IW Councillor's Report, March 2022.

 Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Thursday 3^rd March, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm. Monday 7^th March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

11-1pm, Tuesday 15^th March, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard. (Footprint Trust/ CAB Outreach)

11:30-12pm, Thursday 17^th March, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 24^th March, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 30^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 31^st March, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Monday 4th April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

 

Princes Esplanade Clearance.

 

The land clearance was reported to me and was immediately taken up by the Council’s tree officer as this land has a Woodland Tree Preservation Order, as well as a Site of Nature Conservation (SINC) designation in place.

 

At that time Hooper & Son the contractors on site advised residents that licenses for clearance from the landowner Southern Gas Networks (SGN) were in place. The reason for the work according to SGN was to protect their liabilities over trespassers entering the site. 

 

This was checked by the Council with both the Planning Department (to find out what/ if planning consents were in place) and the SGN Estates Team.  When SGN eventually responded to the Tree Officer they confirmed the work was authorised by them, however they knew nothing of the protected status of the site.  Because of this on Friday morning a ‘Stop Order’ was issued against contractors.  In addition, both myself and the Council’s Tree Officer has taken this up with the Planning Enforcement Team, who are taking action against SGN for this unauthorised work.

 

Since then I’ve spoken with a landowner and learnt that much of the land cleared is not owned by SGN. This landowner is fuming and is also considering taking separate legal action.

 

In the meantime, if residents have proof/ evidence of wildlife using the area, please let me know so this can be presented in future proceedings. The more evidence received, the stronger the case is against SGN

 

Accessibility Survey. 

 

The Isle of Wight Local Access Forum wants to know your views on creating better access to services, facilities and particularly enjoyment of the countryside. We would like to know what you would like to see done to improve access.

 

Please tell us your five priorities to support those with mobility issues, for those with push chairs, children, older residents and those with disabilities. The deadline for feedback is 5pm, Friday 23^rd April 2022.

 

My/our five priorities to improve mobility access to local services, facilities and the countryside are:

 

1:

 

2:

 

3:

 

4:

 

5:

 

Any other queries, questions and suggestions:

 

Paul Fuller, IW Local Access Forum, 45 Oxford Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8PT or Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

 

Residents Drop-In, Gurnard Pines.

 

I’ve organised a residents’ Drop-In to take place at the Food Shack and Bar at Gurnard Pines.  The event has been organised to support residents and will be held from 11-1pm, Tuesday 15^th March with the Footprint Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau attending.  Like 2018 there is Free Cake and a Cuppa for residents attending.

 

Cowes Traffic Order.

 

Following the Gurnard traffic restrictions added in Baring Road in December, the Cowes restriction is due to follow on 4^th March.  This will mean that vehicles will be prohibited from loading 0800 to 0900 and 1430 to 1630 and was introduced following child safety concerns at school drop off and collection times on the Baring Road cycle lane.

 

In addition restrictions will be imposed in Crossfield Avenue, west of the junction with Ward Avenue, the eastern side of Place Road (between The Roundhouse and Place Side) and Queens Road east of the Egypt Hill junction.

 

Garden Waste Subscriptions.

 

IW Council Garden Waste Subscriptions must be renewed by Friday 18^th March.  To note, subscriptions have increased to £96 per year.  Although concerns were raised regarding the increase, garden waste can also be disposed of for free by booking a slot at Lynnbottom and Afton Tips. For details call 01983 823777 or visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/

 

Alternatively, there are other companies that can and regularly disposes of garden waste.

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

 

This month the Foodbank are asking for donations for the following items: Squash, Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Potatoes, Long Grained Rice (1kg), Sponge Puddings, Tinned Fruit and Tinned Soup.

 

For details of the work of the IW Foodbank please visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Autumn half term

 

The IW Council are considering changes to the autumn half term holiday from 2023/24 onwards. Before making any changes they are asking schools, parents and island residents to give their views about the school holiday calendar.

 

The autumn half term holiday in October has traditionally been one week. In 2017 the Council consulted local people about a change to the school holiday calendar. As a result, last year the autumn half term was extended from one week to two weeks, and made the summer holiday one week shorter. This has been in place between 2018 to 2021 but there has been disruption to the school year from the COVID pandemic during that time. In 2022, following consultation with schools, the half term holiday will go back to being one week long.

 

The Council are keen to know your views on the Autumn half term holiday, and a consultation survey has been launched. The survey will be open until 18 March 2022.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Schools-and-Learning/Schools/Consultations3

 

Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Northwood Parish Councillor, Richard Martin has been invited by Cowes Medical Centre to provide a list of issues residents attending or accessing services of the medical centre. Richard has asked me to ask you:

 

·         What have been your experiences when speaking to the Main Reception desk?

·         What have been your experiences when trying to make an appointment or access one of the medical centre’s services?

·         When you make an appointment, do you always get to see your regular GP?

·         Are the appointment times offered by the medical centre at a time easy for you to attend?

·         How would you rate the follow-up procedures post appointment?

·         How do you rate the medical centre’s patient communication?

·         How do you rate the overall service provided by the medical centre?

·         Do you have any issues you would like to raise?

 

All responses will be made available to the medical centre anonymously. Your feedback will help Cowes Medical Centre improve its services into the future for the whole community.

 

Please reply to: Richard at 406 Newport Road, Northwood, Cowes, PO31 8PP or email rwm1@icloud.com

 

Weeds.

 

Following complaints concerning highway weeds and the damage that weeds cause to the highway infrastructure, a more sympathetic approach and sustainable alternatives to Glyphosates are being sought by the IW Council. 

 

It is noted several years ago that Cowes Town Council initiated a RHS alternative for use in Northwood Recreation Ground.   Although there are alternative sustainable solutions for weed control, these are not always effective in removing the roots of weeds.

 

Ukraine Appeal.

 

Residents have approached me, asking how best they can offer support for those affected by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.  Having a link to the British Ukrainian Community, I am advised the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain- https://www.augb.co.uk/ (for updates and donations) and the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.uk/ are good organisations doing great things to support the lovely people of Ukraine.

 

Local Planning Issues.

 

There are a number of planning applications that are under consideration locally.  These include proposals for land adjacent to 77 Place Road and the Glamping application in Rew Street.

 

The most recent proposal to develop a dwelling on land adjacent to the Stables, Woodvale Road was approved.

 

I have been asked to monitor a site, and potentially enforcement action against a location in Rew Street

 

Other Planning Matters.

 

Annual Monitoring Report

 

The annual monitoring report for 2020/21 has been completed.  A few key statistics below highlight the following:

 

·         86% of 1,088 planning applications approved;

·         493 units granted permission, 445 completed of which 123 were affordable;

·         Above national targets for determining majors, minors and other apps;

·         38% of units permitted on brownfield land.

 

Planning Enforcement

 

·         Enforcement is underway in Havenstreet at a location where residents are living in agricultural buildings.

 

Planning Committee.

 

A proposal for 17 dwellings at Wellow was approved by committee.  Approval of this application will mean that a key element of the Newport – West Wight Greenway can be progressed.

 

In addition the locally controversial demolition of public toilets for the Ryde Esplanade infrastructure project was approved.  Apparently, the £10m Ryde scheme is due for completion in March 2023…  

 

Exceptional Hardship Support.

 

The IW Council has in place support for residents finding it difficult to keep up with Council Tax payments.  If this applies to you, or you know somebody that may require extra support please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

 

Cowes, Northwood and Gurnard Local Cycling, Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) from People Powered

 

What is an LCWIP? 

 

The government’s national Cycling and Walking Strategy, published in 2017, includes proposals for local councils to produce Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans. LCWIPs are not mandatory, but local authorities that have produced plans are well placed to make the case to government for funding investment.

 

An LCWIP is a long term (10 year minimum), strategic plan that sets out local priorities for improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure. In consultation with local residents and stakeholders, it seeks to identify key routes and zones where changes to the infrastructure and/or the implementation of more walking and cycling friendly policies can provide higher quality, safer environments for people to get around on foot, wheelchair, mobility scooter and bike. This will help create a healthier, less polluted and more inclusive community and make cycling and walking an easy and comfortable choice to make for local trips, including for children travelling to school.

 

LCWIPs integrate with other key island plans, including the upcoming Island Planning Strategy and Local Transport Plan and will form a key part of the planning process and will help guide sustainable transport infrastructure investment requirements for new developments.

 

New infrastructure resulting from an LCWIP will need to be designed according to the government’s latest design guidance for walking and cycling.

 

From my perspective, I have been attending a number of local meetings and talking to residents about improving walking and cycling within the Cowes Area. For further details please visit: https://people-powered.uk/LCWIP/

 

Floating Bridge.

 

Mediation has this month started between the IW Council and those who built Floating Bridge 6.  Because the Ferry has been plagued with difficulties since coming into operation almost five years ago, the IW Council and Taxpayers have continued to be out of pocket and impacted upon the services reliability.  

 

Housing and Homelessness.

 

At the most recent IWALC meeting, a projects meeting was held to better understand housing and homelessness on the Island.  From the meeting, some of the following points were raised:

 

·         There are 2500 residents who require housing on the Homefinder Website.

·         To apply, residents must have lived on the Isle of Wight for 5 years prior to requesting a home.

·         82% of residents seeking accommodation, do so because of overcrowding where they live

·         82% of private landlords have been lost since Covid.

·         18% of residents with a housing need is classed as homeless.

·         It is estimated that homelessness will increase by 27% within 3 years.

·         There has been a 32% increase in families finding themselves homeless entering temporary housing.

·         There are currently 325 children in temporary housing.

 

An example given of those in greatest need was a double wheelchair dependent amputee, living upstairs in a single room.  This person, a prisoner in their own home and wholly desperate was ranked 10^th on the housing list…   

Underway at the moment is a consultation on housing and homelessness.  The consultation continues until 23^rd March. Please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Care-Support-and-Housing/Housing/Homeless-Section/Homelessness-Strategy

 

Worsley Road parking.

 

Enforcement action has been requested to prevent parking at the Bus Stop outside Bucklers View. To note parking in this ‘Bus Stop Clearway’ means that Blue Badge Holders are NOT allowed to park in this spot as any parking makes it difficult for those accessing the community bus.

 

Please, please can motorists park tight to the kerb in Worsley Road to allow wider vehicles to pass.

 

Also this month:

 

·         The IW Council has been asked to close up opened cul- de-sacs in King James Close and Westwood Close.

·         Support has been given to volunteers from the IW Triathlon Club to park at Medina Theatre.

·         I have been asked to intervene on two white vans that regularly park between Rew Street and Oxford Street.

·         I’ve chased intervention from Planning Officers to improve pedestrian links from Deauville Avenue to Tuttons Hill.

·         I have contacted Rights Of Way, who I understand are in discussions with landowners over footpath access to Spencer’s Copse.

·         Discussions are ongoing between planners and the site owners over tidying up the site of the Watersedge Café.

·         A request has been lodged to cut back trees in Worsley Road.

I have requested the resurrection the mobile library service, following this stopping during lockdown. 

Concerns have been raised following reduced passengers on the service 32.  It is feared that with fewer passengers, the service may be hard to justify.