IW Councillor's Report: June 2022

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm. Monday 6^th June, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm; Tuesday 7^th June, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am; Thursday 9^th June, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.  CANCELLED

10:30-11am, Wednesday 22^nd June, Benches adj. The Watersedge Café, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 22^nd June, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 23^rd June, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 30^th June, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Planning Updates.

 

·         Gurnard Pines.  A public meeting has been called to discuss proposals for a new 40 new eco holiday units at Gurnard Pines.  The event takes place 6pm, Tuesday 31^st May at the café.

·         Land north of Gurnard Farm: 7 dwellings (Ref: APP/P2114/W/22/3292006). A Planning Appeal will take place against refusal of this proposal. Comments must be received by the planning inspectorate by 21^st June.

·         9 Hilton Road (Ref: APP/P2114/W/21/3287940).  A Planning Application will take place against the refusal of this application. All comments must be received by the planning inspectorate by 17^th June.

·         Ext. to Sunnycott Caravan Park, Rew Street for 5 units of holiday accommodation (Ref: 22/00726/FUL)*. All comments for this application to be received by the Planning department by 7^th June. 

·         Demolition of Bungalow, proposed 2 dwellings- Tree Tops, Worsley Lane (Ref: 22/00785/FUL)*.

*These applications will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council on 8^th June.

·         An update has been requested concerning proposals to develop at Medina Yard, Cowes.

·         Concerns were reported to the Planning Department concerning flag and paraphernalia in Cowes High Street.

·         Tentative advice has been requested on modifying use of a ‘holiday home’ at Rew Street.  

·         I have been approached concerning planning concerns in Albert Road.

·         I can report no update concerning when work will commence extending Bucklers View.

 I received a letter from a resident concerning inaccuracies as background information with respect to an application.  This remains of concern to me, and I am chasing up this given the justification for any proposal should be based upon accurate information when being considered. 

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Work continues on the Island Planning Strategy (the IWC’s Planning Bible for the next 15 years), with members questions and loose ends being tied up through one to one meetings, this will enable the Strategy to be considered by Full Council following the summer recess. In the meantime, getting the IPS remains a priority for the Council’s administration, as this will prove the Planning Authority to have teeth challenging future contentious applications.

 

One of the major challenges being faced are the individual allocations, and the fact that some consider the Annual Housing figure of suggested new homes being pitched at the suppressed low figure of 479 new units per annum.  This figure is still considered too high for some.  However, without a Plan Governments standard method confines the figure to be 730, and until the IPS is agreed by the Planning Inspector the Government figure remains in situ putting further pressure on the Island. In addition, from the Queens Speech, it now seems unlikely that Government will not be introducing advisory housing numbers as was suggested…    

 

IW Council Planning Matters.

 

·         The IW Council Planning Department has undergone a Peer Review, this follows a number of issues raised both by residents and Councillors.  Details of the review, and proposed action will be circulated by mid June.

·         I am supporting the need to fast track the development of Affordable Housing.  Concern has been raised that some applications have stalled, whilst brown field site development is not proceeding as quickly as many like.  These are issues I continue to discuss with Cabinet colleagues.  

·         I have been approached by a resident concerned by the lack of properties to downsize to.  With respect to this, I’ve been invited to a meeting and look forward discussing proposals with the Cabinet Member for Housing.   

·         I’m chasing up a response on a Planning Enforcement matter in Ryde. Dialogue continues in resolving matters on the condition of the Ocean Hotel, Sandown whilst I am advised that progress to develop the former Worsley pub in Wroxall is in hand.    

 

New Council Positions.

 

·         IW Council.

I have stepped down from my position as Deputy Chairman of the IW Council’s Licensing Committee.  I was anxious to do this to spread the workload and responsibilities to others.  Outside my role within the IW Council I am reducing my responsibilities as a magistrate.  My IWC workload has meant that I needed to step down earlier this year as Deputy Bench Chair for the IW Magistrates.

 

Within the IW Council, Cllr. Claire Critchinson (Alliance- Green) has replaced Cllr. Geoff Brodie (Ind. Labour), whilst Cllr. John Medland (Alliance- Ind.) has replaced Cllr Michael Lilley (Alliance- Ind.) as Chairman of the Planning Committee, whilst Cllr. Warren Drew (Conservative) was supported as Vice Chairman.

 

On Corporate Scrutiny, Cllr. Richard Quigley (Labour) and Cllr. Chris Quirk (Conservative) were reappointed as Chairman and Vice Chairman.

 

·         Town and Parish Councils.

At Gurnard Parish Council, I was very proud to step up as Chairman (having been Vice-Chair since 2017!).  A very huge vote of thanks to Cllr Terry Nolan, who was has been Chairman since 2019.  I know Terry who remains as a Parish Councillor will continue in his diligence supporting the local community he loves and is very much a part of, and will prove to be a very hard act to follow!  My role as Chairman will increase my workload.  However, I am really looking forward to working alongside all Councillors..

 

At Northwood Parish Council, I was appointed to serve as representative on the IW County Show Committee as well as the villages Hedgehog Friendly Councillor (!)   

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

Energy prices are soaring.  For up to date support visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

Councils will oversee the repayment of the £150 rebate through Council Tax reimbursements for A to D properties. To speed up payments residents are being encouraged to pay Council Tax through Direct Debit. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/Energy-rebate-update

 

If you do not pay via Direct Debit an Access Code is needed. Codes are being sent separately. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Benefits-Council-Tax-and-Business-Rates/Council-Tax-Services/Council-Tax/Energy-rebate

 

Jet Ski’s.

 

The anti-social use of jet ski’s at Gurnard was reported to the Marine Police, who continue to monitor waters frequented by bathers.  Please note a bye-law exists which prohibits all ‘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/

 

Half term emergency food vouchers

 

Due to the change in government funding, action is being taken by the Isle of Wight Council to support families in greatest need over the half term break.

 

A one-off emergency food voucher scheme announced today (Thursday) is aimed at helping households in urgent need over this half term.

It will provide a voucher of £15 per child which can be spent in local supermarkets.

Eligible families must apply directly to the council before 4pm on Wednesday 1^st June to claim their voucher for the half term week, which can be emailed or posted out.

The scheme is available to:

• families eligible for benefits-related free school meals; 
• children with a social worker; 
• children open to early help; 
• 2 to 4 year-olds eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium.

Families can check their eligibility and apply by contacting the council's COVID-19 Helpline on (01983) 823600.

In line with changes, Government are seeking to offer more support is offered to those pensioners on low incomes.

Highways Issues.

 

·         White Lines.  In advance of Cowes Week, pavement edges on Cowes High Street was last month repainted

·         Overgrown Foliage. Has been reported in Park Road.  The issue of overgrown foliage outside Bucklers View is to be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council at its next meeting.

·         Pavement Parking. I have received complaints concerning large vehicles, parking on driveways that are no longer fit for purpose.  Locally this has caused an issue for pedestrians in Albert Road.  Please if you can leave space for pedestrians to use the pavement!

·         Cowes High Street.  One of the most common complaints received by Town Councillors, is concerns that ‘somebody will get hurt if something isn’t done’ regarding cycling in the High Street.  Although options will be considered by the LCWIP- Cyclists, Scooterists and Mobility Vehicle Users, please be mindful of pedestrians!

·         Shoppers in Newport are set to get an hour's free parking as part of an initial six-month trial to tempt them into the town centre. Shoppers and visitors wishing to park for up to one hour can park for free in Lugley Street, Sea Street and Chapel Street/New Street. The Isle of Wight Council and Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council are working in partnership on the pilot which aims to increase high street footfall and boost trade for local retailers and independent shops. The initiative is part of the Shaping Newport partnership programme that brings together business and councils to develop a new future for the town.  For details visit: https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/20150637.isle-wight-council-announces-free-parking-trial-newport/

·         Please ensure when left, E scooters are left safely and secure within their green boxes and not left as a tripping hazard for pedestrians.  This follows complaints concerning the bay at the top of Egypt Hill.

·         Amenity Space Parking.  At The Green, Crossfield Avenue I’ve received numerous complaints of vehicles being parked on the Green itself.  Of concern to residents are the motorists and the potential consequences of parking restrictions likely to follow.  Residents have highlighted that restrictions apply within the terms of residence on the Estate.  On this, I understand legal advice has been sought. 

 

Supporting residents with disabilities

 

·         Cowes Sailability

 

Cowes Town Council has provided grant funding to Cowes Sailability giving disabled access to Cowes residents.

 

Cowes Sailability have teamed up with Wetwheels, Hamble offering subsidised boating trips on an accessible motorboat throughout this summer.  Available from 6^th June, the hour long excursions are suitable for groups of adults and children with physical and learning disabilities including wheelchair users. Up to ten participants at a time, maximum three wheelchairs will be able to enjoy the experience of speeding through the waves in the Solent.

 

Trips can be booked by organisationsthat run Cowes-based support groups, as well as local schools and care homes.  The subsidised cost is £5 per person and all places on trips must be booked in advance. For details please contact Stephen at cowessailability.booking@gmail.com or visit www.cowessailability.co.uk

 

·         Southern Vectis.

 

Following an access enquiry through the Local Access Forum Southern Vectis advises the following:

 

‘Our policy is that anyone not in a wheelchair should be ready to vacate the space if a wheelchair gets on, and  drivers are trained to deal with this if on the off chance the non-wheelchair user will not move.  Ultimately, it we can’t move the non-wheelchair user, if the net bus isn’t less than 15mins behind, we’d call an accessible taxi for them’.

 

Environmental Issues.

 

·         I continue to receive complaints concerning rats on the Crossfield Estate. Please ensure that on waste/ recycling days that food waste is secure (lockable bins are available through waste services phone 01983 823777).

·         Litter Bins.  The last of the litter bins on the seafront have now been replaced!

·         New benches opposite the Beach Huts in Gurnard are being monitored and will be reviewed by Gurnard Parish Council after this summer.

·         Concerns continue regarding anti-social behaviour from Air B&B’s.  If you are a property owner, please ensure that properties do not cause disruption to neighbours.

·         Southern Water are following up their meeting with Gurnard Parish Council in January.  Following concerns over outflows Southern Water are sharing their proposals improve water quality and reducing storm water overflows by 80% by 2030.  The presentation and questions takes place from 6pm, Friday 24^th June.

·         Following litter complaints, Environment Officers are monitoring issues at Northwood Recreation Ground.

·         Small Batteries (AA, AAA, watch batteries, square batteries, old rechargeable batteries) can be collected by Amey within general black bin collections. The IW Council advises to keep these separate from general waste, and should be left on top of your bin collection in a small sized clear sandwich sized bag.

 

Cowes Community Bus.

 

The IW Community Bus Forum are seeking volunteer bus drivers for the Cowes- Gurnard- Northwood Bus Service.

 

As Southern Vectis’ buy-in to the service, drivers (when passing a medical) can and will be trained up by Southern Vectis before driving the route (which I am hoping can and will be enhanced to operate on further days, if drivers volunteer!)  Please let me know, if you are interested.  

Councillor Vacancy: Northwood Parish Council.

 

A vacancy has arisen on Northwood Parish Council.  For details contact Katie Riley, Northwood Parish Clerk at:

11 Bay View Road, Gurnard, Isle of Wight, PO31 8JF; Tel: 07305 013718; Email: clerk@northwoodparishcouncil.org

 

Woodvale

 

A very big thank you to Paula and John Dedman who has moved on from managing the Woodvale for many years. 

 

Over the years, its been a pleasure to work alongside Paula and John and have very much welcomed their support, most notably during my surgeries and throughout our campaign fighting the IW Council against the imposition of car park charges on the seafront. 

 

The new owners of the Woodvale is the lovely Chris Troup and his Team from the Anchor and the Pier View, Cowes. I am looking forward to continue supporting Chris, his Team, as well as Mark and Kim from the Portland.

 

Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

 

Bored? The Isle of Wight Community Club are currently accepting new members.

 

The Club itself holds Cheese & Wine Evenings, Comedy Nights, Curry Nights, Disco Evenings, Amateur Dramatics Events, Live Music, Quiz Evenings, Race Nights, Bingo, Silent Auctions, Bridge, Cribbage, Line Dancing, Tea Dances, etc, etc.  The club is available also for functions and provides catering.

 

In addition to these activities, the Club also has Bowls (Indoor and Outdoor), Pool, Darts, Football, Cricket, Petanque and two bars.   For details please visit: https://www.iowcc.com/

 

Environment and Sustainability Forum.

 

At the Forum the following was reported:

 

·         Global Warming has currently reached an average increase of 1.1%

·         50% of the world is suffering from water deficiency.

·         The Isle of Wight has decreased its Annual Carbon footprint from 494 megatonnes of carbon to 464.

·         The Isle of Wight will have further rapid charge, energy charging points created.

·         It is reported to decrease energy use it would cost £18-£25k per property to retrofit IW housing stock. For details see: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Future-Energy-Initiatives/Energy-Initiatives/Eco-Retrofit

·         Application Forms for Solar Panels need to be simpler.  There are currently a short supply of installers.  

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

 

This month the Foodbank are asking for donations for the following items: Coffee, Long Life Fruit Juice, Long Grained Packet Rice, Sponge Puddings, Toilet Rolls and Jam.

 

For details visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Top Tips to make your garden Hedgehog Friendly. Visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/

 

1.    Link your garden with Hedgehog Highways.

2.    Make your pond safe with a ramp.

3.    Create a wild corner.

4.    Deal with netting and litter.

5.    Put out food and water.

6.    Stop using chemicals.

7.    Check before strimming.

8.    Be careful with Bonfires

9.    Make a home for hedgehogs

10.  Become a hedgehog champion.

 

Also this month:

 

·         I have received complaints concerning disposal of bagged dog poo at Parkhurst Forest and the Cowes- Newport cycletrack.  If there are no bins nearby, please take your dog waste home with you!

·         I attended a fabby Jubilee Event at Cowes Primary School last month. Thank you to the mums, dads and teaching staff for making me feel so welcome! I’m looking forward to catching up with the Head again this month.

·         Speedwatch took place in Mill Hill Road.  If you have a local issue or wish to join the team, please let me know!

·         A meeting has taken place to consider options to manage Gurnard Village Hall.  This will be further discussed.

·         Further dialogue with the Parish Council and businesses are taking place to promote commerce in Gurnard.   

   ·         I’ve learnt that (the old children’s home) Parklands in Park Road is likely to become a hub for dementia care.