IW Councillor's Report, October 2024

 

 

Surgeries.

 

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

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

2:30-3:30pm, Monday 7^th October, Cowes Primary Drop-In, Edinburgh Close, Cowes.*

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

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

2:30-3:30pm, Monday 14 October, Cowes Primary Drop-In, Edinburgh Close, Cowes.*  (with Cllr Bacon)

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 15^th October, Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

11-11:30am, Thursday 17^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

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

2:30-3:30pm, Monday 28^th October, Cowes Library, Beckford Road,  Cowes.**

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

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

 

* These drop-ins’s are being held primarily to support parents’ concerns over proposals for Cowes Primary School.

** This surgery has been relocated to Cowes Library.  From 3pm, a normal surgery will resume. 

 

Cowes Primary School.

 

I’ve been supporting residents and staff concerning proposals to potentially close Cowes Primary School.  During this time, I called an informal public meeting (thank you to the IW Community Club!), I attended the formal LEA public meeting at Cowes Primary School, whilst I have held several meetings with unions, with officers leading asked questions regarding covenants and responding to numerous concerns regarding the position of academies.

 

I am holding/ have held special drop-in’s at the IW Community Club and Cowes Primary School and look to move forward with Gurnard Primary School, who are likely to take up pupils should Cowes Primary close.

 

Drop-In’s continue during Mondays in October from 2:30pm and will continue to address issues and offer support. Cllr Jonathan Bacon will be attending my drop-in on 14^th October. The consultation continues until 1^st November, and can be found here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/schools-and-education/island-education-plans-and-policies/school-place-planning-consultation/

 

With respect to hearing comments suggesting the closure of the school is ‘a done deal’, I disagree.  Without raising expectations, if there are compelling reasons for not closing schools, I need to know what these are, so that I can continue to give support. If I believed in done deals, I am in the wrong job.

 

Government Planning Policy.

 

With Government intending to significantly increase housing numbers, both the IW Council (formally) and myself (individually) have responded to their NPPF consultation. My comments can be found on my website.

 

Issues that I’ve raised include strongly objecting to the 1104 annual housing figure, supporting social housing, safe-guarding green gaps from coalescence, supporting diversity of tenure within new schemes and carbon zero homes.

Please see my personal response to Government's consultation below:

 19^th September 2024

 

Dear Sir/ Madam,

 

As Isle of Wight Ward Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard, I wish to make the following observations concerning the new Government’s National Planning Policy Framework:

 

1.    In my opinion the new intended proposed statutory methodology figure of 1104 for the Isle of Wight will not be deliverable and sets our Local Planning Department to fail.  At present the figure for completions on the Island has remained below 500 new dwellings per year for the last ten years.  The case for the Isle of Wight’s circumstances was put in, and accepted by the last Government in Footnote 26, of the last NPPF (December 2023). Recognising our demographics, I strongly object to this figure new given the impact this would have.  The current number proposed is 453. Because of recent years this figure remains aspirational.  

 

Developers tell me that because of national rising costs and travel costs for resources from the mainland, build costs on the Island are 30-40% more. With greater opportunities for building contractors to work on the mainland this creates difficulty as recruitment here can be an issue. 

 

2.    In light of the above, there is real need for Government to support the social/ affordable housing sector as prices are out of range for local people.  To reach a greater yield of socially affordable housing, there is a real need for financial support from Government for housing which residents can afford to both rent or buy.  Because local residents are often priced out of the market by those moving to the Island, I support the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Authority having policies for deeper discounts to support those living locally.

 

Financial aid/ support could assist kick-starting social housing providers returning to our Island. Locally, salaries are 13.9% below the national average, whilst housing costs mirror the national picture. With most residents working in the care and hospitality industries many Islanders work part-time. To note, the cost of travelling to the mainland to commute is unaffordable for most.

 

3.    I welcome proposals that suggest enacting a diversity of tenure in new housing developments. As a Councillor, I have witnessed issues with those living in affordable housing being remote to residents living in market-place housing.

 

4.    Although the Isle of Wight does not have Green Belt land, I support the opportunity to maintain, protect and safeguard strategic ‘green gaps’ which prevents coalescence between settlements.  Since the introduction of the Isle of Wight Core Strategy in 2012, which enabled development ‘immediately adjacent to settlement boundaries’, I have seen important gaps being lost.

 

5.    I welcome the opportunity to support the need for carbon neutral homes.  Where these have been built, this has reduced energy, improved water efficiency and lowered overall living costs.    

 

Yours faithfully,  

 

Cllr. Paul Fuller.

 Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

 

ExxonMobil Solent CO2 Pipeline.

Thank you to everybody who took part in ExxonMobil’s consultation. Because the company failed to convince residents of any benefit to our community, opposition is very strong and growing, with all three Parish/ Town Councils sharing this view. At Full Council also, cross-party every IW Councillor (including both MP’s- who remain as ward councillors) supported the view that proposals were daft and should be rejected.

My letter in response to the consultation, can be viewed here:

 29^th September 2024.

 

Dear Sir/ Madam

 

I wish to object strongly to ExxonMobil’s proposal to create a CO2 pipeline across the Solent and Isle of Wight.

 

My key reason in objecting to this, is that offered several opportunities, Exxonmobil failed to outline any benefit for the Isle of Wight, or its community for the substantial disruption this is likely to cause.

 

Hearing the suggestion that land will be ‘acquired’ should landowners object to the pipeline crossing land does little to enamour ExxonMobil to our community on the Island.

 

Other concerns I have regarding the pipeline, is that it has not been made clear what ‘environmental benefits’ will come from proposals.  As it stands, I am led to believe that carbon capture in this way, will potentially result in allowing for ExxonMobil to create additional carbon through the additional discharge of fossil fuels in the future (for example via blue hydrogen), which to me defies the principles of carbon reduction.

 

I have concerns over what mitigation will be in place should pipelines leak, be ruptured or get damaged?  Is the CO2 that is being piped, potentially damaging to residents or wildlife, and if so what safeguards are in place to protect residents and wildlife from harm? This is not transparent.

 

In addition, I have concerns over potential damage to the Solent Protection Area, the Marine Conservation Zone (lying off the coastline at Gurnard) and the Special Area of Conservation. Within my role as a member of the Solent Forum and SIFCA, I support and value the work undertaken in recent years taken place to restore the Solent environment, and see the disruption of the CO2 pipeline un-doing the work to protect our precious marine environment and biosphere.

 

In addition, with the constraints and proximity of SSSI’s and Ramsar sites from Gurnard Ledge to Thorness Bay there are considerable environmental aspects, which I am concerned may be destroyed should ExxonMobil’s proposal receive the go ahead.

 

Away from Cowes West and Gurnard (where I am local Councillor), I also have concerns over the damage intended for the Island, its Natural Landscape, The Tennyson Heritage Coast, marine Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and other SSSI’s impacted (particularly The Compton Chine to Steephill Cove SSSI).

 

I am concerned over the size, scale and mass of Pigging Stations proposed for where the pipeline enters the Island at Gurnard, within the Natural Landscape area and will be within/ adjacent to the Hamstead Heritage Coast. Also, I am concerned this leaves the Island to the south with stations again impacting potentially the Island’s Natural Landscape area and Tennyson Heritage Coast.   

 

In my position as Cabinet Member overseeing coastal protection and landslips, I have further concerns over the Island’s Geology, cretaceous coast and vulnerability of our fragile coastline which requires further protection.

  

Yours sincerely, Paul Fuller JP, CC.

Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard. 

UPDATE:  THIS APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN DISCONTINUED,  'DUE TO THE LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT'.  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:

 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4glw4dyw8no

Meeting between Gurnard and Northwood Parish Councils.

 

Because of concerns raised regarding the threat of future housing development at both Parish Councils a joint meeting is due to take place in the coming weeks. It is hoped that the concerns shared by both Councils can be addressed, given the pressure being imposed with new housing targets.

 

Mornington Car Park drone pilot.

 

Following concerns regarding the hurdles of planning and flight corridors over public amenity areas, I consider that this will not come to fruition. Understanding that Intellipods wanted to start the pilot during the summer when weather conditions were at their best, I sense this opportunity has now been lost.  

 

Register of Interests.

 

My register has been updated and posted on my website, this follows allegations made against my partner at a recent public meeting where Emma is a Freshwater Parish Councillor. This has been updated to clarify my position.

 

Transport Issues.

 

·         Following reports made, work recently took place to patch the pavement between Firs Close and Parklands in Park Road. Consequently, I’m pushing to see replacement of lost bollards and resurfacing the damaged pavement. 

 

·         Following roadworks in Northwood, following me complaining Island Roads very swiftly repainted yellow lines.

 

·         It was great to see the police out in force monitoring traffic speeds in Tuttons Hill.  In the short time they in place, they witnessed a number of residents speeding.

 

·         I have requested gully clearance to take place in Baring Road, and will this month be seeking support from Island Roads to clear the culvert beneath Cockleton Lane and ditches in Rew Street in anticipation of autumn storms.

 

·         I have requested that Gravel on the Cockleton Lane junction with Hilton Road is cleared and monitored.

 

·         Dodgy tactile paving was reported to me to report to Island Roads. This call received, has now been repaired. 

 

Southern Water.

 

I am meeting Southern Water on 17^th October. If you have any matter which you wish to share, please let me know!

 

Cowes North.

 

I am providing support to MP and Neighbouring IW Councillor, Richard Quigley. As Town Councillor for Cowes North, over the years I have followed up and supported residents, which I am very happy to continue and do more of, when and if required. In the meantime, I talk regularly to Richard.

 

Pension Credits.

 

In their wisdom, Government has taken the decision to means-test eligibility for their Winter Heating Allowance. This benefit can unlock extra support through pension credits, which pensioners have paid into and in many (850,000) cases goes unclaimed.

 

The easiest way to claim is to call 0800 99 1234. Calls to 0800 numbers are free from mobiles and landlines. In the meantime, I’m working with the IW Council to find advisors to support residents wishing to make a claim.

 

Gurnard School parking.

 

Now that the little people have returned to school, complaints continue to arrive regarding the illegal parking of vehicles waiting to collect children.  Please, please park safely, as I know incidents continue to occur.

 

Gurnard Parish Councillor Vacancy.

 

A vacancy for a Councillor has arisen at Gurnard Parish Council following the resignation of the lovely Jan Williams.  If interested in joining the Council, please contact Richard Shaul at clerk@gurnardparishcouncil.gov.uk

 

Local Council Precepts:  Local support for local people.

 

Local community, town and parish councils are considering future projects which supports their local communities. If you feel that where you live is lacking certain provision let your local Councillor know.  Likewise, should you feel that precepts are being wasted on the wrong services or projects again, your local councillors will be pleased to hear your feedback.  To note, precepts is your money and you have every right to let others know how and where this is spent.

 

Bonfires.

 

If having a garden bonfire (noting that more than once a month may be considered a public nuisance), please let neighbours know. With Autumn approaching, this continues to be an issue for neighbours.

 

In the meantime, please check first for hedgehogs!

 

Local Planning Enforcement Matters.

 

Barely a month goes by without an enquiry concerning whether planning issues have consent or not.  Because many of these matters are being dealt with through negotiation, if agreement cannot be sought this may result in legal action.  Whilst negotiations and/or legal processes take place, Councillors are kept out of the loop.

 

On one particular matter action has been ongoing for three years, the enforcement agency concerned is the Marine Management Organisation and to receive any update is near impossible, given this Government organisation’s remoteness.  This is equally as frustrating for me (who has contacted the MMO direct), as it is for those affected.

 

Island Rivers Meeting.

 

·         It was pointed out that some developers are frustrated by different options to deal with surface water.

 

·         In addition, there are frustrations for landowners to tap in to ‘Biodiversity Net Gains’ credits under existing rules whereby land is tied up for 30 years.

 

·         Elsewhere, an update was provided on protecting Werrar Salt Marsh on the River Medina.  As has happened elsewhere, at locations west of Lymington  Benificial use of dredge sediment (BEDS) is being considered by the MMO as a sustainable means of protection.  It is noted that nationally Salt Marshes are at risk from climate change.

 

SCOPAC (Standing Conference on Problems Associated with the Coastline) Meeting.

·         One of the ‘highlights’ of this meeting was speaker Professor Ivan Haigh who has been monitoring data on climate change, and the impact this continues to have.  Ivan referenced that sea levels are now rising by between 4-5mm per year.  Looking at data, this has shown an increase of days of extreme rainfall and how flood risk grows as an international priority with 2 billion people living in flood risk areas.

 

·         At the SCOPAC Meeting, I have made a suggestion to the IW Council of the need to potentially invest in graduates given their knowledge of sea rise, and the overwhelming support they could mutual benefits that could arise.  

 

SIFCA (Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority) Meetings.

 

It was brilliant to bring the authority to Cowes, where its latest meeting was held.  Items discussed included:

 

·         DEFRA funding. With many government agencies awards usually appear at ‘somewhen’ during the financial year, in the past, and this year this makes running the authority difficult as you are relying upon reserves.  As Chair, I am making representations to the national AIFCA to approach Government, as many authorities (not SIFCA) will suffer. In the meantime, there are also concerns that under the new Government future funding priorities may alter.

 

·         Vigilant SIFCA’s new patrol vessel is currently undertaking sea trials at Portland.  It is hoped that the vessel will become fully operational in December.

 

·         To increase Local Authority Councillor attendance, earlier this year I suggested Council appoints deputies to attend meetings when nominated Councillors were unable to attend. This is important, that besides DEFRA local councils fund SIFCA.  Tentatively, this plan has worked, as most Councils attended meetings this month. 

 

·         At the Cowes meeting, there was a presentation on seagrass replenishment in the Solent off the Island.

 

·         Following a suggestion made when I first became Chair, myself and my Chief Officer are holding drop-in’s across the southern district to meet with Fishing Communities. We both see this as an exciting opportunity to build upon and foster our support and relationship with fishers. The first of these take place in Lyme Regis in November.

 

National Council Tax Mismatch.

 

The cost of Adult Social Care continues rise. Nationally this has climbed from 64-75% of Council Tax.  I understand that representations have been made to government as there is a significant national mismatch in Council Tax from areas that can raise significant revenue through commercial business rates (and car parking!)  to local authorities that don’t, who generally tend to much have higher costs.  A few years ago, I looked into this, on behalf of a resident with a second home in London where Council Tax at that time was less than half of what it was on the Island.

 

Full Council.

 

Unusually for full Council, there seemed to be universal support for motions being tabled.. (This may be due to next May’s local elections!)  As mentioned previously, the motion opposing the Solent CO2 Pipeline, a motion requesting support for dentistry and a motion to address issues concerning ferry crossings all received universal support.  

 

Footprint Trust, Winter Is Coming.

 

The Footprint Trust and other supporting groups are this year holding their Winter is Coming Event which offers free help and guidance to save money and live well. This event takes place from 10am-2pm, Wednesday 23^rd October at the Riverside Centre, Newport.

 

Hedgehog Corner: Hedgehog Homes for Winter.

 

Hedgehog homes should be placed in a sheltered, undisturbed part of the garden. There’s also a handy video if you wish to venture in making your own very simple hedgehog home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM2QwBTbkT8

 

Alternatively, the lovely Men In Sheds Cowes Group last year offered to make Hedgehog Homes in advance of the winter. if you are interested please call: 01983 209734.  Last year costs started at £65!

 

   

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

 

·         In the last month, I had the pleasure of signing off the revised Planning Enforcement Strategy.

·         I am working with the IWC to agree a protocol with Town and Parish Councils to liaise with developers.  In the meantime, I have recommended to local Council’s the need  to share their priorities for developer contributions.

·         Following last month’s report on the Judicial Review on Westridge Farm, a number of residents have contacted me with concerns for the cost created for the IW Council to defend its position (no fault was levied against the Council)

·         Section 19 Flood Reports are being shared.  These reports highlight actions taken to mitigate against future events. See: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/flood-risk-and-watercourse-consents/flood-risk-and-investigation/ for details. This follows delays caused regarding the accuracy and amendments made to reports.

·         I’ve requested a meeting to take place with Gunville residents in the coming weeks. Understandably, following last year’s flooding events local residents are upset with the IW Council and some, particularly those on low incomes require more support from the Council.    

·         I joined the Environment Agency visit to Ventnor to see for themselves damage caused by last year’s landslips at both St Lawrence and Bonchurch.  As well as the EA, both Members of Parliament also saw the devastation caused.

·         Bore holes are monitoring ground movement beneath Leeson Road which has caused the road to close for a further twelve weeks. This follows a Geologists meeting I attended with community representatives, engineers and technicians.  It remains the intention of the IW Council to not close the road for any longer than is necessary. 

·         There remains a reluctance from National Housebuilders/ Housing Associations to invest in social housing on the Island.  This remains an issue for the IW Council. 

·         Last year the IW Council received 38 planning complaints. These I am reviewing, discussing with officers and ensuring that lessons are being learnt.

·         I’ve met with officers to discuss potential budgetary savings for Planning, Coastal Protection & Flooding. The Environment Agency are to remove Flood Defence Barriers in Yarmouth, I have been liaising with the EA and local Councillors and the EA to ensure alternative measures are in place.

·         A meeting took place with residents of St Lawrence to update them on the ongoing ground movement within the undercliff. From meetings that I’ve attended there remains pressure from some residents to re-open Undercliff Drive. Although some residents (and some geologists) considers this possible, the cost and the risk makes this prohibitive.

·         I am advised that staffing capacity at Building Control was an issue over the past few months.  However, I am now advised a new manager will be in place later this month.

·         Work is ongoing regarding a shipwreck at Totland Bay.

·         Trinity House are this month inspecting and potentially repairing marine marker points off St Helens and Seaview.

·         I attended the Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee meeting. It was reported at the meeting that unlike other regions the Committee continues to over-deliver flood defence schemes.  On the Isle of Wight, in the last few years we have significantly benefitted from the support of Martin (their Chairman) and schemes.

·         The Planning Committee approved the application for a film studio on the site of Kingston Marine Park.  This was pushed hard, due to the importance this is likely to have on the Island Community (both directly and indirectly) 

 

In a nutshell.

 

·         I have followed up a perceived ‘strange decision’ by Planners to a local application.

·         Overfilled litter and dog bins were reported to me by a resident of Ventnor (!?), to bins in the area..

·         Advice was given to a resident who considers the value of their property does not correspond with others in their area.  For details contact the Valuations Office at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/valuation-office-agency

·         I attended this years brilliant Great Wight Bite event, held at Northwood House. At the event it was fantastic to see and sample so many local residents demonstrating some of their wares..(!) 

·         Concerns were raised regarding local toilets, and the fact that one is now being used as overnight accommodation.

·         I have been approached by the Environment Agency concerning complaints raised of abandoned boats on moorings at the mouth of Gurnard Luck.

·         A complaint was made concerning encroachment on IW Council land. This, I understand is being followed up.

·         I have met with a private Planning Advisor concerning a local planning enforcement matter.

·         The Beacon are no longer receiving Reports from IW Councillors.  My reports will continue within the Gurnard News and the Cowes Magazine please visit: https://www.cowesmagazine.co.uk/

·         I am advised that the replacement of the Gurnard Groyne, will take place later this year.  I understand this is subject to licence by the MMO.

·         Northwood Parish Council who were successful in their bid for funding for electric throes to shake off the winter. For further information, please visit the Northwood Warm Space 2-4pm, Tuesdays at Northwood Village Hall.

·         Clearance of invasive species has now commenced on Southern Water’s Marsh Road pumping station.