Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, October 2023

 

Surgeries:

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 2^nd October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd October, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 11^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

2:30-3pm, Tuesday 17^th October, Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 25^th October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 26^th October, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 26^th October, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Planning:

 

·         Meadow View. Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace & residential development for up to 117 units.

Details of proposals to create a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and means of access/ community car park with residential development (for up to 117 dwellings) has been made on land  off Cordelia Gardens, Tuttons Hill and Cockleton Lane (Ref: 23/01430/FUL).  The deadline for comments on this hybrid application falls on the 6^th October.  I hold a hard copy of the plans if required.   

 

Letters have been circulated to 600 homes, advising residents of the public information session in advance of Gurnard’s Parish Council Meeting which took place on 28^th September.

 

·         Other Planning Issues.

I’ve been approached by a resident regarding speculations to develop the former play area at the end of Westwood Close. Following up this, I have not heard of any pending planning application for the area which was owned by the former developer of the Crossfield Estate, Miles Clarke who recently passed away.

 

·         Ward wall.

I’ve been approached by (affected) residents requesting protection of the Ward Wall that encircles the old Ward Estate from Park Road to Baring Road. Understanding its local heritage value, would local listing being a sledgehammer to crack a nut.  Please let me know your thoughts? 

 

Coastal Protection works, Shore Path.

 

In advance of the Autumn storms, works have taken place to protect the sea wall on Shore Path.

 

In July, I drew officers’ attention to the Path being undermined by the sea. Following this, work has taken place by Emerald Construction who has assisted residents undertaking schemes along the coastline in Gurnard. To note, following the urgency of these works the Marine Management Organisation had no hesitation granting a license for this scheme.

 

In the meantime please note because of the dangerous conditions the path has been closed. This is for a good reason!

 

Full Council: New Leader Appointed.

 

In a very close run contest, Cllr Phil Jordan defeated the Leader of the IW Conservative Group, Cllr Suzie Ellis to succeed Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox as leader of the Isle of Wight Council. 

 

Isle of Wight Coastal Path.

 

Natural England advises that dialogue continues with various potentially affected landowners between East Cowes and Wootton.  Natural England’s aim continues to be to ensure that the footpath follows as close to the coastline as possible.

 

In response to issues raised by landowners including English Heritage, the IW Ramblers Association states ‘in 1902 King Edward VII gifted the Osborne Estate to the Nation. it would be a travesty if the current owners of Barton and Osborne successfully block the King Charles III Coast Path from running along their coast boundaries’  

 

No Cold Calling.

 

Anglian Home Improvements have been at it again!  I am unsure how many times this company needs telling, but I’ve received more complaints regarding their disregard of the Cowes No Calling Scheme.

 

If you require No Calling Stickers, please let me know.

 

  

Covid Immunisation.

 

Because of the new strain of Covid, the NHS are advising vulnerable residents to get immunised.  For further information, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/getting-a-covid-19-vaccine/

 

Vaccinations are being offered, at this time to people:

 

·         aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)

·         aged 6 months to 64 years old and are at increased risk

·         living in a care home for older adults

·         a frontline health or social care worker

·         aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer

·         aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system

 

Please also visit Cowes Medical Centre https://www.cowesmedicalcentre.co.uk/ to find out about local immunisations for both Covid and Flu.

 

Transport Matters.

 

·         Gurnard: 20’s Plenty.

Thank you to those residents (5 so far!), who have contacted me sharing their support for a 20’s Plenty Scheme for Gurnard.  I have arranged a meeting to discuss this further in the coming weeks…

 

·         Seafront Cycling.

Suggestions were made to me following complaints concerning the conflict of cyclists travelling at speed and pedestrians, particularly dog walkers on Cowes/ Gurnard seafront.  In response, I have requested that signage is improved.   

 

·         Princes Esplanade ‘closure’.

Princes Esplanade was due to be closed for six weeks from 25^th September.  I understand the purpose of the closure was to upgrade a retaining wall to a single property.  Since then, it’s been necessary to change the road closure signs (which by error suggested the road would be closed for 10 months) and request that Southern Vectis diverted the community bus to serve close to Briary Court.  Because of the location of road closure signs (at The Roundhouse) and the impact this has on local businesses and livelihoods, I’ve asked for an alternative i.e Traffic Lights and questioned where signs are placed.

 

At the time of writing, I understand the Contractor has made a concession of allowing limited or ‘give and take’ access.

 

In the meantime my request to Island Roads for a Common Sense approach can be found here:

 

Thank you for all your efforts to date..  I am still receiving a lot of negative feedback, given this work is for one residential household, for the period of six weeks.  With this in mind, it is noted that:

 

1.  The Community Bus has a very restricted service, with numerous residents impacted by no service throughout the works.  

 

2.  I know of five businesses adversely impacted. The Woodvale; The Portland, Gurnard Press, The Local Nisa Shop as well as Plaza Ices.  Given the impact of the road closure on these businesses and livelihoods; for me the road closures are difficult to justify.  Are businesses able to claim compensation for financial loss?

 

3.  Given the closure just relates to a 50m section of Princes Esplanade, why is there any requirement to show advance notices as far into Gurnard at the Roundhouse junction.  Surely the road closure signs would be better located at the Woodvale Road and Egypt Hill junctions with the Esplanade?

 

4. As I understand from the contractors, Princes Esplanade only requires to be shut for very limited periods to allow for deliveries. Why cannot this be arranged for primarily 1 or 2 days, as and when required?

 

5.  Is there a good reason to not have traffic lights, thus to enable one way traffic, particularly given the road is wide enough where the echelon parking exists.

 

6.  To note the closure is not urgent and is to replace a residential driveway and a wall. 

 

Best Wishes

 

Paul. 

 

·         Access Protection Bars.

Access protection bars are advisory only and are there to highlight to the general public that the access is in use.

 

If someone parks in a way that it does not allow you to exit your driveway, then they are causing an obstruction. If this occurs, you can now report this to the IWC’s Parking Services Department on 01983 821000 and one of the Council’s Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO’s) can issue a penalty charge notice to offending vehicles when they visit the site.

 

Access protection bars cost £91.50 for a single width driveway, £109.50 for a double or treble width driveway. If the area the access protection bar is needed to cover is larger, a site visit will be required to determine the cost.

 

·         Worsley Road, Westbrook Lane junction.

I have received calls from residents of Westbrook Lane for double yellow lines at the junction with Worsley Road. This has been requested following complaints from residents of Oaklands View and Westrbrook Lane unable to access properties. For residents collecting and dropping off for Gurnard Village Hall, please be mindful of this when parking. 

 

·         Pavement Parking.

According to Government (and the Daily Express!), new legislation was intended to be introduced in August to restrict parking on pavements.  As such, like in London authorities could impose on the spot £70 fines for doing this.  However, to date this has not been rolled out. But is pending…

 

·         Highway Trees.

I have requested support and reassurance from Island Roads, that highway trees in Mountbatten Avenue will not impact upon homes. This follows saplings damaging the footway.

 

·         Island Roads Schedule of Works.

Following calls from Cllr Walters at Cowes Town Council, Island Roads have promised me a copy of their schedule of works.  I am hoping this will be received for me to circulate to residents and Cowes Town Councillors this month.

 

Of greatest concern, is the deteriorating condition of Denmark Road, which like Crossfield Avenue and Worsley Road was intended to be resurfaced years ago, before the PFI contract was revised...

 

Household Support Fund.

 

On the Isle of Wight, the connect4communities programme manages the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund and the Department for Education Holiday Activities and Food programme.

 

Connect4communities aims to help those who need to support with the cost of living. It focuses on families with children and pensioners.

 

The current funding from the Department for Work and Pensions runs until March 2024, and from the Department for Education until 2025. For details please visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities

 

SIFCA (Southern Inland Fisheries Conservation Authority) Meeting.

 

Last month I had the opportunity to visit Poole Harbour’s oyster beds which is responsible for around one third (2.5 million tonnes) of the UK’s supply of oysters.

 

At the site visit we learnt that due to how waters are protected with support from the fishermen this generates £2.6m for the community of Poole (£5-6m, when including the sales from mussels and cockles).  It was reported that without these shellfish, Poole Harbour would ‘go green’ from the high levels of Algae which offered opportunities for carbon credits.   

 

Updates were also given on progress to clean up Ower Bay following last year’s oil spill. Following the prompt response to the spill, it was reported that there was little impact upon aquaculture/ shellfish sites.  In addition, following intervention from a SIFCA byelaw introduced to protect water quality, roosting sites and salt marshes at Green Island, there was fewer infringements needing enforcement.  Both manned patrols and drones helped to support this.

 

Elsewhere at SIFCA it was agreed to submit the Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 to the Marine Management Organisation for confirmation by the Secretary of State.

 

At the meeting representations were received from Solent Fishermen regarding the potential discontinuation of Scallop Dredging in the Solent.  From the comments raised it was made very clear that the fishermen shared concerns over safeguarding the industry for future generations. It was proposed to reduce the season in the hope this would enable stocks to recover.  A final decision is due to take place following feedback from all the licensed fishermen in the area.

 

Community Speedwatch.

 

I remain hopeful that work continues to relaunch Community Speedwatch, following the efforts of PCSO Luke Agrotis. I would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers, and the would-be volunteers that have come forward to assist Luke.

 

Water Butts.

 

Gurnard Residents can still apply for free water butt from Southern Water. Visit: https://gurnardpc.co.uk/free-water-butts/

for further information.  

 

Elsewhere the scheme is being rolled out in Northwood to residents of: Horseshoe Close, Westway, Chessell Close, Harry Cheek Gardens, Wyatts Close, Wroxall Close, Greenways, Greenways Close, Coronation Avenue & Oxford Street. Cowes will follow next year.

 

Flood Warning.

 

Flood Warnings were put in place following high spring tides which fall between 29^th September and 2^nd October.  This coincides with Storm Angus which passes by the UK during same time. For further information please visit: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and-warnings

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

In partnership with the lovely Men In Sheds, Cowes Group an offer to make Hedgehog Homes has been agreed.

 

In advance of Winter, this is the perfect time of the year to set up your Hedgehog Homes and to let our prickly friends get used to where they need to be safe before the winter sets in.

 

Hedgehog Homes can be built to order and costs from £65.  If you are interested call: 01983 209734.

 

Houses should be placed in a sheltered, undisturbed part of the garden. For updates visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/  There’s also a handy video guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n0x7RDwFRQ&t=3s.

 

Report from the Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         Taking part in the letterdrop drawing awareness to the Hybrid application submitted to extend the Meadow View development.  During the letterdrop, I spoke a number of residents in and around the new development. My grateful thanks to Councillors for their support spreading the word.  A Public Information Session took place prior to the Planning Committee commenced to gauge feedback.  In the meantime, at its Full Parish Meeting in September, Councillors supported initially to object in principle to further residential development at Meadow View.

·         Gurnard Parish Council are to meet to discuss proposals to upgrade the kitchen at Gurnard Village Hall.

·         A consultation in the coming weeks is due to take place regarding Gurnard Parish Council’s precept, to find out residents priorities for next year.

·         The next meeting of the Beach Working Party is scheduled to take place on 5^th October.

·         Work continues to upgrade the Parish Council website and to ensure that information circulated is fully compliant. My thanks to Cllr Franklin who has led on this from the outset.

·         Gurnard Parish Council looks forward to updating its Emergency Plan. Thanks to Cllr Acton who has led on this, and updated the information on our plan. 

·         An update was received regarding a planning enforcement case in Rew Street. This was delayed due to an appeal and continues to be chased.

 

Report from the Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding:

 

·         The Coastal Protection Scheme for Ventnor continues ahead of schedule. Meetings have taken place, and newsletters have been circulated to stakeholders.

·         A meeting’s been arranged to support Active Travel Plans combining Planning and Highway Services.

·         Isle of Wight Councillors visited three new developments at Brighstone, Cowes and Godshill.  During this year’s site visit it was really good to see members that are not Councillors that sit on the Planning Committee attend. Lovely Cllr Emma Cox also attended on behalf of the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils.

·         A briefing took place in September to update Councillors on work undertaken on the Island Planning Strategy.  This will be further discussed at the Policy and Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration.

·         I am looking forward to attending a meeting with Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council to discuss getting the very best out of their Housing Needs Survey.

·         A request was made to ensure Parish Council comments are included online alongside Consultee comments rather than Public Comments.  I am discussing this suggestion with Planning Officers.

·         The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document was formally adopted by Cabinet following referral to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

·         I continue to monitor and review Planning Enforcement at three locations across the Island.

·         Resident feedback was circulated and responded to regarding surface water management and pending legislation.  

·         Through SCOPAC I attended a Field Trip to view Coastal Protection Schemes at Southsea, Hilsea and North Portsea.

·         Stakeholder consultation on the Planning Service has been extended to later this year.  Following this, I have taken on board comments raised by Calbourne, Porchfield an Newtown Parish Council.

·         Flood Defence funding for Binstead, has been initially considered and referred to the SFRCC (hopefully) for approval. At the meeting, it was highlighted given the community support, as an exemplar for the use of Flooding levies.

·         I am supporting residents in Shanklin concerned with the flooding of their property.   

·         Following last month’s meeting with IWALC, I have met officers on options moving forward which will support local Parish Councils facilitating and enhancing assets and service provision for local communities, prior to budget setting.

·         Two solar farms at Yarmouth and Wootton were approved by Planning Committee.

·         The Planning Improvement Steering Committee are liaising with officer on options to enhance Pre-Application support

·         I am working with the PISC to address issues relating to delays processing Planning Applications.  Although this is an issue that has been replicated within other planning authorities, we are identifying why this is an issue.  Is this a fault with the LPA, Legal, Applications or a combination of all three? Could this be improved with better Pre-App advice?

·         At Wheelers Bay there continues to be an issue with breaches being made by traffic not adhering to road closures.  This is being dealt with in partnership with the local community and stakeholder groups.

·         Plans are afoot to reboard groynes at Shanklin.  It is anticipated that this investment will limit future landslips by allowing the beach to be raised. 

 

Also this Month.

 

·         Steps leading to the beach are being monitored, following complaints concerning the build-up of algae.

·         Thank you to the three letters of support received concerning initiating a barbecue byelaw for Gurnard.

·         A resident has asked me about my views on whether I support Committees or Cabinets making Council decisions.  As a Councillor working under both models, I personally prefer the Committee structure believing it to be more inclusive.

·         A request has been made to resolve a roofing issue with developers.

·         I have received a complaint concerning textiles not being collected by Waste Services. From my perspective, this is a first as nobody has complained previously.  If this has been an issue for you please let me know!

·         At the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, Councillors highlighted the need for Island Roads to recognise positive outcomes from formal complaints.  This as a matter of course is being actioned by Island Roads.

·         It was reported to me that Ryde Town Council are seeking to create a Trust to potentially acquire, manage and resurrect Ryde Theatre.

·         Following resident’s complaints, Cowes Town Council are seeking support from the Police and Crime Commissioner to address anti-social behaviour in the Town.

·         Following feedback (and last month’s Councillors Report), I’ve been made aware that disabled bay parking by able- bodied motorists have reduced. Thank you to all concerned for your support.    

·         I contacted Southern Vectis regarding accessibility of their ‘new’ red buses.  Since coming into operation, I have noticed that the ‘middle doors’ are when they can being used allowing mobility impaired passengers to leave. I’ve been advised buses are due to be replaced by new buses to serve the No.1 Cowes to Newport route by November(?)

·         I continue to receive complaints regarding Bonfires. To note that should a complaint warrant a ‘public nuisance’ this can be referred to IW Council’s Environmental Health.

·         It is with sadness that I report the passing of Ada Leigh, who I worked alongside as a young Councillor for many years both as an IW Councillor, and as a Cowes Town Councillor. In her time as a Councillor, Ada supported 100’s of residents and was a kind and compassionate Councillor, who would often try to keep me on the straight and narrow!