IW Councillors Report, April 2018

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11:30am, Friday 6^th April, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 11^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 18^th April, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

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

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

12-1pm, Thursday 26^th April, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

3:30-4pm, Tuesday 1^st May, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.  **(Please note new time)**

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

Police Update.

From March, the police will be attending the Coffee and Chat morning at All Saints Church held on the fourth Thursday of each month at All Saints Church in Gurnard.  This is a social event held by Gurnard Church that allows any resident to drop in, meet others, and at the same time offers an opportunity to talk privately with the police and/ or myself over any issue that causes concern.  If we cannot help, we can and will attempt to signpost residents to an agency that can!   

Mornington Wood.

I have met with volunteers and residents with a view to setting up a ‘Friends Of’ to work with the Isle of Wight Council and others of this ancient woodland, which benefits from ‘village green’ status.

In the discussions had with IW Council officers, I have requested the need for a basic Management Plan and maintenance agreement to be supported by the Council’s Countryside and Tree Officers.  This can potentially provide the wider community, volunteers and Cowes Town Council with an overview to safeguard this important green lung within our town.

Blackberry Lane.

Residents met with me to discuss a number of issues concerning street lighting, maintenance of the road and a number of issues connected to the neighbouring Parklands Resource Centre, as well as enquiries relating to Cowes Primary School. 

Medina Yard Approved.

Proposals to redevelop the former Samuel Whites Boatyard was approved by the IW Council’s Planning Committee, by 7 votes to 5.  (This was initially postponed due to delays caused by the wintery weather and residents not being consulted within statutory timeframes)

On a positive note it was agreed to ensure that phase 4 (the phase linked with safeguarding outline permission for marine/ maritime industry on site) was brought forward and linked to the detailed application for phase 1 of the housing element.

On a negative note there will be no affordable housing on site, limited scope to offset additional parking in this already very congested part of Cowes, whilst developer contributions requested to support health provision for Cowes Medical Centre were rejected.

One of the outcomes that I will be pressing for (alongside side other Cowes Councillors), is an assurance that the £3m contribution can and will be set aside for providing local homes for local people.

As Town Mayor, I spoke on behalf of Cowes Town Council. My full transcript can be viewed below:

Medina Yard Planning Application.

I have been asked to re-emphasise concerns Cowes Town Council raised in respect to this Planning Application.  Please note our concerns have been echoed by both East Cowes Town Council, and Northwood Parish Council

On behalf of Cowes Town Council, we do not object to the principle of development at Medina Yard and see this as a key component to the regeneration of our town.  We also note that this is a once in a generation opportunity to create a quality employment opportunities and a mix of both innovative housing and much needed affordable housing for our residents.

Cowes Town Council have expressed concerns that the proposed area allocated for marine industries is not large enough and does not lend itself to futureproofing these critical industries essential for regeneration and growth.  Our Town Council considers that any reduction to the floor space for ‘quality’ employment space, is a retrograde step and misses a real opportunity for our local residents.

One aspect of feedback received from local stakeholders is the desperate need to provide marine and maritime workshops with deep water access.  This is key factor to the growth of these industries, and as such to promote this by way of the creation of ‘affordable and starter commerce’, would put our local industries on a level aspect with other regeneration areas for which Cowes competes.

Concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of new retail elements of the proposals, and our Town Council are concerned that the edge of town aspect of this is not sustainable given the walking distance to the nearest bus stop is over 300m away.  As there is insufficient provision for parking, improvements to public transport or any improvements for pedestrians’, concerns have been raised, as to how this aspect can be considered sustainable.

The concern for this development to meet future parking needs is very real.  Please note, Cowes is a commuter town.  Parking is at a premium and in light of the additional traffic for owners and visitors the mitigation outlined in the report is extremely limited.

One of the main concerns raised by residents, is the fact that the Isle of Wight Council and the developer continues to miss the chance to provide good quality affordable housing.  What is of real concern is that no mitigation has been offered to meet the housing need for affordable homes.

This is an opportunity that could be grasped by Planners. However, this has been missed, and rather than seeing local housing for local people, this application instead offers a ‘secure’ financial contribution within the Medina Valley Key Regeneration Area and does little to offer the people of Cowes the certainty of their own home. Great for the Council, but not for residents of Cowes!

Members can consider for themselves the net value of property being built upon this site, and to what extent this can fund future housing provision. In our opinion the £3m offered by developers will do little to address local housing need for our town, or for our residents.

Members will also note earlier representations made by Cowes Medical Centre.

The report emphasises the growing population and the capability of our towns surgery to cater for this growing population.

What the report has missed out is the local context.  In Cowes we have one surgery. Our surgery has 4 FTE doctors. At present our 5 GP’s have more than 3,000 patients each. Councillors will fully understand the unique difficulties of recruiting GP’s to the Island. In addition we have a higher than average and growing number of elderly and residents with long term medical conditions.

Due to pressures being faced by GP’s, I have concerns that unless additional support is provided through developer contributions to support our social and medical infrastructure, our Medical Centre will have no other option than to lift the drawbridge for new patients.

In summary, Cowes Town Council objects to this application on the following grounds:

·         This application could meet the future marine and maritime regeneration needs of Cowes, but fails.

Therefore not meeting the objectives of SP3 and DM8 of the Island Plan.

·         This application could meet the future affordable housing needs of Cowes, but fails.

Therefore not meeting the objectives of SP2 and DM4 of the Island Plan.

·         This application could do much more to improve Travel choice & access to our Town centre but fails.

Therefore not meeting the objectives of SP7 and DM9 of the Island Plan.

In addition, Cowes Town Council considers that at this stage this proposal fails to meet the ‘sustainable’ context of what the NPPF suggests and promotes as achieving sustainable development.

Again this point is missed when:

·         Building our strong, competitive economy.

·         Ensuring the vitality of our town centre.

·         Promoting sustainable transport.

·         Delivering Cowes residents with a wide choice of local high quality housing (para. 50)

·         Promoting healthy communities (esp para. 69 and 70)

Should the Planning Committee be mindful of approving this application the Town Council asks that consideration is given to:

·         Requesting developer contributions to enhance and promote business start-ups, particularly with an emphasis to regenerating the local marine economies and deep water access. 

·         An assurance for increased local affordable housing to be located on site or if this is not possible within Cowes itself.

·         Enhancements to pedestrian access and improved access to public transport. 

·         Requesting developer contributions to enhance or extend parking provision for current and future residents.

·         Requesting significant developer contributions to improve local healthcare provision. 

   

School Governors.

Gurnard Primary School are seeking a Governor to join their Governing body. Please let me know if you are interested.

Highways Issues.  

Following the freezing conditions, there have been numerous potholes throughout Cowes and Gurnard that has been filled.  Following several complaints, I have asked Island Roads to take action in Three Gates Road and Newport Road.

Elsewhere, I have asked for Island Roads to monitor overhanging branches in Baring Road and Worsley Road whilst street lights have been turned off during daylight hours in Terminus Road.

Whilst I await feedback concerning the Cowes Traffic Order, I am looking forward to meeting up with the District Steward and Parish Council representatives to discuss highway concerns. In the meantime, if there are any issues that cause you concern please let me know!   

Footway Parking.

In recent months complaints received concerning pavement parking has skyrocketed. This is as a consequence of our population growing older, and the fact that more people rely upon safe pedestrian thoroughfares to access shops and services and to keep in touch

In the past the police (responsible for the enforcement of obstructed thoroughfares) have been pragmatic about taking action, as in some instances vehicles parked off the highway are safer than vehicles being parked on the highway.  This is due to pavement parking being a grey area in respect to enforcement. However, in recent times this has had a real impact upon the elderly, visibility and mobility impaired residents, as well as parents with prams and pushchairs and children. 

As a consequence, in the past the police will consider acting on a case by case basis, particularly when there is not adequate room for a double buggy to pass.  

Cash Machines.

Cowes currently has three operational cashpoint machines.  Two are located at Sainsbury’s at the bottom of Shooter’s Hill, whilst the third is located at the northern end of the High Street in the Central Convenience Store north of the junction with Market Hill.

I am advised that the newly replaced ATM located in the former Nat West Building has broken, and is due to be fully replaced mid April.  In the meantime, I also understand that an application is pending for the Red Jet terminal in Cowes.

Outside the Town Centre there are Free Cash Machines located at Aldi, Three Gates Road; The Co-op, Mill Hill Road and The Spar shop, Gurnard Pines. Elsewhere there are chargeable (£1.75) ATM’s at Nisa, Worsley Road, Gurnard and Northwood Stores, Newport Road, Northwood.

Snow.

The two periods of snowfall during March brought with it a considerable amount of disruption with several events and services being disrupted.  At the beginning of the month freezing rain made road surfaces and footpaths hazardous for residents. Island Roads were excellent in responding to ensure that roads (particularly with steep gradients i.e Tuttons Hill, Woodvale Road, Shore Road and Egypt Hill) remained open.

Elsewhere, the public toilets on Gurnard Green had to close following the water main becoming ruptured due to the freezing conditions.  Following the first bout of winter Island Roads assisted in supporting the re-timing of traffic lights on Newport Road where Southern Water returned to fix damage to the water main.   

Green Garden Waste.  

Gardeners should by now be aware that the Isle of Wight Council has altered the way that garden refuse is collected.

Please visit:  https://www.iwight.com/Residents/Environment-Planning-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/Household-Waste-and-Recycling-Collection/Green-Garden-Waste to find out more.

A number of residents have contacted me to advise they were not aware of these changes.  Please let me know if this applies to you, and then I can ensure that future steps are taken that keeps residents in the loop.

School Term Times.

Following a consultation that opened last November to consider altering the school term dates, the Cabinet has taken the decision to shorten the school summer holiday from six weeks to five weeks, and extend the Autumn half term holiday from one week to two weeks.  

This mirrors the feedback from 1877 residents who responded to this consultation, and was a manifesto pledge from the current council administration.   This new arrangement, will come into operation from September 2019.

As consultations go, feedback was high.  That said, a number of residents have contacted me to advise that they were not notified.  Please let me know if this applied to you! 

Litter. 

During the last few weeks I have received a number of complaints concerning overfilled litter bins in Cowes.  Although, I am more than happy to report these- If I am not available all highway litter bins can be emptied direct by Island Roads (please call: 01983 822440- 24hrs).  This also applies to most urban footpaths/ cyclepaths, as well as dog mess! 

Again, if the problem is persistent I am more than happy to take this up with Sam our Environment Officer who in recent months has been actively working alongside the police and housing associations.

Gurnard Parish Council has agreed to retain the red wheelie bin in Shore Road for this summer. The reason for doing so, is to ensure local residents and owners of beach chalets have a facility to dispose of rubbish.  However, in recent months it has been noted that there have been instances of flytipping and the disposal of commercial waste.  If this continues there is a real risk that Gurnard Parish Council may choose to remove the bin, as has happened elsewhere.

Cow Lane Access.

I have been liaising with residents and members of Gurnard Pre-School regarding vehicular access to the pre-school via the lane.  This is as a consequence of concerns raised by use of the lane and of safety concerns of pedestrians using this public footpath.

Following discussions with officers it has been confirmed that the only vehicles that have access to the lane are the emergency and utility services and those with permission from the two household in the lane. As landowners, officers from the Education department have relayed this information to both the pre-school and Gurnard Primary School.

English Coastal Path.

Following the promise of meetings with stakeholders taking place after Christmas not taking place, I have now contacted Natural England and their officers on two occasions, without a response.  This will be followed up, and residents updated on progress.

Council Tax.

In my last report, I gave details of proposed savings being made by the Isle of Wight Council in the coming financial year.

One aspect of the approved savings, I did not specifically flag up last month was the pending proposals to identify savings within car parking (in other words raising parking charges!) and savings within the Fire Service.

At the moment, I am liaising with representatives of the Fire Brigade Union who have concerns over reducing appliance crews from five to four.  On this matter, I have requested feedback on how this reduction has worked in other areas (particularly Cornwall), whether lessons can be learnt and also what impact this has had.

In the meantime, I know a number of residents have queried their bills. If you wish to find out more please visit: www.iwight/counciltax.  In addition to this, I know there are a large number of residents with limited incomes that do struggle owing to their personal circumstances.  If this applies to you, you may be entitled to council tax support. For details please visit: https://www.iwight.com/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Apply-for-Local-Council-Tax-Support. Should this be unsuccessful, the Isle of Wight Council also has in place an exceptional hardship fund.  For details visit:

https://www.iwight.com/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

5G Rollout.

Last month a several residents contacted me and sent me films of the impact of 5G coverage being rolled out.  On this subject, I would love to know more.

Although, I’m more than happy to receive emails in confidence, unless I am provided with at the very least a telephone number or contact address to find out more this is not helpful. I therefore ask that any resident concerned, is more ‘open’ about their personal concerns, how this effects them and the impact any proposal has upon the both our local and wider environment. Otherwise I cannot be certain that emails are legitimate.  

In respect to the intended 5G rollout, I can report that has been put on hold for the timebeing.

Isle of Wight Council Boundary Review.

Demonstrating that it does happen, all members were in support of the Isle of Wight Council retaining its 40 members, as I reported last month.  Should the Boundary Commission support this view, because of local population projections this is likely to see the Cowes West element of the Cowes West and Gurnard element of our ward shrink in size and population.

The purpose of the review is to best ensure that one vote= one person and each vote should be equal and not deviate too far.  At the moment the variances are highest in Whippingham & Osborne (21.83%), Cowes West & Gurnard (14.55%) and East Cowes (14.4%)- (Coincidentally wards held by Independents!), whilst Freshwater North (-18.84%), Chale, Niton & Whitwell (-15.07%) (held by Conservatives!)…

Solent Forum

I attended another fun-filled meeting of the Forum held in Cowes. Issues discussed included the following:

• ·         An update was given on replenishment through dredging materials of salt marshes between Keyhaven and Lymington which is currently subject to coastal erosion.
• ·         Coastal squeeze, how this impacts upon the loss of salt marshes and mudflats and what steps are being taken to address matters locally  
• ·         Capturing our Coast, and the work of volunteers with the University of Portsmouth finding out more about shoreline species at Bembridge. Of particular interest to some is Spermwatch which monitors national geographical reproduction deviations…(!) To find out more visit:  www.capturingourcoast.co.uk/
• ·         Making Ecological enhancements to Coastal Defences and the positive impact that this is having upon coastlines at Freshwater, Yarmouth, Compton, Fishbourne and East Cowes.  Also of interest was the engagement currently underway with Artology at Yarmouth school.
• ·         The Seabin initiative and work underway with Ben Ainsley Racing on how the Seabin device best collects pollutants, debris and plastics from sailing berths.
• ·         Concerns raised by sea anglers regarding the loss of access & recreational areas at East Cowes.
• ·         An update was provided on the restoration and refurbishment of Yarmouth Pier.
• ·         An update was given on the consultation on the third tranche of the roll out of Marine Conservation Zones.  This was due to commence from 16^th March 2018. For details please visit: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-7119-theme=default

Abandoned Vehicles.

In the last few months I have reported a number of cases of ‘Abandoned Vehicles’ to the IW Council.  If this has been reported to me, and action has not been seemingly taken, please tell me as given the volume of instances reported as I assume that all matters reported are satisfactorily responded to!!

Planning Applications.

If you are about to submit a planning application for your property, please consider talking to neighbours first.  Every year, I receive a large number of calls from neighbours who would love to have the opportunity to share their opinions at pre-application stage. From my experience as your ward councillor, believe me by talking in the very first instance can overcome anxiety, distress and upset. If this applies to you, please let me know and I’ll be more than happy to facilitate any discussion.  

Cowes Town Council and Gurnard Parish Council vacancies

One vacancy exists for the Cowes West seat on Cowes Town Council for details please contact Town Clerk, Debbie Faulkner at: townclerk@cowestowncouncil.org or telephone: 01983 209022

In addition two vacancies exist at Gurnard Parish Council, for details please contact Parish Clerk, Sue Waters at:  gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com or telephone: 07443 656480.

If you are interested, this is the ideal time for applying as this offers an opportunity to get involved before both local councils Annual General Meetings.

Scams.

Scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated in targeting residents.  Please note that if any offer seems too good to be true, then that is because it often is!!

There are a number of consumer sites where the latest phishing techniques are reported see: www.actionfraud.police.uk and www.which.co.uk/scam-watch.

I am hoping to persuade trading standards to attend a future Coffee & Chat drop in at All Saints Church (24^th May?).   

Also this month.

•  ·        Questions have been asked and answers received concerning gritting followed by street cleansing in Baring Road
• ·         I continue to work with residents at a new housing development to attempt to get matters resolved with their developer in advance of setting up their management committee.
• ·         I am attempting to liaise between residents and the MP on resolving healthcare concerns.
• ·         Full Council resolved to undertake a 12 week formal consultation to seek feedback from residents on the pros and cons on a combined fire authority for Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight.  I suspect this consultation will trigger a great deal of interest.  Once I know more, I will publicise this online and in future reports.
• ·         I have signposted two residents requesting support for family members.
• ·         As a member of the IW Council’s Appeals Panel, I supported proposals to safeguard a public right of way at Castlehaven, Niton.  
• ·         At the Council’s Budget Meeting it was agreed to remove all recycling points throughout car parks on the Island.  This being due to most recycling now being incorporated within the IW Council/ Amey’s household collection service.  If this does cause a problem to you, please let me know and I will do what I can to support you.  
• ·         I continue to support residents confused by the new arrangements in place at Newport Bus Station.  One issue that I have taken up on residents behalf is the difficulty being encountered by the lack of capacity for pedestrians between the Bus Station, Lord Louis Library and Orchard Street.   
• ·         I have been approached by a number of stakeholders with concerns over Cowes Floating Bridge.