IW Councillor's Report May 2025

 

Surgeries.

 

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

4:30-5:30pm, Monday 12^th May, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 21^st May, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 21^st May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

10:30-11am, Thursday 22^nd May, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.  

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 29^th May, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Gurnard SUDs Scheme Abandoned.

 

Following the impasse between Island Roads increasing their long term maintenance fees and Southern Water, the scheme at Gurnard has been abandoned, with roads imminently due to be reverted to their original condition.

 

I remain very unhappy.  Not satisfied with the press released by the IW Council in partnership with Southern Water, I have issued my own statement issued below:

 

Concerning the scheme, It’s been embarrassing.  It has been a shambolic supermassive cock-up from day one.

 

At the engagement that Southern Water held in December, I was told that the ongoing maintenance grant had been sorted, and due for sign off.   In addition, we were told that discussions with Island Roads had taken place and any road closures were to be kept to a minimum.  Prior to and during the works we were told Southern Water would ‘up their game’ with their communications to local residents, businesses and the Parish Council.

 

This failed to happen.

 

Once the scheme was underway, frustrated by a lack of communication, I requested a weekly catch up meeting with Southern Water, so that updates could at the very least be fed back.  This was very necessary as shopkeepers and residents were growing distressed as they knew next to nothing of the scheme.

 

In my opinion, had the scheme been properly Project Managed from the outset, this would have assisted.  

 

This failed to happen.

 

With respect to Island Roads, I am still attempting to find out what, why and how things went wrong.  

 

With regards to the last month, I asked for a roundtable crisis meeting with all agencies to address issues.

 

This failed to happen.

 

SUDs schemes, after all operate successfully in partnership with highway authorities across the country dealing with and resolving the issue of surface water. They work well. Why the same could not happen on the Island, fills me with intrigue and mystery and worries me of the reputational damage this has caused to fulfil schemes here locally. This is important, as the management of surface water is key for Southern Water, the IW Council and Island Roads to manage with climate change and all that it brings!

 

With respect to the joint statement issued, I could not put my name to this as it was bland, corporate and insensitive to acknowledge the impact the scheme’s failures have upon my community.  With the scheme being abandoned, It raises questions on bathing water quality at Gurnard, particularly with misconnections being reversed.  

 

From my perspective, this was a missed opportunity for Island Roads, Southern Water and other agencies to restore both our faith and trust to work in partnership.  

 

Local Elections.

 

Within the IW Council the three elections taking place these potentially could redress the political balance at County Hall, important given the onset to the IW Council moving away from the Cabinet to a Committee System later this month. Where contested these take place on 1^st May. 

 

For details regarding vacancies please contact the relevant clerk below.

 

Northwood Parish Council (two), For details contact Katie Riley on 07772 950 343;

Gurnard Parish Council (one), please contact Richard Shaul on 07305 013 718;

Cowes Town Council, Cowes West (one) and Cowes Medina (one). Please contact: 01983 209022.

 

Only one election contested locally is for the Cowes Town Council, Cowes South ward, this election takes place 1^st May.

 

 

Cowes Library.

 

Cowes Library is closed for accessibility improvements until the week commencing 12^th May. In the meantime a pop-up service operates at the Beckford Centre 1:30-4pm Monday; 10-1pm Tuesday; 10-1pm Friday and 1:30-4:30pm, Saturday.

 

Both my surgeries scheduled for early May will now take place at the Isle of Wight Community Club in Park Road.

 

 

Island Roads.

 

As recent events demonstrate, my concern over the PFI contract continues to cause me concern.  In my opinion concern over disputes within the contract since being reassessed by the IW Council in 2018 has meant that things that should happen, hasn’t, and delays to undertake work is unacceptable.

 

Impasses have occurred over highway resurfacing locally at Worsley Road and Crossfield Avenue.  In addition, whether it is replacement of litter bins, damaged trees, highway clearance, partnership working, or road repairs and closures and their costs, the more concerns I have.  

 

Farming.

 

As part of the cabinet I met representatives of our farming community, and have learnt how farmers are fighting back to survive. To note that cheap supermarket food is not always best, and how important it is to support local produce and local businesses wherever possible.  

 

Bonfires.

 

If intending to ignite a bonfire, please let your neighbours know beforehand!  I often receive complaints, when this doesn’t occur and as a consequence I know where anti-social bonfires do occur (generally those that are noxious or lit more than once a month) these are reported to Environmental Health, with action taken

 

Planning Updates.

 

·         Island Planning Strategy.

 

Planning Inspectors considering the Island Planning Strategy are digesting feedback to the Island’s new Planning Bible.

 

Of major concern to me, is the fact that Inspectors were not convinced to support reducing an annual housing of 453.  The Inspectors, saw no reason or special circumstances to suppress the housing figure to the level proposed.  However, they have proposed the following.  This will be considered by Full Council, before the end of May:

 

1.    To withdraw the Planning Strategy, and start over with annual housing in line with Government recommendations for 1,103 new homes per year, or

2.    To, support use of the IPS as an interim plan for five years creating 703 new homes per year. An updated plan would then be drafted to follow.  

 

Whilst both options I consider will set the Planning Authority to fail and by rejecting the compromise will result in the first option being implemented anyway.  To note elsewhere, plans with low housing numbers are being rejected by Planning Inspectors, so it is thought the Inspectors may have some support for our Island’s position.

 

·         Planning Drop In at Seaclose.

 

These take place each Wednesday from 2-5pm at the Planning Offices at the Isle of Wight Council Offices at Seaclose, Fairlee Road, Newport and offers free and basic advice concerning planning enquiries.

 

·         Planning Enforcement: Treework.

 

A large number of enforcement applications have been received concerning tree work taking place this spring.

 

·         Judicial Review, West Acre Park.

 

The Judicial Review judge, highlighted that Section 106 (developer contributions) had not been picked up by the IW Planning Authority and published.  It is noted that this has not happened elsewhere and as a result this has altered both the IW Council and other Planning Authorities transparency.

 

As yet, no decision has been taken on whether the Planning Department will be asked to quash any decision.

 

Dementia Care.

 

Following residents feedback, I received a response from the Medical Director from the NHS Trust regarding care for those entering hospital with dementia and other causes where patients arrive in hospital scared and confused.  I’ve been advised that for those being admitted, patients should be assessed for their needs with necessary adjustments made.

 

In response, I am reminded of the pressures and lack of services available within our community, and how it is predicted to be a growing concern in years to come.  This I am told, is key to the NHS’s ten year plan due to be issued in 2028.    

 

Beavers.

 

Government via Natural England are intending to issue licenses to release beavers into the wild. Accordingly, licences will only be issued when considered the release will benefit the environment.  Apologies over confusion of my earlier article.

 

Isle of Wight National Landscape.

 

The Management Committee of the Isle of Wight National Landscape met in April. Matters highlighted included:

 

·         The IW AONB Management Plan was launched on the 1^st April.  Photography and artwork within the plan was  provided by young people with an interest in the Island’s rural network. For details of the plan, please visit: https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/isle-of-wight-national-landscape-management-plan-2025-2030/

·         60 walks are included in this years Walking Festival taking place from 10-18^th May. 700 people have expressed an interest, 70% coming from off-Island. For details visit: https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/

·         The Isle of Wight Farming Conference took place.  Because the weather was good, attendance from the farming community (who were working!) was limited!

·         Concerns were raised concerning the IW Council potentially reducing its non-statutory service biodiversity budget. 

·         The first phase of the River Medina salt marsh restoration has taken place.

·         Seagrass was ‘anchored’ at Priory Bay, Seaview and at Thorness Bay.

·         Farmers continue to be under pressure from Government. It was reported Island Farmers are ahead of the game, with respect to Biodiversity net gain projects.

·         Norris Castle has new managers, as there was not appeal made for refusal against the last planning application. The IW Council was approached by Historic England to purchase and upgrade Norris Castle..

·         Local residents have expressed concern over the condition of, and management of Afton Marshes, Freshwater.

 

Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee

 

·         Due to the lack of rainfall in March there is a heightened risk of drought.  However, because of this winter’s rainfall it is not anticipated this is unlikely to be an issue unless nothing changes before 2026.

·         Overspending of allocated funds from the Environment Agency took place.  This is seen positively, as it will be off-set by funding targets not being reached by regions elsewhere.

·         It is estimated that 6-7 million households are at risk across the country from flooding, the biggest risk being from surface water.

·         It was reported that more homes and buildings are being stilted to overcome flood risk.  It is commonplace for properties to restrict parking to ground floor levels to overcome the risk to living accommodation.

·         Minor flood schemes were supported for the Island amounting to £16k.

·         £1.8m was supported to restore beach levels between Fareham and Gosport.

·         Historic England has put pressure on the SRFCC to fund coastal protection for marine heritage assets, such as forts,etc. The Committee advised their priority is to provide funding to protect the loss of life through their awards for funding and should heritage assets need support this ought to be funded directly via Heritage groups.

 

Annual Report. No. 16: 2025.

 

My Annual Report can be found at: https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/.  Hard Copies are available from Cowes Library.

 

This year my report has focused on the work of the outside bodies that I am a member of.

 

Understanding that I may have attended the last of my outside bodies meetings, I felt it important that my work in the last year is fed back and summarises some of the challenges being faced by these groups.

 

Within my report I provide statistics, my election priorities review as well as a brief summary of my work, the challenges being faced as both a Councillor and outgoing IW Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Flooding and Coastal Protection.  

 

Hedgehog Corner: Giving Hedgehogs the Edge.  Hedgehog Awareness Week.  4-10^th May 2025.

 

I am sure that I will be making a statement for us all, when I’ll be spending hedgehog Awareness Week dressed up in my Hedgehog costume for the week.  Other than joining me, you could instead..:

 

1.    Link your garden with a Hedgehog Highway.

2.    Make your pond hedgehog safe with adding a ramp.

3.    Create a quiet corner for hedgehogs to feed, nest and socialise.

4.    Pick up litter to stop Hedgehogs becoming trapped.

5.    Put food and water out for hedgehogs.

6.    Don’t use chemicals in the garden that could harm hedgehogs.

7.    Always check for hedgehogs before strimming or mowing.

8.    Always check bonfires for hedgehogs before burning.

9.    Build a logpile in your garden for hedgehogs to feed, nest and socialise.

10.  Make your own hedgehog house for nesting hogs.     

 

 

Report as Cabinet Member for Planning, Flooding and Coastal Protection.

 

·         There was an interesting comment made by the Government Minister when asked by Hampshire County Council on what makes an ‘exceptional’ Unitary Authority, to which Jim McGovern indicated ‘surround yourself with water!’

·         Alongside and supported by officers, I met with the Isle of Wight Councillor for Totland and Colwell, Councillors and residents to listen to flooding and coastal concerns. In response, I’ve offered support to residents in creating a Flood Resilience Group and Plan. In addition repairs, to defects on the seawall are pending to be made good.

·         Replaced groynes at Colwell was delayed, due to the contractor being no longer able to undertake the work.

·         Action was taken following a complaint concerning missing documents from the IWC Planning portal.

·         I have reported a Ryde Planning Enforcement matter.  This is now being investigated.

·         I was approached by Parish Councillors concerning misinformation being shared following proposals to ‘up’ the Isle of Wight’s Housing Figure.

·         Concerns were raised following reports of black sand, which appeared at Ventnor. This was reported and is being investigated. It seems unlikely the sand or beach is in any way polluted, however the position is being monitored.

·         Final Reports were provided by Cabinet Members at their last meeting.  Most, members reported on what they achieved over the last four years. I provided my annual update.

·         Navigation buoys are being monitored at Fort Victoria, Norton.

·         Stones have been removed from the revetment at Freshwater Bay.  Damage to memorial benches has been monitored, and repairs to benches are pending.

·         Footpaths at Atherfield Bay are being monitored following landslips.

·         Government Minister, Michael Kay has met with the IW Council Leader and both MP’s to discuss moving forward to seek Government support for ferry links.  Previously, the Government outlined their desire to nationalise rail services, and locally it is important that Government recognises the importance of our connectivity to the mainland.

·         I was approached by a colleague asking about coastline buffers to prevent flooding for new builds in Sussex.  I advised following negative feedback from the Planning Inspectorate’s view on extending biodiversity buffers on the Island, this was unlikely to happen.  However, it is key to recognise the importance of coastal defences. 

·         With elections pending, I am seeking to work with new Councillors with respect to my Cabinet portfolio.  I have suggested a briefing with newly elected IW Councillors.

 

In a nutshell, as Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

 

·         Prior to the scheme being guillotined, I met onsite with residents of Solent View Road, following concerns being raised over the loss of car parking due to the installation of rain gardens towards the top of the road.  This was fed back to Southern Water, with a view at that time to meet.

·         Following modifications to a planning application in Albert Road, I was requested and signed off the proposal.

·         I have been liaising between Rights of Way and one of the landowners on the Gurnard to Thorness stretch of the Coastal Path to see this re-opened.  I’m hopeful that with issues resolved the path can reopen for this summer.

·         At Gurnard Parish Council, both Cllrs. Marie Bugden and Mark Franklin sought not to seek re-election.  I would like to thank (particularly) Marie who has been a longstanding Councillor for Gurnard and to Mark for their dedication and commitment to the village.  Mark has been brilliant with his overview on IT safety and security.

·         At Northwood Parish Council, both Chair Cllrs. John Pullen and David Jaggar are not seeking re-election.  John took over as Chair when we formed Northwood Parish Council alongside the local IW Councillor, Roger Mazillius fifteen years ago. John has continued as a stalwart to the village!  David, on the other hand I worked closely with as Director of Environmental Services when I first joined the IW Council in 1995. David’s knowledge on Planning is formidable tool and has been used to robustly challenge the Island’s Local Planning Service.  I would like to say a huge thank you to both David and John for their diligence and perseverance to make Northwood better. 

·         At a special surgery, I met with residents to listen to and take up concerns with the Local Pensions Board, potentially investments are used and by whom whilst there is civil unrest.  I am discussing concerns raised.   

·         Following the recent fire, local residents are seeking to make the Portland Inn an Asset of Community Value.  A very big thank you to Cllr Penny Acton who is leading on this.

·         I’ve been asked to seek ‘no cycling’ signage for Gurnard’s revetment.  In addition, I continue to pester for appropriate signage where the shared surface meets the road at Queens Road. Whilst this remains on the urgent list, this work has been delayed by Island Roads.