Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, May 2024

 

 

Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Thursday 2^nd May, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday, 8^th May. The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 14^th May, Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 15^th May, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 15^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 29^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30pm, Thursday 30^th May, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Cowes Flooding.

 

Last month saw some of the highest tides ever in Cowes.  I have spoken to a number of residents and business owners in the town and saw the devastated and heartbreaking impact this has had. 

 

Following feedback from businesses in the town sandbags were taken away, whilst the road sweeper visited the High Street to help cleanse our town centre   In addition, I heard contrary views concerning the cleansing of drains- which shopkeepers did not feel were effective. Thank you to businesses who worked together after the floods to reopen.  Also grateful thanks were relayed to Biffa, the Emergency Planning Team at the IW Council and Cowes Town Council for their support!

 

For those not signed up to Flood Warnings, visit Floodline at: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or alternatively, or call: 0345 988 1188.  Other agencies giving support include the National Flood Forum, please visit: https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/ or call: 01299 403 055.

 

Empty Properties.

 

Do you know of empty properties?  The IW Council do hold a list of vacant homes, in the hope of bringing these back into use.  Please let me know, so these can be reported!

 

Planning Enforcement.

 

Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Ryde Town Council and Sandown Town Council have all confirmed that they wish to ‘buy-in’ additional planning enforcement support to tackle longstanding issues in these towns.  As a consequence over the two years this was in place, a number of buildings within Newport’s conservation area has seen investment to buildings resulting in new life in the town. 

 

I am talking to Officers to investigate whether more can be done to provide extra support for the smaller towns and parishes across the Island, as I fully appreciate the cost of funding staff for 1,2 or 3 days a week is prohibitive.

 

Planning Enforcement: Local Issues.

 

In the last 12 months, I’ve asked for follow up’s on nine different planning enforcement matters in our area.  One of the main issues being raised locally is the use of ‘ancillary’ outbuildings being utilised for residential use. Another issue raised by residents concern issues concerning trees, both being removed (from locations that have ground stability concerns), being planted and not being cared for. These concerns are under investigation at the moment.

 

Although the capacity within the Planning Enforcement Team has significantly increased under my term as the relevant Cabinet Member, with all the will in the world and dozens of planning approved each week with dozens more conditions, it isn’t always possible to monitor compliance. For this reason, the feedback that the Council receives concerning this remains so important!

 

Second Homes.

 

I have received feedback from second home owners concerned by Full Council’s decision to next year increase Council Tax by 200%. In response, the point is made that if the IW Council does not incur charges that could take place, any argument for future Government financial support would be difficult to justify.  Therefore, the Council’s hands are tied.

 

 

IW Councillors Annual Report.

 

My Annual Report is available, as an addition to the hard copy of this report. This is also available from Cowes Library.

 

Environmental Issues.

 

Following last month’s report, I have received more complaints regarding the fly tipping of Garden and Builders Waste on the public footpath CS3 which lies to the rear of Gurnard Heights.  In addition, I am also receiving feedback from residents who have noted the disposal of household waste, being transferred to litter bins. This is being monitored.

 

Elsewhere, I have requested that the Cross Street Car Park Wall is monitored for safety following concerns being highlighted. In addition, I also passed on concerns regarding graffiti which appeared on Cowes Parade.

 

Trees.

 

I am seeking an update from the Tree Team in updating Tree Preservation Orders.  It been brought to my attention that within parts of our ward TPO’s in some cases have not been updated for over 70 years.  In response to this, the next review when it takes place will be in Cowes.  Once notice is given, I look forward to working on this with our tree wardens.

 

Hedgehog Corner: 10 Top tips for encouraging hedgehogs in your neighbourhood.

 

1.    Link your Garden.

During their active season, hedgehogs roam between 1-2 km each night, so its critical they can access a wide range of gardens. 13x13cm square holes in walls and fences will let hedgehogs through but is too small for most pets.  You could also dig a channel underneath your fence to provide access.

 

2.    Make your Pond Safe.

Hedgehogs are adept swimmers, but they can’t climb out of steep sided ponds or pools and will drown. Use a pile of stones, a piece of wood or some chicken wire to create a simple ramp.

 

3.    Create a wild corner.

Let the plants go mad in a corner of your garden, and don’t cut them back in winter to let hedgehogs nest.  They’ll also benefit from the abundant insects. Use branches to add structure.

 

4.    Deal with netting and litter.

Hedgehogs are prone to getting tangled. Plastic drink can rings, elastic bands and netting are common offenders. Replace netting with a rigid structure or use a thick cordage and keep taut.  Sport and garden netting should be tied up or stored inside when not in use.

 

5.    Put out food and water.

Hedgehogs really benefit from extra food, using it to supplement their natural diet. Meaty cat or dog food are both suitable. Water can also be scarce at certain times of the year and is the only thing you should give them to drink.

 

6.    Stop using chemicals.

Lawn treatments reduce worm populations. Pesticides, insecticides and slug pellets are toxic and reduce hedgehogs’ creepy-crawly prey. They are all necessary in a healthy well managed garden. 

 

7.    Check before strimming.

Hedgehogs will not run away from the sound of a mower or strimmer –check before you cut to avoid causing horrific injuries or death.  Robotic lawnmowers also pose a risk to hedgehogs, so make sureto check areas thoroughly and don’t run them at night. Single hedgehogs are easily moved, but use gloves!  Moving a hedgehog family is more complicated and ideally they should be left undisturbed.  For advice call 01584 890801.

 

8.    Be careful with Bonfires.

Piles of debris are irresistible to a hedgehog looking for somewhere to hibernate or nest- build it on the day of burning or move the pile on the day of burning to avoid a tragic end.

 

9.    Make a home for hedgehogs.  

A log pile is one of the best features for encouraging all kinds of wildlife- and so easy to make.  It will encourage insects and provide nesting opportunities all year around.  Alternatively you can make your own DIY hedgehog house. For details visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/hedgehog-homes/

 

10.   Become a hedgehog Champion.

Register to join volunteers. Hedgehog Street provides resources to make your neighbourhood chock-a-block with hedgehogs. Visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/about-our-hedgehog-street-campaign/who-are-the-hedgehog-champions/

 

Car Parking, Worsley Road.

 

I continue to receive complaints from drivers of large vehicles regarding the fact their thoroughfare is blocked by parked cars in Worsley Road, particularly between Gurnard Press and Westbrook Lane.

 

In response, drivers are appealing for double yellow lines to allow their vehicles to get into the village. To note, I know that deliveries, emergency vehicles as well as the bus cannot always get through, and whilst this is the case with the bus, I’m advised that the service could be withdrawn should the issue not be resolved. Understanding parking is at a premium, please could residents park tight to the pavement as this will often allow those valuable extra inches required to allow vehicles to squeeze through!

 

Emails and Confidentiality.

 

Legislation is intended to change concerning emails to those (including Councillors) in local Government.  From my perspective, I feel uncomfortable with this, as I have always advised that should residents contact me they do this, to my gmail.com address rather than through any .gov.uk domain.

 

The reason for me avoiding use of a gov.uk email account, is that I believe all emails I receive are private and confidential until the sender gives permission for those emails to be circulated to be any third party.  At the moment, if good reason is given (including freedom of information requests) any .gov.uk can be ‘considered’ by third parties.  This does not make me happy, particularly given the level of confidence, I am expected to uphold.

 

To note, should any resident want to make a freedom of information request, this can still happen.  However, I believe that I am strict on who see’s what and why!  With respect to Freedom of Information, I already circulate all information that should be distributed within the public domain.   

 

Cowes Foodbank.

 

This month the foodbank are requesting squash, long life juice, tinned spaghetti, sponge puddings, rice puddings, coffee, rice (1kg) and tinned vegetables.

 

Report as Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         I intend to make this my last Chairman’s Report on behalf of Gurnard Parish Council.  With potential changes being made within the IW Council, and with local elections pending for May 2025, I look forward to prioritising my efforts as Ward Councillor.  I would to thank Councillors, Richard our clerk and local residents for their support since 2022.   

·         Last month saw a public consultation weekend hosted by Gurnard Parish Council at the village hall.  Of interest to me was information on future plans by Southern Water to reconfigure grass verges to capture more surface water within Gurnard.  On this, I am ever hopeful that consultation will be improved upon from what occurred last year regarding the roll out of Waterbutts.  Following engagement, this could take place this Autumn.  Also of noting was news on Asian hornets, Gurnard In Bloom, Speed Reduction, the Cybercafe, the Gurnard Agriculture Project with and the IW Ambulance Service. A huge thank you to Vice-Chairman, Cllrs Penny Acton and Christine Bustin who led on this.

·         A very big thank you to volunteers who took part in April’s Village tidy up. Grateful thanks to Gary and Debbie Hall from Plaza for the Ice Creams.

·         Following recent complaints regarding Anti-Social parking in Worsley Road, signage is pending for the road’s verges.

·         Following feedback, I look forward to progressing suggestions made for the children’s play area on Gurnard Green.  After discussions residents that spoke to me were in favour of a proposed ‘open’ shelter for the Green alongside a swing and roundabout.

·         Could I please ask that residents exercising their doggies at Old School Meadow in Cockleton Lane, to please use the dog bin provided.  At the moment volunteers spend too much time picking up bags of poo, this is not fair on other dog walkers our volunteers or for children playing in the Meadow.

 

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

 

·         It was agreed that funds for the local levy provided by the Southern Regional Flood & Coastal Committee can be rolled over for a further 12 months.  This follows commitments made prior to last year’s winter storms and the fact that ground conditions have not afforded schemes to move forward (for instance Flood Defence measures in Binstead).  Because of the intensity of issues facing the Island the Chair of the SRFCC is due to visit in the coming months.

·         One of the above schemes, in place is the Depaving Binstead to Reduce Storm Overflows.

·         A meeting was arranged to host the EA and the SRFCC visiting the Island to view the damage caused through flooding and recent landslides.

·         With Ventnor Town Councillors, I had the opportunity to view recent landslips at St. Lawrence.  In addition, following the site visit I spoke to a number of residents and businesses in Ventnor.

·         I am speaking to residents in Freshwater Bay concerning upgrading the retaining wall on the main road.

·         I met with Councillors from the Liberal Democrat group to address concerns over the Island Planning Strategy. As a consequence the group have removed their previous objections.

·         The application to develop Norris Castle was refused by the Planning committee in line with officers recommendation.

·         I met with residents from the Barton Estate to discuss concerns made regarding the Coastal Path.  A further meeting is pending with IW/ East Cowes Councillors.

·         At a public meeting, I met with residents of Gunville affected by flooding.  Although many residents are angry with the IW Council, a future meeting will be set up to give details of the Section 19 investigation due later this month.

·         I met with a resident affected by surface water drainage at Freshwater. On this, I am liaising with agencies.

·         With the Leader and Housing Cabinet, I met with a provider of energy efficient island affordable housing. The group’s focus is very much on supporting homes for key workers and whilst they work closely with local diocese.  Many of the homes the group (EMMA) develop are swift to construct.

·         After going out for consultation in Spring new planning documents have been issued to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems and Health Infrastructure.  These documents are due to be supported by May’s Cabinet Meeting.

·         Advice is being sought from local Council’s concerning Flood Plan templates.

 

Also this month, in a nutshell

 

·         A request was made to replace a drain cover on the revetment besides Gurnard Beach Huts.

·         Thank you for their positive feedback following last month’s report on anti-social parking on Worsley Road.

·         I received a positive response back regarding the tone of letters regarding parking enforcement in Cowes.

·         For those who missed renewing their IW Council Garden Waste subscription, please note that Onward Waste provides the same service at lower cost. For details, please call: 01983 632 205

·         I have requested action to be taken concerning the use of shipping containers.  Also, enforcement-wise, I am seeking clarity concerning the use of ‘ancillary’ outbuildings and chalets being used as residential properties.

·         I continue to liaise with our Environment officers on the fly tipping of building material and garden waste.

·         A complaint was relayed regarding rogue companies operating.

·         I have chased up a longstanding matter concerning the loss of a hedgerow in Pallance Road.

·         I am seeking clarity from the police on the opening times of Cowes Police Station.  This followed a resident approaching me involved in a traffic incident, not knowing how, where or when to report it.  I have requested that the Police’s website provides this information.

·         I continue to support residents involved in a particular neighbourhood dispute.

·         Full Council is this month to consider when to implement its new Committee System.  Because of the risks involved, and my fear that this will be implemented on the cheap, I support this being introduced in May 2025.  As I have stated before, the fact that there will only be four wide-ranging committee meeting on a two monthly basis, will in my mind mean the increased need for delegated decisions by officers.. In my opinion there should be eight committees meeting each 6-8 weeks.  Ultimately this will cost more money than the Cabinet model, but at the very least it affords the opportunity for all 39 councillors to step up.

·         Full Council is also to consider referring its planning bible to the Planning Inspector.  Should this be supported by Council, this will offer a further opportunity for consultation.  This will allow those opposed to aspects of the Plan to make representations direct to the Inspector.

·         A vacancy has arisen for a new clerk at Cowes Town Council. For details contact the Town Council on 01983 209022, or email: townclerk@cowestowncouncil.org.uk

·         A request was enacted to remove graffiti from Cowes Parade.

·         Further concerns were raised regarding the planting of leylandii trees adjacent to the Dottens.  These concerns are being evaluated by planning enforcement officers.

Isle of Wight Councillors Annual Report: 2024. Number 15

 

Paul Fuller

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor

for Cowes West and Gurnard.

ANNUAL REPORT No.15:   2023 - 2024.

 

Please contact me:

 

By Post to:  45 Oxford Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8PT.

 Telephone: 01983 289595 (24 hours)/ 07 935 090 835 (Mobile & Text);  Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

 

Visits and Surgeries.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to meet at a time and place convenient to you.

 I hold regular surgeries/ drop-in’s. No appointment is necessary. These normally take place each month at:

 

·         1^st Monday of the month, 4:30-5pm at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

·         1^st Thursday of the month, 10:30-11am at Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

·         2^nd Tuesday of the month, 3-4pm Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

·         2^nd Wednesday of the month, 5:30-6pm, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

·         3^rd Wednesday of the month, 10:30-11am, Benches adj. to the Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

·         3^rd Wednesday of the month, 11-11:45am, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

·         4^th Thursday of the month, 10:30-11am, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill Gurnard.

·         Last Wednesday of the month 5:30-6pm, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

·         Last Thursday of the month 11:30-12:30pm, Eegons Café, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Please visit https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com  for updates, monthly reports and confirmed details of surgeries.

 

 

The nine Issues which I promised to address prior to my re-election in 2021.

 

·         You said: Significantly reducing the annual housing figure from 1045.

·         I did: Within the Draft Island Planning Strategy (DIPS), I support significantly reducing the number to 453.  This figure is 1/3 lower than current Government’s annual housing allocation figure for the Island of 730.  

 

·         You said: Prioritising Local Housing for Local People

·         I did: Within the DIPS policies are prioritised to deliver affordable housing for local residents (Policy H5}. This remains a corporate priority for the Alliance Administration. The DIPs will be considered by IW Councillors on 1^st May.

 

·         You said: Support Working Families.

·         I did: Support increased help for working families through Council Tax concessions from 65% support to 70%

 

·         You said: Support safety outside schools.

·         I did: New Traffic Regulation Orders were implemented as a result by the IW Council outside local schools.

 

·         You said: Scrap proposals to charge for car parking on Cowes/ Gurnard seafront.

·         I did: No ifs, no buts, no woolly compromises.  These were scrapped within days by the Alliance Administration.

 

·         You said: Improve access to Town Centres and review car parking.

·         I did: Ongoing supported action of Cowes Place Plan for Town Centre regeneration. I supported the campaign to freeze car parking for 2024/5 and campaigns with Parish Council pilots offering Free Parking across the Island.

 

·         You said: Supporting an IW Council that listens, is inclusive and acts on feedback.

·         I did: Supported new Parish Council involvement at Scrutiny and within Planning.  I support greater involvement for all IW Councillors within a Committee system, led and enacted feedback on a number of public facing consultations.

 

·         You said: Review Council Tax Expenditure

·         I did: Scrutinise, challenge and consult on Council Tax. On this, I have shared and responded to resident’s concerns.

 

·         You said: Ensure Government supports the extra costs needed to support the Isle of Wight.

·         I did: The Council continues to campaign for its promised Island Deal.  Although the Alliance achieved small wins this has not gone far enough or addresses the cost (+£10m per year)) for Island residents by our severance by sea.

 

Representing our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:

 

This is my 15^th Annual Report as Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

 

I have been ward Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard since 2009, and as a Isle of Wight Councillor this is my sixth term of office, since being first elected as an Isle of Wight Councillor for Ryde in 1995. 

 

As an Independent, I continue putting the needs of our Cowes and Gurnard community first.

 

As an Independent, having no activists, no sponsors, no political party line, or leader shadowing me, my loyalty to represent every resident in Gurnard and Cowes is absolute.

 

Within my role, I’m committed to being a transparent, hardworking, effective and enthusiastic councillor.

 

If you feel that I, or the Councils where I represent your views get things wrong, please tell me. Unless I am made aware, I’m not in a position to listen, ask questions, put things right and fight on your behalf!  If I cannot achieve the outcomes you desire, I will explain why.

 

Campaigning to protect vital services, I am committed to ensure our Councils say yes, rather than no. It remains in the forefront of my mind that I am only here because you re-elect me. As Councillor my priority is simply to put our community first.

 

I do this because I thoroughly love it!  Because I enjoy my ‘work’, I hope that it shows and I achieve the very best outcomes possible for residents.

 

Monthly Reports.

 

Each month I write a report.  These provide regular updates of my work, and can be found at Cowes Library. 

 

Reports are edited for the Gurnard News, the Cowes Magazine and The Beacon.  My Full Monthly Reports can be found on my website at: https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com.  Each month provides details of between 30-50 items which I am dealing with, alongside matters which are of importance.

 

Organisations and Outside Bodies that I am a member and support:

 

·         Cowes Town Council. Town Councillor for Cowes North 2001-2005; from 2009-       ; Mayor 2017-2019;

·         Gurnard Parish Council. Councillor from 2005; Chairman from 2022;

·         Northwood Parish Councillor. Founding member of Northwood Parish Council. Councillor since 2007;                

·         Local Access Forum. Chairman (2020-   ). This statutory body oversees Rights of Ways matters. The Forum works closely with landowners and user groups to improve access to the right of way network. Since 2019, I have been actively working on the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path.

·         Footprint Trust.  The Trust supports lifting residents (often vulnerable) out of fuel poverty

·         Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (SIFCA). Vice-Chairman. Funded by DEFRA and local authorities, SIFCA regulates marine conservation and fisheries for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

·         Solent Forum.  This organisation oversees Economic and Environmental challenges within the Solent.

·         Isle of Wight Natural Landscape. This group oversees challenges faced to the Isle of Wight’s Countryside.

·         IW Council Local Pensions Board. This body is an external body that monitors the £750m IWC pension fund.

 

I am a longstanding Justice of the Peace serving the Isle of Wight Adult and Youth courts since 2001.

 

Within the Isle of Wight Council, I am current cabinet member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding. As a Councillor with cabinet responsibilities I have overview on all aspects of the Council’s activities.

 

One year in numbers. As your Councillor:   ·         I am contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. ·         I work between 40 and 65 hours each week. ·         I attended 306 meetings associated with my role. ·         In addition, I’ve attended 41 informal/ associated meetings, events, briefings, exhibitions & site visits. ·         I attended 42 Isle of Wight Council Meetings. ·         I’ve received 4188 emails, 993 telephone calls, 662 texts and 5 letters. I aim to respond within 3 days and attempt to prioritise calls from Cowes West and Gurnard residents within 12 hours of receipt. ·         I’ve resolved/ relayed 1905 enquiries. 34% of these relate to Gurnard residents; 26% to Cowes West residents; 15% from other Cowes/ Northwood residents and 15% to residents living elsewhere. ·         In the last year I’ve arranged 100 surgeries. Supporting 390 enquiries to completion for residents.  ·         This year I received a Councillors Allowance of: £18,128.70

 

IW Councillors Report.

 

As Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard, I remain on call at all times, much of the work that I have followed up is reported in my monthly reports.  These can be found here: https://paulfullercc.blogspot.com and go into detail on support given and actions taken.

 

With finance becoming tighter for residents, it becomes more and more challenging to provide the help, assistance and support that residents need and deserve.   Having dealt with hundreds of issues over the last 12 months, it is difficult to quantify those issues that are the most relevant- as different people have different priorities.

 

As an Isle of Wight Councillor, the Town and Parish Councillors of Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood act as my eyes and ears and I really appreciate the support that they provide for our communities.

 

One of the biggest concerns raised continues to be that of anti-social parking.  On this count, I have addressed parking concerns outside our local schools, the abuse of disabled bays, speeding traffic, updating traffic orders and concerns over when Newport Road is closed due to road works.

 

In addition, road resurfacing for many streets remain a priority.  Particularly for Worsley Road in Gurnard and Crossfield Avenue in Cowes. 

 

Local planning complaints continue to keep me busy, whether it is regarding planning enforcement or with new applications which if not resolved from the get-go can adversely impact upon residents lives.  Also of concern is the matter of the lack of social housing as well as what is allowed under permitted development rights.  What I continue to ask is that those wishing to make changes to their property to please first speak to your neighbours

 

Other priorities that I attempt to support residents with are neighbourhood disputes.  A number of residents have approached me over the last year about concerns which on occasions can be very difficult to address at a later stage..  Although I always will try to do my very best to assist.

 

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

 

Planning and Planning Enforcement.

 

The main priority for the past year, was to receive Councillor’s support for the Draft Island Planning Strategy (DIPS) and discussions have continued with Full Council, Strategy committees, individual members, and stakeholders.  As a result of the feedback, amendments were made to the wording of the DIPS with several Supplementary Planning Documents created in the past year.  To note, The Draft IPS mirrors Government commitments within the Levelling Up Act for truly Island affordable housing and allows the IW Council to enact deeper discounts for Island residents.

 

By working with Town, Parish and Community Councils our Planning Enforcement activity has been strengthened and more cases are being pursued. I’m grateful to local councils of Newport, Ryde and Sandown for their support

 

Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

Elsewhere, last year I took responsibility for Flooding and Coastal Protection.  With respect to Autumn and Winter storms this saw closer liaison with Cllr Lucioni (member responsible for Emergency Planning) on the impact Flooding had before Christmas, particularly in Ryde, but also in Newport, East Cowes, Cowes, Yarmouth and at Binstead where I have met residents and businesses impacted by the distress of flooding.

 

The saturation of land and associated movements of a large amount of water has significantly impacted on our vulnerable coastline with major landslips taking place recently at Bonchurch and St Lawrence.  In these communities and elsewhere ground movement continues to be monitored with regular updates provided to residents, communities, councillors, and stakeholders. I am working across the council to ensure the disruption caused by these events is kept to a minimum, which includes safeguarding our highway and footpath networks.

 

Elsewhere, within Coastal Protection sea defences continue to be re-enforced and strengthened, with £4m of grant aided work continuing at Ventnor’s eastern esplanade.  Future projects being prioritised are schemes for Yaverland/ Brading Harbour, Totland and Shanklin.

 

Town, Parish and Community Council Liaison.

 

In the meantime, within my portfolio there continues to be support for Town, Parish and Community Councils who in many cases have stepped up to support the sharing services with the Isle of Wight Council. This has proven to be beneficial, with discretionary valued services being threatened with loss without our local councils offers of support.  My grateful thanks and appreciation to those Councils.  

 

Gurnard Parish Council Report: Chairman’s Report.

 

As Chairman, I would like to thank all of our Councillors for their ongoing support to our community and village life.  Our Councillors go above and beyond attending meetings, and are often at the forefront of village activities and feedback from our local community.

 

I would like to also like to thank Richard our new clerk who joined us in 2023.  From my perspective Richard has excelled in his role, and I consider the Council to be blessed to have Richard as part of our team.

 

In addition, it goes without saying  the importance of our village community and their tenacity in their support to make Gurnard even better.  Some of the headline events for the Parish Council were as follows:  

 

·         A number of Committees have remained active in the last year, these include the Parish Council’s Beach Working Party, The Old School Meadow Working Party and the Gurnard Playground Committee.

·         Bert Jupe planted the ‘Queen’s Canopy’ Tree on Pond Green in Lower Church Road. 

·         Gurnard Parish Council has increased its grant to the Gurnard News to £600.  This is due to the importance of the magazine in sharing information to local residents.

·         A very big thank you to those who attend Village Tidy Up’s. Thank you to Cllr Acton and Cllr Bugden for organising these events. Also thank you to the lovely Gary and Debbie from Plaza Ice Cream and Kim from the Portland Inn for their sponsorship

·         The Parish Council re-tendered Ground Maintenance contract for the Meadow as well as the cleaning contract for the village Green Toilets.  

·         Free Water Butts were provided by Southern Water in roads where issues had arisen regarding surface water.

·         Many thanks to Cllr Mark Franklin for his efforts with our clerk Richard Shaul to update the parish website.

·         Cllr Franklin updated the Parish Council’s Website.

·         Richard Shaul was formally appointed as Gurnard Parish Council’s Parish Clerk.

·         Parish Councillors were invited to a site visit to the new development in Place Road.  The purpose of the visit was to see new homes, and discuss access issues to the intended Country Park and its impact.

·         Additional cuts to Old School Meadow were actioned by the Parish Council 

·         Initial repairs were undertaken by Parks & Beaches to hold back slippage of Gurnard Green towards the Beach Huts.

·         Repairs were (eventually) undertaken to replace the seat to the disabled toilet following vandalism.

·         Letterdrops and a public meeting followed regarding a hybrid Planning Application off Cordelia Garden.  This application was approved following consideration by the Planning Committee.

·         As Isle of Wight Councillor, it was a privilege to join Gurnard Parish Vice Chair Cllr Penny Acton to lay wreaths at Gurnard’s Service of Remembrance.  A big thank you to the families and all involved a lovely poignant service!

·         The landowner of Spencer’s Copse agreed to include the dog-legged right of way as part of the IW Coastal Path.

·         Gurnard Parish Council are seeking feedback on both maintenance and upgrading the play area on Gurnard Green. The Council are currently seeking a new shelter, a roundabout and a new swing and has money ring-fenced for maintenance and upgrading. 

·         The Parish Council at its last meeting sought to update future requests from developer contributions for the Gurnard community.  As such these priorities are improving mobility access to shops, businesses and public transport; Improved access and frequency of buses; Improved access to footpaths and beaches; Enhancement of Play Equipment; Footpath access to Northwood from The Range; Support of Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPS) and improvements to road safety at Gurnard Primary School.

·         A meeting was set up with a resident who has made suggestions for the swimming pool at Gurnard Pines. 

·         Myself and Cllr Acton attended all meetings of IWALC throughout the year.  In respect to IWALC, a number of briefings, training sessions and updates were provided to both Councillors and our clerk.

·         Following an extra hard push from the Parish Council (especially Clerk, Richard Shaul and Cllr Terry Nolan), the former Putting  area of Gurnard Green was formally adopted as having Village Green Status.

·         Gurnard Parish Councillors agreed to freeze the parish precept for a second year.  The reason for doing this is due to the fact Councillors believe that future projects can be funded without raising Tax further.  

·         With Cllr Acton, I attended a meeting with residents hopeful of setting up a Community Agriculture Group.

·         Views expressed by the Parish Council to the Salty Siren Street Trading License were shared with the Council’s Licensing Committee. Following concerns raised regarding noise from the generator, the application was approved as noise complaints were dismissed by Environmental Health. This will continue to be monitored.

·         I’ve spoken to the retailer at the Watersedge kiosk which opened last month. I am advised that the kiosk will continue trading until such time as the site is sold. Together we discussed the upkeep of Rosie’s bench to make sure that this continues to be looked after and old flowers/ paraphernalia are taken away and not left unsightly.

·         In the last year seven planning enforcement matters were taken up following resident feedback

·         In the past year a number of projects were followed up by the Old School Working Meadow. These include the relocation of seating and ongoing repairs to fencing.