IW Councillor's Report, November 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

5:30-6pm; Tuesday 1^st November, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm; Wednesday 9^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 16^th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 24^th November, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 24^th November, Eegon’s Café, 85 High Street, Cowes.

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

 

Cowes Floating Bridge.  

 

An agreement was found by mediators working on behalf of all parties with respect to Cowes Floating Bridge.

 

As a consequence of mediation, it was agreed by all parties in coming to an out of court settlement on the proviso terms of the settlement remain confidential. Although I am not entirely happy with this outcome, this has meant that the matter is resolved and avoids extending any resolution by taking this through the high court with a high risk of adding costs. This resolution allows for work to commence on a connection between Cowes and East Cowes being fit for purpose.

 

Cllr Phil Jordan Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure issued the following statement, going into further details for the IW Observer newspaper see below:

 

“As reported in this very newspaper last week we announced the very good news on the Floating Bridge which finally draws a line under the commercial matters we faced in resolving the problems of the vessel and releases us into a brighter future where we can atlast look at all the options available to us, which includes a new Fb. 

 

For many reasons, we have been stuck in the commercial dispute and unable to look at any options that might otherwise be available, so it was important that we resolve the commercial matters and move the issue forward based on putting into place a reliable and sustainable service and vessel thereafter. 

 

So, let me say from the outset, commercial confidentiality the Non Disclosure Agreement is not an ideal situation for some people.  It flies in the face of openness and transparency and can seem as though there is something to hide.  I personally would prefer for these kinds of matters to beresolved and then information published accordingly.   But I am afraid to say that the commercial world just does not work in that way.  Indeed, in many ways, businesses want to retain their confidentiality and they certainly don’t like information being published that could damage their company reputation. In the commercial sector, NDA’s are a very common occurrence and it is quite usual for commercial disputes to be resolved under non-disclosure agreements. 

 

The commercial dispute over our own Floating Bridge was always going to be difficult to resolve. It was a very complicated case where designer and builder responsibilities were blurred, where one of the two companies went into liquidation prior to Mediation, where insurers then made up three parties who had to agree amongst themselves as well as with the Council, with commercial liability affected by insurance arrangements and with disputed responsibility. 

 

The Council were faced with two distinct choices against this backdrop. One was to enter into Mediation with the other parties to try to negotiate a settlement ofthe dispute.  Mediation is the preferred option of the Courts who can also instruct parties to enter Mediation.  The process is conducted through an intermediary and is confidential and without prejudice to the parties involved.   The details of any Mediation cannot be used subsequently in Court, whatever the outcome of Mediation. Alternatively, the commercial dispute could have been taken to the High Court.  At that point, the Court could have instructed that Mediation has to take place before the case would be heard. The case was complex, complicated, and not without risks.  The timescales to get a case into the High Court are estimated at around three years.  The legal costs of taking the commercial dispute to Court was estimated at £1m and rising, any claims were conditioned by insurance agreements in place and one of the parties is in liquidation, there is no guarantee the case would be won, no guarantee that costs would be awarded and overall, there was a high-risk level of going to Court. 

 

For these reasons, Mediation offered the safest, most prudent route to take and offered better safeguards of the public interest and less financial risks.   It is important to understand that it would not be in the council’s interest to reach a conclusion at mediation that it does not consider to be an appropriate settlement”.

 

Fireworks

 

If you’re having your own firework display, please inform neighbours! As ward Councillor you won’t believe the amount of correspondence I receive about petrified pets at this time of the year…

 

Gurnard Pines Eco Chalets.

 

Proposals for Eco-chalets at Gurnard Pines, are due to go on line for consultation this month.

 

In recent months in preparation for the new application there has continued to be work behind the scenes with dangerous trees and brambles being treated.  In addition, Ecology Reports have been completed and there has been liaison with tree and environment officers

 

Local Shops.

 

I’ve been asked to big-up local shopping and incentivising residents to shop local and try to avoid the internet for this year’s Christmas shopping. Please remember, if locals do not use our local shops these could be lost forever

 

With added energy costs, many local businesses require our communities support more than ever.

 

The worry that I have, is seeing the gradual decline in shops in Cowes and Gurnard (I remember Gurnard having two grocery stores, a newsagents, a post office, a haberdashery and toy shop, a DIY shop, a butchers shop, an antiques shop, several cafes, a milk bar and two pubs!)

 

English Coastal Path.

 

Although the route of the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path lengths 2-10 has been supported by the Secretary of State, with the Planning Inspectorate acting as arbiters on the Fair Balance Test where they consider compensation, human rights, liabilities and ‘needs’ arguments.  To note the Path tends to follow the course of the current Coastal Path.  However, the path generally avoids road walking and follows the Estuary of the River Medina to Newport. 

 

In the meantime negotiations continue with landowners on length 1 between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.

 

Parking.

 

Top of my list for complaints from residents from last month goes to anti-social parking.

 

Parental parking in Baring Road continues to be an issue, which I am looking forward to discussing with the school’s new head teacher.  With respect to this, Gurnard Parish Council will be considering potential saupport at their meeting on 14^th November as concerns continue to grow regarding bad parking. In the meantime, I have approached IWC Parking Services for improved parking enforcement.

 

I have also received complaints of collisions which have occurred to parked vehicles in Worsley Road.  To note driving away from a traffic incident and not leaving details is illegal under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act.

 

With increased traffic on the road another issue that has been reported, are concerns made over vehicles that park in front and opposite vehicular driveways.  Please be aware of this, as when approached many motorists are unaware of the problems that this can and does occur.

 

Isle of Wight Tourism.

 

In the second Quarter, covering months April to June 2022, it was reported that the Island saw an overall upturn in visitors by 2% to 633,125 visitors using accommodation, as compared to pre-lockdown statistics from the same quarter in 2019.

 

Interestingly the visitor spend increased by 45% with £114 million spent on the Island.  The average spend was £33.25 per day compared to £24.30 in 2019

 

Visitor profiling has seen nearly double the number of visitors from the London area.  Unsurprisingly the numbers of visitors by coach has fallen dramatically from 11% to 3%.

 

The ongoing saga of the Concrete Blocks, Gurnard.

 

Last month, I was excited to report that the mystery of the concrete blocks on the seafront at Gurnard had been resolved following Council Officers reporting that the blocks exposure was as a consequence of beach levels falling following recent storms.

 

Since then locals have reported to me other findings, such as the concrete blocks were remnants of recent groynes created to replace much more robust groynes positioned by Victorians..   

 

Hedgehog Corner:  Do’s and Don'ts  to protect hedgehogs in your garden.

·         Do leave some areas of wilderness where the hedgehogs can snuffle for insects.

·         Do put out water for drinking.

·         Do put out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk.

·         Do install, in a quiet part of the garden, a hedgehog house.

·         Do look to see if your hedgehog is limping or appears to be injured, or in late Autumn look out for underweight ‘hogs.

·         Don’t put out bread and milk

·         Don’t pick up fit hedgehogs

·         Don’t leave black sacks lying around.

·         Don’t use slug pellets or other chemicals, they may poison hedgehogs and other animals.

·         Don’t light a bonfire without checking to see if a hedgehog or other wild animal has moved in.

·         Don’t fork over compost heaps in case hedgehogs or other animals have taken up residence.

·         Don’t spray hedgehogs with dog or cat flea sprays. It will be detrimental to the hedgehog.

Planning Applications.

 

If you are intending to submit a Planning Application, although not manatory please talk first to your neighbours beforehand. Understanding the views of your neighbours can be so important when processing any application. In my time as ward Councillor, I know of several instances where an early discussion with next door neighbours could have saved money, time and stress to all parties involved.

 

·          Somerton Farm.

An application has been submitted to develop adjoining Somerton Farm in Northwood (Ref: 22/01720/OUT). The proposal is for 163 dwellings with employment use. The deadline for comments is 4^th November 2022.  For details please visit: https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage.

 

Island Planning Strategy

 

The new Planning Bible for the Island was not accepted by Councillors at Full Council in October.  The reason for this being that many IW Councillors are unhappy with outdated data which Planning Authorities are obliged by Government to use when assessing annual housing figures.  It was felt that figures from 2014 (rather than census data from 2021) should not be used as figures were outdated and should be questioned more fully by both Government and legally through the Council’s legal team.

 

In light of this vote, I continue to work with Councillors to find solutions.  I am taking advantage of the time to see if more can be done to prioritise social housing, which is of real concern to many Councillors.  In addition, further clarity has been sought confirming housing numbers from Planning Consultants and the KC working on the IW Council’s behalf.

 

In the meantime, I remain concerned for the scale of new housing applications given the lack of any up to date plan.

 

Planning Portfolio Update.

 

·         With the recruitment of officers in the Planning Team and Training Events taking place, some of the objectives of the recent Planning Peer Review have now been made.

·         At the recent Planning Services Improvement Steering Group (overseeing Peer Review objectives) stakeholders from Parish Councils, the IW Council’s Planning Committee, officers and the housing sector discussed their respective groups priorities for improving the IW Council’s Planning Service.  As Cabinet member my priorities are 1. Completing the Island Planning Strategy; 2. Improving the Public Perception of Planning and 3. Planning Enforcement.

·         To assist in the issue of backlogs within the Planning Department a new member of staff has been recruited to join the planning team. In the coming weeks the new Enforcement Officer will be supporting Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council who has part funded this officers post.  It is hoped the same model can be rolled out to other Councils who have offered to step up and work with the Planning Department.

·         There continues to be dialogue between officers, the community and planning applicants on major schemes at Norris Castle (East Cowes), Camp Road (Freshwater) and at Pennyfeathers (Ryde).  Two schemes are to be considered for solar farms in Wellow and Wootton, whilst I am looking forward to meeting with stakeholders on the scheme for 57 new dwellings in Bembridge.

·         A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Newport will be considered by Cabinet in the coming weeks.

·         I attended a meeting with Niton & Whitwell Council to address perceived non-compliance of planning conditions.  In response to this, issues are being referred to the legal team, with a follow up meeting if required next month. 

·         Planning Committee resolved a deferral in considering a scheme for 11 affordable housing units at Elm Lane, Calbourne.  This followed a recommendation from officers for Refusal.  Elsewhere proposals to build 149 dwellings in Gunville was approved.

 

Solent Forum.

 

·         Microplastics has long been of concern to the Forum. Recently launched is the Solent Plastics Pollution Hub which supports initiatives to address pollution. Visit: http://www.solentforum.org/services/Member_Services/Solent_Plastics_Pollution_Hub/ for further details.

·         A presentation was given on Invasive Species that enter the Solent from cargo vessels and leisure craft entering our ports and marinas.  It was reported that around 10% of invasive species entering the Solent cause problems.  Most notable ‘characters’ are the Asian Date Mussel and the Carbon Sea Squirt. For further details of the world of Invasive Species please visit: https://www.apemltd.com/service/invasive-non-native-species-inns/

·         A presentation was given concerning re-wilding Chichester Harbour. The Group CHAPRON has created a 25 year strategy to a) Reduce Pressures; b) Restore Habitats and c) Realising the benefits of doing so.  The key challenges for CHAPRON is addressing coastal squeeze, decreasing pollutants, improving seagrass and native oyster stocks.  As an aside a local farmer at Thorness is doing similar to reclaim salt marshes by not repairing sea walls..

 

Gurnard Parish Council Update.  

 

·         With Senade our Environment Officer, and with the clerk and Cllr Bugden we met with the cleaning contractor to improve issues raised at the toilets on Gurnard Green.

·         I attended (albeit) briefly the protest event staged by concerned Island Residents on bathing water quality at Gurnard Beach. In response, the Beach Working Party is being formed to address both concerns and priorities in the pending Gurnard Beach Action Plan. Following its second meeting, members of the Group have a site meeting with IWC Officers. Grateful thanks to Councillors who engaged with residents over the new seating during the protest.  The two matters being considered by the Group is beach safety and pollution concerns.

·         I have been approached by a number of residents concerning recent applications and planning enforcement matters.

·         I’m looking forward supporting a resident who has raised a number of environmental concerns with the Parish Council

·         Engagement options are being considered to determine next year’s Parish Council precept for the village. 

·         Gurnard Parish Council has contacted Bob Seely MP to support the Climate and Ecological Bill.

·         Gurnard Parish Council are consulting on next year’s precept.  It is intended to freeze the precept, and take some funds from reserves given the impact that rising costs are having on residents.  

 

Also This month:

 

·         A request was made to remove a discarded mattress from a residential street in Cowes.

·         I have referred complaints concerning a noisy pet to Environmental Health.  Please let me know you have a similar issue.  In the meantime Environmental Health Officers request that noise events are logged by complainants! 

·         Following ongoing issues concerning cold calling, I am working with residents in Cowes to resurrect a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.  Mindful that parameters are changing, this is an issue that I am taking up with Parish Councillors.  

·         Discussions are underway for local Town and Parish Councils to meet with Cowes Medical Centre as a Cowes Place Plan priority.  This meeting is being arranged by Cowes Town Councillor, Michael Paler.

·         Remembrance Services take place from 10:30am at Northwood Park, Cowes on Sunday 13^th November this is followed by the service at St Mary’s Church.  The service at All Saints Church, Gurnard takes place 3pm! As an aside, apparently the Gurnard Service differs from everywhere else due to Jenny Thomas the Guide Leader many years ago requesting an afternoon service, as she took children horse riding in the morning..  

·         I attended the most recent meeting of the IW AONB Management Committee.

·         Following the resignation of the lovely neighbouring Councillor Steve Hastings, I have been approached residents of Thorness, Porchfield and Calbourne to resolve a number of local issues.

·         Southern Water is to call a follow up meeting with residents. This was initially intended for this month.  Once details are circulated, this will be fedback to my website and to the village noticeboard. 

IW Councillor's Report: October 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm. Monday 3^rd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm. Wednesday 12^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 19 October, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 19^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm. Wednesday 26^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

11:30-12pm, Thursday 27^th October, Eegons Cafe, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Queen Elizabeth II

 

Buckingham Palace has opened an official Book of Condolence to leave tributes to Queen Elizabeth II online.

 

A form has been opened inviting well-wishers to leave messages on the https://www.royal.uk website

 

Palace officials will hand-pick a number of messages to pass to King Charles III and members of the royal family.

 

In the meantime, locally all libraries continue to hold Books of Condolences.

 

Beryl E-Scooters.

 

With the E-Scooter trial set to end in November, Beryl’s  announced that some bays will cease to exist in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, notice has been given to extend the E-Scooter trial to March 2024 to operate alongside the recently agreed public bike share scheme for the Island as part of the Solent Future Transport Zones initiative.

 

Locally this applies to the bays at: Egypt Hill, Reynolds Close, the Portland Inn and Church Road.

 

Trees and Hedgerows.

 

·         Now the Bird Nesting Season has ended, overgrown hedgerows can now be dealt with.  Further action has been  taken to address overgrown hedges in recent weeks.

·         Concerns were received concerning the extent landowners cut back overgrowth. This arose recently on the footpaths adjoining Gurnard Heights.

·         Tree works have taken place at Gurnard Pines.  Although permits were not required the arboriculturalist has been in dialogue with the IW Council’s Tree Team

·         I have received a complaint concerning garden waste being deposited in waste bins. Action is pending against those responsible.

 

Old School Meadow.

 

I’ve calls regarding perceived anti-social behaviour and noise at Old School Meadow in Cockleton Lane.  If you witness any such behaviour please let myself and Gurnard Parish Council know.

 

Anti-Social Parking, Gurnard School.

 

Concern has been raised by residents living locally of driveways being blocked by people collecting children from Gurnard Primary School this has resulted in recent altercations between parents and those unable to leave and access their properties in Baring Road, Battery Road, Woodvale Road and The Dottens.

 

Please note that obstructing an access can result in police action- Despite the belief from some parents believing  there is an exemption for ‘just collecting your child’, this was the reason for the parking restriction becoming more onerous for motorists last year.  

 

Street Clutter.

 

A few years ago, under the then new PFI contract Island Roads were seeking to reduce and remove unnecessary signage and other street clutter. Several years on, I know there is still signage still in existence that is no longer in use and I will be campaigning to get this removed.  If you know of any signs, please let me know. 

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank.

 

This month the IW Foodbank, based at Love Lane, Cowes are requesting 500g/ 1KG bags of Rice, Sponge Puddings, Long Life Milk, Rice Puddings, Shaving Gel and Razors, Nappies (3/4/5/6), washing up liquid, washing tabs/ powder and ladies deodorant.

 

In the last 6 months the Team at the Foodbank issued 2650 emergency food parcels for residents in crisis, 1068 children and 100+ local referral agencies issuing food vouchers. Please visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/ for further information.

 

Register for Priority Services.

 

If you, or somebody that you know is classed as vulnerable you can apply to SSEN/ Southern Water to be supported during water and energy outages.

 

This applies to those over 60, those living with children under 5, those with a disability, sight or hearing loss, chronic illness, reliant upon electrical aids and water, those with dementia or mental health needs. 

 

For details call SSEN on 0800 294 3294, https://www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices; Southern Water on 0800 027 0800 https://www.southernwater.co.uk/priority-services. Alternatively, I’ve left application forms in Cowes Library.

 

The Isle of Wight Law Centre.

 

The Law Centre has been thrown a lifeline by the IW Council to remain open for the next 6 months.  With more residents falling into debt this service is becoming more and more valuable to local residents.

 

The Centre offers free legal advice to people with housing, welfare benefits, debt and employment problems.  For further details contact: https://www.facebook.com/iowlawcentre/ or call: 01983 524715.

 

Over the years, I’ve referred many residents who have been supported by this service and despite some criticism from one resident for continuing to support this valuable service, I am committed to continuing to do so!

 

Energy Helpmates

 

The local Footprint Trust charity has recruited volunteers to help it cope with unprecedented levels of enquiries, as Islanders struggle with energy price hikes.

 

On hearing their proposal the Isle of Wight Council and independent renewable energy developers, Ridge Clean Energy, came forward with funding.

 

Isle of Wight residents are facing unprecedented domestic energy bills. As from 1st October, a new ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ will mean a typical UK household will now pay an average £2,500 a year, however the Trust points out that those in poorly insulated homes with old heating systems could have bills of over £6,000. Before the Covid pandemic fuel poverty levels were around 11% of households on the Island, they then rose to about 18%. The Footprint Trust predicts that this will rise to around 30% of Isle of Wight households by the end of the 2023 winter. This means that some 21,000 homes will be affected, making difficult choices between heating and eating.

 

The Footprint Trust helps around 2,000 fuel poor residents every year, through practical guidance and grants.

 

They are recruiting volunteers with a level of expertise in energy and related matters. Such people may be retired electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, engineers, teachers, university lecturers. But anyone would be considered who has numeracy skills and a desire to help, subject to a DBS being carried out and receiving information from the Trust and approved City & Guilds training.  There will an initial training day in Newport on Saturday 8th October.  For more information, please email ray@footprint-trust.co.uk  or call 01983 822282.

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

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.

 

In the meantime the Footprint Trust is holding its free Annual 'Winter Is Coming’ Event which offers support on cutting energy and water bills, benefits and money and grants and allowances that are available.  The event takes place from 9:30am-1:30pm, Thursday 13th October at the Riverside Centre, Newport Quay, PO30 9QR.

 

Citizens Advice First Aiders.

 

With an increasing need for support and advice the Citizens Advice Bureau are recruiting volunteers at the moment. For details please visit: https://www.citizensadviceiw.org.uk/advicefirstaider

 

Halloween.

 

In the run up to Halloween Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary advises that if you have young children never let them go trick or treating on their own and make sure you accompany them and only visit people you know.

 

In addition, if you have teenagers make sure they don’t have access to fireworks, alcohol, eggs or flour.  Explain why they must not play tricks on strangers, tell them that if nobody answers the door or a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign is on display they must leave immediately and please remind them to stay with friends and make sure they never enter the home of a stranger. For details and posters, please visit:  https://www.hampshire.police.uk/search?q=Halloween

 

Flu/ Covid Jabs: News from Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Vaccination clinics are due to start at the end of September and are expected to run to the end of the year.  We are scheduling a series of Saturday clinics to deliver most of the vaccinations.

The initial supply of the new Autumn Covid Booster vaccine is limited across all vaccination providers - we are therefore prioritising in the first instance the over 80’s, and care home residents, then the over 75s, as directed by NHS England.  Vaccination clinics for patients 50 to 64 with no long-term health condition are due to start from mid-October as directed by NHS England.

 

To ease pressures on our telephone system, we are texting updates to those patients who can receive these and using alternative means of communication for those that can’t.

It is safe to have both vaccines at the same time, and you can let the clinician know in your vaccination appointment if you would like one or other, or both.  For further details please visit: https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority

 

Last month I attended the local SIFCA meeting in Poole.  SIFCA is the local authority that oversees the impact of fishing and its impact upon the marine environment and future stocks.  Of key at the last meeting decisions were made on the following matters.

 

·         Marine Asset Review. On this item discussions were had concerning one of the vessels that patrol the region.  Supporting SIFCA was Dorset County Council whose procurement department who assisted with their guidance. 

·         Beached Nets.  SIFCA was asked to become more involved in concerns over discarded nets found both on the coastline and on the seabed by local divers.  Although it is not mandatory to tag/ mark nets, it felt it would be useful to monitor the issue which impacts upon marine wildlife

·         Funding. DEFRA has committed itself to funding Project Officers- However concerns were raised regarding increased costs.

·         Industrial Commercial Fishing.  The Fisher community has raised concerns over the scale of commercial fishing in the Channel by larger commercial enterprises.  It was mentioned that the length of nets (10,000m) could be potentially have an impact upon fish stocks and smaller fishing fleets.  Concerns were raised concerning Dover Sole and Pollack fish stocks.

·         Isle of Wight Matters.  A marine license for was rejected for a Yarmouth fisherman because of the perceived impact (which was unchallenged) this would have upon the marine environment.  In addition, action was taken following damage by a vessel to the seabed at Ryde Pier.

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

A number of meetings were last cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  As a result the Full Council meeting scheduled to determine progress of the Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled to 5^th October.

 

At Cabinet members accepted most of the suggestions made by Corporate Scrutiny Committee.  This included enhancing policies for local affordable housing, supporting the regional benefits of Free Port Status, net zero suggestions and protection of green field/ gaps.  In addition to these suggestions that came forward from the Conservative Group, the cabinet also felt mindful of supporting the potential for future development in Newport.

 

The one issue that Cabinet could not agree to was the removal of four sites in Bembridge and Freshwater.  From my perspective this would have resulted in recalculating housing numbers elsewhere on the Island which could delay the plan further.

 

Another concern (quite rightly) raised was the use of data the Council uses to consider population growth. When considered it was felt data from the 2021 census is not recognised by Government as a true reflection of future housing need.  It has been pointed out to me that this data, is not yet recognised by government, except for National Park Authorities. Officers also note that population growth does not correlate with housing growth, and need and the requirement for new 1 and 2 bedroomed properties needed as a result of the Island’s growing aging population and falling household sizes. 

 

Other Islandwide Planning and Enforcement matters.

 

·         I have forwarded a resident’s formal complaint regarding a Planning Enforcement matter to the IW Council.

·         In the coming weeks proposals will go to public consultation on a major planning application at Somerton Farm.

·         Work continues on processing priorities following the recent Planning Peer review which took place.  The first meeting of the Planning Improvement Working Party takes place on 10^th October. 

·         I attended the Chamber of Commerce’s Expo Conference showcasing the commitment of local businesses to invest on the Island.  One of the key messages during networking was the urgent need to complete the Island Planning Strategy. With other IW Cabinet members I also had the opportunity to discuss issues with stallholders.

·         I met with Niton and Whitwell Parish Council at a presentation to redevelop the villages pre-school.  Following this meeting, I am looking forward to meeting up again to discuss flooding issues in Niton.

·         New staff members have joined our Planning Team, I remain positive for recruitment of officersto join the Enforcement Team, which will help to strengthen the Planning Department. 

 

Affordable Housing.

 

Assuming that this is because I am the Cabinet Member responsible for Planning and Enforcement, I continue to receive considerable calls concerning the availability of Affordable and Social Housing.

 

Locally, I continue to hear concerns over the extent of properties being utilised as ‘holiday homes’ by their owners.  As yet there are no current legislation that discourages this. However, I understand that this is something being ‘looked into’ by government. 

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.

 

At the last meeting of Parish Council it was good to welcome Senad Adams, the local IWC Environment Officer.

 

Senad has already done some brilliant things particularly with her monitoring Gurnard Green, the Public Toilets and the Beach. With Cllrs Mark Franklin and Penny Acton, I am looking forward to working with Senad within the new Beach Working Party- this follows issues concerning the conflict with jet skis, kite surfers and bathers.  In addition a meeting is being organised to address ongoing issues concerning the public toilets. 

 

Senad reported that action had been taken concerning the lighting of barbecues on Gurnard Green, which was restricted during the summer break.

 

Following requests from Beach Hut owners to remove new seating, Cllr Nolan has agreed to lead on the initiation of a survey to gauge feedback on the new benches.  Many thanks for Terry’s lead on this!

 

The Old School Meadow Working Party met twice over the summer.  Action Points discussed included the damage caused to perimeter fencing, dogs off leave and issues associated, anti-social behaviour and the need to improve the old firepit area.  At the Parish Council meeting a discussion took place with the prospect of using the area as part of a Forest Schools initiative.  Once proposals are agreed this will allow future works to take place.

 

With respect to anti-social behaviour, I have spoken to a number of residents about perceived anti-social behaviour in Old School Meadow. On this I met some of the youngsters and at the time I saw no evidence of this happening, and in fairness to the young people understanding that residents had complained they were not too unhappy to move on.  In the meantime, if residents do witness what they believe is ‘anti-social or criminal behaviour’ please log the time, place and nature of the incident(s) and report this to the police copying me in.

 

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Autumn juveniles are second littler hogs.. An autumn juvenile hedgehog is one which is old enough to be away from its mother, yet too small to hibernate for the winter. The autumn juvenile season begins in September and ends in November. Being an autumn juvenile can cause problems for a hedgehog, as it will not have enough time to build up the necessary amount of fat in order to hibernate for the winter due to long, cold nights and lack of food availability.

If you spot a very small hedgehog in peril out during the day, it could be a tell-tale sign that it needs medical attention. If you see a hedgehog in need of assistance, take it inside, place in a high-sided cardboard box lined with a sheet, towel without holes or ripped up newspaper and ensure that the hog has heat by placing a well-wrapped hot water bottle inside the box. If you place a hot water bottle in the box, ensure the hedgehog has enough room to move away from the hot water bottle to avoid overheating. It is vital to keep this hot water bottle warm, as letting it go cold will do more harm than good. Ensure that you check the temperature of the hot water bottle frequently and change the water if necessary. If you have no spare hedgehog biscuits, hogs will also eat dog or cat biscuits.  

 

Once you have taken all of the advised steps stated above, contact The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) hogline on 01584 890 801 who will further assist you on next steps.  If you think that the hedgehog needs urgent or professional medical attention, you can take it to your local veterinary practice.

 

Also this month.

 

·         A number of meetings were last cancelled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  As a result the Full Council meeting scheduled to determine progress the Island Planning Strategy was rescheduled to 5^th October.

·         A number of overgrown hedgerows were reported to the IW Council.

·         I met with Natural England to be given an update on the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path. To note, meetings are still ongoing with English Heritage concerning the section to the east of East Cowes. In the meantime, I feel positive on the intended footpath through Spencers Copse, Gurnard taking account of feedback

·         A resident has contacted me concerning personal medical data being circulated without authority by healthcare providers.  This is a matter that I am taking up on this residents behalf.

·          With Cllr Carter from Cowes Town Council, I am in the process of arranging a meeting between Cowes Enterprise College.  This has been delayed due to the College returning after the Summer Break.

·      A big thank you to the resident who upturned the overlifted planters in Worsley Road.  You are a star!