Seaclose).
Please note that throughout the IW Council staff continue to work from
home, and should residents require assistance they can still access support
through calling 01983 821000.
In the meantime, I currently receive up to
400 emails/ calls/ texts most weeks. This is four times the amount received for
the same period last year.
Traffic
Orders.
Thank you to everyone who gave feedback to
recent Traffic Regulation Orders. These are being processed by traffic officers
and will take at least until September to implement and where necessary amend. During
the summer both Gurnard Primary School and I received complaints concerning
anti-social parking on the Baring Road cycle lane.
Proposals to impose double yellow lines on
the southern section of Princes Esplanade will be re-advertised following our
new Council’s abandonment of plans to impose parking meters on the seafront.
Environmental Issues.
·
Tools.
Noisy ones.
Panel
Beating, Angle Grinders, Electric Saws and general car fumbling are more
popular than ever. If you’re planning a big job that will be noisy please let
your neighbours know in advance.
·
Barking Dogs.
I
receive many calls concerning barking dogs.
If you are away from your pets for long periods, please consider
neighbours who can find this distressing when conditions warm up.
·
Garden Bonfires.
I
continue to receive complaints concerning bonfires. If you have no other choice than to have a
bonfire, please ensure this is supervised with caution taken to ensure those
living within dips and valleys nearby are not affected.
·
Vandalism.
Telecom/
Cable Boxes have been vandalised in Egypt
Hill. This vandalism was reported and Wightfibre cleaned both their and
BT’s service boxes within hours of this being report. Thank you to Wightfibre’s John Irvine!
·
Garden ‘activities’
Indiscreet
frolics in a hot tub by non-socially distanced revellers were reported to
Environmental Health.
·
Jet
Ski’s.
The use of jet ski’s have been reported to
the Marine Police, who I pleased to report have continued to monitor their use
in waters frequented by bathers. Please
note a local bye-law exists prohibiting ‘Personal Watercraft’ being used faster
than 8 knots and in depths of less than 2 metres.
Please report incidents to: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Planning Matters.
·
Planning Applications
Planning
Officers are still in dialogue with agents and applicants in Marsh Road, Solent View Road, and Woodvale
Road. Whilst these were advertised
several months ago, I am advised that officers are working with applicants to
overcome concerns. Once/ if these are resolved decision notices will be posted
on-line.
·
Choppers.
In
addition, locally I have been contacted by residents from Baring Road regarding a helicopter pad at Cowes Golf Club. Although
the pad can be used for those playing golf, further consents may be required
for those not!
·
Planning Enforcement.
Alleged
residential use of agricultural dwellings were reported in Cockleton Lane. Elsewhere a shed was reported in Hilton Road.
·
Lower Church Road.
Ref: 21/01442/OUT
An
application was received to develop land off Lower Church Road. This scheme is
similar to a proposal from 2019, and will be discussed by Gurnard Parish
Council on 11th August. The
deadline for comments is 20th August. On this proposal a letterdrop has taken
place.
E-Scooters and
Cycling.
Last
month Cllr Wendy Wardrop and I met with officers from the Isle of Wight Council
to discuss the ongoing concerns with E-Scooters. At the meeting it was agreed that the IW
Council in partnership with operator, Beryl would publicise the fact that
scooters should only be driven by license holders where vehicular traffic is
permitted, and should not carry pillion passengers (signage has been put on
scooters). This publicity would be
included when promoting the role out of scooters in Sandown Bay. In the
meantime, the pilot continues until March 2022.
Until
then this is reviewed by Government, the only E-scooters authorised for use are
those operated by ‘Beryl’ who have been
given the license to operate the jiggers… All other E-scooters are basically
banned for use in all areas that the public have access (i.e everywhere…). In the meantime no cycling advisory signage
on the carriageway in Cowes High Street
was discussed with officers.
In
Gurnard advisory ‘no cycling’ signage
in front of the Beach Huts, will be discussed in September by Gurnard Parish
Council. This follows incidents where
children are regularly seen running to the sea wall from the Green.
Cowes Week 31st July-6th
August.
Following
cancellation last year, Cowes Week returns on 31st July. Because of Covid, this year’s event has been
scaled down, with no parking restrictions for this year needed on Egypt/
Princes Esplanade, Egypt Hill, Woodvale Road and Worsley Road. Despite no
Fireworks and Red Arrows there are events a plenty in and around Cowes.
For
details visit: http://www.cowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?map=cw21&ui=cw4&style=std&override=§ion=home
Hedgerows.
The bird
nesting season ends on 31st July. Following calls made please bear
with Island Roads and Rights Of Way as they contend with trimming overgrown
hedgerows over the coming months…
Isle of Wight Free Days Out.
https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/free-days-out-on-the-isle-of-wight.html
|
Swim the Island Coastline |
The Needles New Battery |
Cowes Maritime Museum |
The UK’s oldest Phonebox |
|
Quarr Abbey |
Go For A Walk |
Outdoor Gyms |
Rylestone Gardens |
|
The IW Donkey Sanctuary |
Look for Dinosaurs |
Ventnor Park |
Geocaching |
|
Bembridge Lifeboat Museum |
IW Bus & Coach Museum |
The Longstone |
The Spice Bus |
|
The Pepperpot & Hoy Pillar |
Cowes Week |
Devil’s Chimney |
Isle of Wight Pearl |
|
Food/ Drink Producers |
Quay Arts Centre |
Sir Max Aitken Museum |
Old Smithy Gardens |
|
Appuldurcombe House |
Stargazing |
Ghost Walks |
Puckpool Park |
|
Carisbrooke Priory |
Paddling Pool, Ventnor |
Kite Flying |
Birdwatching |
|
Search for Red Squirrels |
Glass Blowing |
Viewpoint Car Park Tour |
Willow Maze, Golden Hill |
|
Visit a historical church |
Outdoor Playgrounds |
Brighstone Museum |
Go To Court! |
Supporting local
businesses: Use them or lose them?
Following in the aftermath of Coronavirus, there are a
large number of local businesses that continue to be impacted by the downturn
in custom. This is particularly relevant
to pubs, café’s and small shops- all of which need our support. Please if you can- shop local, as our
community needs all of the support as residents we can offer. This is not only important for the shops
themselves, but also for the many locals who rely upon employment!
In the meantime, myself and the Council’s Director of
Regeneration is due to meet with me in Gurnard to discuss street signage for
shops and the pub. In addition, I am
also discussing with residents the potential of information boards in Cowes
that will link with the Cowes Rope Walk trail.
E-Cargo Deliveries.
Starting on 2nd August, a pilot delivery
service will be available in West Cowes/Gurnard/Northwood. In addition to
delivering on behalf of Cowes-based businesses, “last mile” deliveries from
elsewhere on the Isle of Wight will be received at a micro-hub in Cowes and
then distributed by e-cargo bike.
In order to make it as risk-free as possible for a
wide range of businesses and organisations to try delivery via e-cargo bikes,
deliveries will be undertaken free of charge for the period of the trial. If
you deliver in this area (or would like to) and would like to find out more
please visit: https://people-powered.org.uk/cargo/
Draft Island Planning Strategy.
In the last few months my priority focus as Cabinet Member for Planning
and Housing has been to accelerate the Island Planning Strategy for
Consultation from 31st July until 1st October.
With no plan, Government would control the Planning process on the
Island.
Apart from being the Planning bible for the Island for the next 15
years, within the Strategy there are targets requiring biodiversity net gain
from development, designating green spaces, support for dark skies, the
Island’s biosphere status and ensuring land is allocated for employment. In
addition there has been a reduction in housing numbers from 1045 to 486
dwellings per annum, less ambiguity regarding settlement boundaries and a
desire to provide homes that are affordable to local people.
The Strategy has now been supported through Cabinet, and I am looking
forward to taking this on the road. This will afford the opportunity
to listen to residents, local councillors, businesses and stakeholders.
Within the Strategy there are proposals that residents will welcome,
whilst there are some- particularly the land allocations- that require further
work and local engagement with the local communities and stakeholders. The
purpose of the engagement is to listen, give meaningful feedback and to
incorporate this into the next phase of the process. For further
information please visit: www.iow.gov.uk/planthewight
Libraries!
From last month libraries began to reopen… Back are the comfortable seating, study
tables, daily newspapers and access to free computers.
This Summer’s ‘Wild World Heroes’ Reading Challenge is completely free
and keeps children reading over the summer holidays, whilst giving them the joy
of receiving a medal and other giveaways.
Please note, the fine amnesty is extended until the Autumn, so please
don’t worry if you have books from 2020!
·
Who to call in the event of a flood
If
you need to be evacuated because of severe flooding or damage, contact the
police or dial 999.
For general issues around flooding, contact the Isle of Wight Council
on (01983) 823600 (this also doubles up as the COVID-19 support
line). If you
believe the flooding is from a main river or the sea, contact the Environment
Agency on 0345 988 1188. www.environment-agency.gov.uk
The
Environment Agency also provides help on flooding issues via its Floodline:
0345 988 1188.
To report flooding on the highway or drainage issues, contact: Island
Roads (01983) 822440 www.islandroads.com
Notify Southern Water
if flooding affects your mains sewage/public drains by calling 0330 303 0368 www.southernwater.co.uk
Notify
the National Grid to report a gas leak as the result of flooding on
0800 111 999.
Notify
SSE of electrical issues such as power cuts by calling 105.
For
non-emergency calls pertaining to vulnerable older people, call adult services
on (01983) 823340 (office hours) or (01983) 821105 (out of hours).
NHS '111' for non-urgent health
concerns.
·
Think about flooding before it happens
The
council or the Environment Agency can tell you about the dangers of flooding
where you live.
If
available for your neighbourhood, sign up for free flood warning messages from
the Environment Agency’s Floodline: 0345 988 1188.
Make a personal ‘flood plan’ for what you will do in a flood.
Advice is available from: www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood/make-a-flood-plan
Prepare your home in case there is a flood. This includes flood
proofing, flood boards and airbrick covers. Advice is available from: http://ow.ly/GRsij
Buy flood
insurance to protect your home and your belongings.
·
Sandbag provision
While it
is not the council’s responsibility to protect individual homes or businesses
and people are responsible for their own properties, in some emergency
situations, the council will instruct Island Roads to position stocks of
sandbags at the following strategic locations:
·
Well Road, East Cowes.
·
Simeon Street Recreation Ground,
Ryde.
·
St Mary's car park, Cowes.
Additional
sandbag locations may be identified around the Island based on the forecast
impacts of flooding and in areas where the Environment Agency has advised there
is a potential risk of flooding.
·
Public health information
In the
event of a flood, try to avoid contact with the flood water. Do not drive
through flood water and do not let children play in it.
Take care
if you must go through flood water as there could be hidden dangers like sharp
objects, raised manhole covers and pollution.
When
cleaning up after a flood, wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection, and
wash your hands afterwards.
If your
home is flooded, do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors to dry out your
home. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can kill.
Dealing
with damaged belongings following a flood
Speak to
your insurance company about losses and clean up including the removal of
damaged property. Bagged flood damaged property can be taken to the tip.
Other
useful contacts
For adverse weather and flooding guidance, visit https://www.iow.gov.uk/.../Adverse-Weather-and-Flooding
The Met
Office, 0370 900 0100. www.metoffice.gov.uk
For food
safety advice after flooding, including how to make baby food without mains
water, contact the Food Standards
Agency: 020 7276 8829.
Trading Standards (01983) 823000. Be wary
of cold callers offering services following a flood at your property.
For
more information about the Isle of Wight Trader Approval Scheme, visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/tas/
·
Disposal of larger items
Larger furniture items may need specialist removal. If this is not
covered by your insurance, please contact waste.contract@iow.gov.uk for advice on waste
removal.
·
Find out more
This government link provides useful information: https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=Flooding+advice&order=relevance
Representation on Boundary Commission
changes: Isle of Wight West and East Constituencies.
Please find
my comments below following the consultation on boundary changes referred to in
last month’s report
In 2017 with earlier proposals the Boundary Commission agreed to make
Cowes, East Cowes, Newport (The Medina Valley Regeneration area) and land to
the west including Freshwater as part of the Western Constituency for the Isle
of Wight and Ryde Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor as part of the
Eastern Constituency. This I fully supported.
This made sense, insofar as the two constituencies have distinctive
characteristics. The Western Constituency has a strong focus on
economic regeneration, commerce and manufacturing whilst Coastal Community
Tourism is an important for the Eastern Constituency.
As a resident and as a former and current Councillor for wards in both
communities, the relationship that the East has with Portsmouth and the West
with Southampton are distinctive.
What concerns me is that current proposals dissect the community of
Newport. As a local Councillor I am also concerned by the separation
of Cowes/East Cowes- where traditionally both communities work closely on
matters that are closely shared. In Cowes/ East Cowes there is
considerable commonality given the towns harbour status, ferry links to
Southampton, boatbuilding, yachting, it’s linked events and associated
community connectivity.
Other Planning and
Housing Issues.
·
I continue to receive a large volume of emails concerning the West Acre
Park Planning Application in Ryde, and have also been in touch with residents
and Councillors concerned with applications in Freshwater, Niton, Arreton and
East Cowes.
·
Enforcement Action has been taken concerning a longstanding issue in
Newchurch.
·
I am supporting Councillors regarding a delayed decision notice in
Cowes.
·
I have been interviewed on Vectis Radio.
·
I am meeting with Bob Seely and the Campaign For The Protection Of Rural
England (CPRE) this week to discuss options to extend the IW AONB
·
A complaint has been received regarding the non-collection of ‘Sold’
Estate Agent signs. These signs should
be removed within 14 days, however some Agents have left theirs for sometimes
beyond 6 months. Within Planning this is
not a priority, so I will be taking this up myself with Agents.
·
I am ever hopeful of meeting the Isle of Wight Architects and Agents
Forum.
·
I attended a presentation made by Tidal Energy specialists Perpetuus,
and envisage the potential for a new application for turbines off the south
coast of the Island.
·
I have supported an objector to a Planning Application which has gone to
Appeal.
·
The Government has updated its National Planning Policy Framework, which
is their policy on Planning matters. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/national-planning-policy-framework-and-national-model-design-code-consultation-proposals
·
I am working alongside the empty property team at ways of regenerating
abandoned properties within the Island.
At present with local Councillors and with Cabinet Members for
Regeneration, we intend prioritising our efforts on Sandown.
·
I have been asked to investigate concerns over the use and sale/ rental
of units on Holiday Parks.
·
At Full Council changes in accordance with priorities from the Alliance
Administration were made to the Council’s constitution returning voting rights
to the IWALC (Isle of Wight Association of Local Council’s) member on the
Corporate Scrutiny Committee. In addition, an IWALC member will join the IW
Council’s Planning Committee as a non-voting member.
·
I am supporting a developer concerning an impasse on a planning
application.
Also This Month:
·
Visit Isle of Wight will undergo a renewal ballot
to continue its Wight BID for a further five years in October. The Wight BID initiative provides funding
from the tourism sector to promote the Isle of Wight. Last year the BID (Business Improvement
District) levy raised £400,000 which secured £300,000 of external funding.
·
I attended two meetings of the Southern Inshore
Fisheries Conservation Authority (SIFCAA). Issues discussed includes the damage
caused by Cruise Liners and Tankers to the sea bed when anchoring. In addition DEFRA are due to consult on
highly protected marine sites this Autumn, whilst concern was expressed
concerning the recent increase of ‘fly shooting’ from large European boats this
spring/ summer. Within SIFCA after my
first meeting, I was appointed to their Executive Committee who meets in Poole.
·
I have relayed matters regarding the cleaning of
toilets on Gurnard Green. It is hoped
that the disabled access to the concrete hardstanding from the footway will be
completed after the summer break.
·
I met with a number of residents who contacted me
concerning proposals to reconfigure Ryde Seafront.
·
I am one of half a dozen Councillors that has been
appointed to the Council’s Fly-Tip Committee.
·
At Full Council I was also appointed as Vice
Chairman of the Licencing Committee.
·
Although Freedom Day may have been and gone, a
number of agencies etc. are insisting that residents are regularly tested.
Please note Test kits for Track and Tracing are free and widely available from
pharmacies.
·
Nocturnal ‘incidents’ have been reported to the
police following activities witnessed on the Coastal Path between Gurnard and
Thorness.
·
The Planning Committee supported proposals to
develop on land between Elmfield, Ryde and Puckpool, despite more than 500
objections from the local community.
From my perspective this application was approved due to there being
limited Planning Policies in place to challenge schemes. For this (and many other) reasons the acceleration of the new Island Planning Strategy
