IW Councillor's Report: April 2019

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd April, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2^nd April , Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Friday 5^th  April, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 10^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 10^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 24^th April, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 24^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

9:30-10am, Thursday 25^th April, Eegon's Cafe, 72 High Street, Cowes*.

*The advertised drop-in at Coffee and Chat at All Saints Church, Gurnard has been cancelled due to the naming ceremony of the Red Kestral in Southampton. Please note an alternative surgery takes place at Eegon's Cafe instead. Apologies for inconvenience caused.

English Coastal Path Update.

Natural England have confirmed it their intention to include Spencer’s Copse and Shore Path within the proposals for the new English Coastal Path, due to be consulted this summer.

This follows me pushing for this again in the last few months, a resolution put and supported by the Local Access Forum and the tireless campaigning by Isle of Wight Beauty In Perpetuity and local residents. This is good news, as this will offer funding opportunities to ensure the path can be maintained through external sources.  In addition, this takes liabilities off of landowners which can exist and cause difficulties elsewhere.

It seems likely that proposals to divert the trail via Burnt Wood at Thorness may be dropped due to ecological restraints.  However, suggestions for ‘red flag’ shooting day exemptions at Jersey Camp ‘may’ be considered.

Once again, the timescales have slipped on implementing the coastal path. This is as a consequence of Brexit, with officers from Natural England being deployed elsewhere. It was noted that some of the funding for the trail came from the EU, and depending on what Brexit deal is struck may reflect on how and to what extent the path is supported in future years.   

Local Access Forum Update.

At the most recent meeting of the Local Access Forum the following was reported:

·         Military Road.

It was confirmed that Military Road could not be diverted via Afton Down due to Environmental Designations which exist. Because of the creation of a new chine, south of Brook Green it is believed the road’s life may be reduced. When the road is severed, it was intended to create car parks at both the eastern and western points of the road. 

Following Dunsbury Farm (Brook), being purchased last year by the National Trust it was reported that land would be reverted from arable agriculture to grassland, likely to be grazed.  It is understood that by doing this and by looking at water courses and withy bed enrichment this will prolong the life of the road.

·         Grass verges.

Following success in Dorset, Island Roads are due to trial a cut and collect approach to verge management on rural roads. Collecting the arisings reduces verge fertility, which reduces future growth rates and therefore the need for cutting. Low fertility also benefits wildflowers which thrive in a low nutrient environment and provide an attractive road side, improving the environment and reducing costs.

·         Public Space Protection Order.

Proposals for the new Public Space Protection Order are still under review by officers.  However, despite objections from Cowes Town Council and Ryde Town Council it seems likely that a new restriction to dogs in cemeteries seems likely.

Annual Report 2019.

My Annual Report will be circulated this month.  If you have not received yours please let me know. Both my Annual Report, and updated Register of Interests can be viewed at: http://www.paulfullercc.blogspot.com

Asian Hornets. 

There is currently considerable concern about the predatory Asian Hornets arriving from the continent.

1. Please use the Asian Hornet Watch app on your phone to send a picture and a location via GPS in the app straight to the non-native species secretariat and National Bee Unit.

2. If you cannot download the Asian Hornet Watch app, please use this online recording form: http://www.brc.ac.uk/risc/alert.php?species=asian_hornet

3. As a last resort, you send a picture and email with details of where you saw the Asian hornet with your contact details to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

White Tailed Eagles.

A consultation (which I missed) took place last year to reintroduce White Tailed Sea Eagles to the Island.  This survey was undertaken by the Roy Dennis Foundation, who are working with the Forestry Commission to identify habitats.  It is noted where eagles have been introduced, this has had a positive impact upon the local economy.

The Isle of Wight was the last location in England where these substantial birds (the largest birds of prey in the UK having up to a 2.5 metre wingspan!) were found.  

Because of concerns raised by Farmers and Conservationists, I have contact both Mr Dennis and Helen Butler from Wightsquirrels.co.uk to seek their views.  In response, it was highlighted that in recent years squirrels have adapted to the presence of buzzards who prey upon small mammals.  That said, there remains concern over young livestock.

Housing Survey.

Following the IW Council’s administration’s recent consultation on the Island Strategic Plan, Island MP Bob Seely has initiated his own survey. This seems at odds with the IW Council and his Government imposed targets.  This consultation can be found at: http://islandvision.uk/islandplan/#part2.

In Bob’s narrative (which very much mirrors my viewpoint), the MP makes the following observations:

·         This housing is not being built for Islanders and will be unaffordable for most Islanders. It is purely designed to hit national targets.

·         It is not deliverable due to the lack of Island building capacity and we do not have the infrastructure to cope.

·         Large-scale housebuilding will damage our landscape, quality of life and the Island’s tourism and visitor economy.

·         By accepting targets we cannot fulfil, the Council leaves itself vulnerable to developers to force greenfield development.

·         There is no public support amongst Islanders for large-scale house-building which is not for Islanders.

Planning Updates.

·         Baring Road: 4 dwellings adjacent to Greenacres.  

A planning application for 4 dwellings was consulted upon last month. A letter drop to nearby households took place.

Further details can be found at https://www.iow.gov.uk/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=35355

·         Bucklers View, Worsley Road. Application for 12 new dwellings.

The planning application for expanding Bucklers View remains pending.  Once this is formally advertised, a letterdrop and a further drop-in for residents will take place.  In the meantime, I have been given to understand concerns on retaining trees/ soft landscaping have been discussed with Southern Housing.

·         Planning Enforcement.

I have requested the intervention of Officers on matters one off Rew Street, the other at Cockleton Lane.

·         Pedestrian Refuge, The Range, Place Road.

Meetings have taken place between Island Roads and The Range, with plans anticipated for these works. I am advised delays occurred due to ‘copyright issues’ with studies and plans! This is something I continue to monitor.

Storm Damage.

During last month’s storms, the following was reported:

·         Damage to Navigational Aid, shoreside of Cooks Bay, Gurnard.  This was reported to Trinity House to monitor and take necessary action to repair the damaged sign and post.

·         Felled tree, Place Road.  This was reported to Island Roads, and a replacement tree was requested.

·         Felled tree, Zig Zag steps, Baring Road.  The footpath to from Baring Road to Mornington Road needed to be closed for five days whilst the tree was cleared.

Support The Isle of Wight Foodbank

‘Items Most Urgently Needed’ list for March 2019 is:

·         Squash

·         Toiletries & Toilet Roll

·         Rice Pudding

·         Sponge Puddings

·         Juice

Please take any donations to the Isle of Wight Foodbank, Love Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7ET. Their opening times are 10am to 12 Noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Public Toilets.

Both Cowes and Gurnard Parish Council’s support repair and where appropriate replacement to Public Toilets to be given a high priority.  Please let me know your thoughts concerning this?

Bonfires.  

With spring arriving early, I have received reports of bonfires in the dip of Baring Road where the spring flows from Cowes Golf Club, to the west of Egypt Hill

Please advise neighbours if you plan to have a bonfire, as I’m reminded this can cause distress, particularly to those with health concerns and those suffering from breathing difficulties.   If you are unable to dispose of garden waste sustainably, please ensure fires do not cause a nuisance and are not left unattended!  For information on Green Garden Waste please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/form.aspx?k=GreenWasteSub2019

Highways Updates.

·         Carriageway Resurfacing.

I am advised that resurfacing has been scheduled to take place in Park Road and Carvel Lane in June 2019, and for Crossfield Avenue in July 2019.

As yet the date for resurfacing Newport Road, Northwood has not been agreed.  However, given the strategic importance of this road it is likely this will take place at night and remains on course to take place this year.

·         Trees, Three Gates Road/ Place Road junction, Cowes.

A request has been received from BAE Systems to remove trees and landscaping in Place Road.  This is necessary following a bid by the company to the Ministry of Defence to test radar equipment from their site.

BAE systems has requested that soft landscaping is at the same height (around 3 metres) as perimeter fencing to allow for the testing of equipment from their site across fields to the Solent.

·         Drainage.

Concerns over drainage and leaking pipes have been raised with Island Roads in Cockleton Lane, Ward Avenue and Woodvale Road.

·         Cowes Traffic Order Latest.

Because of delays progressing other orders, I remain positive that the Cowes TRO will be finalised in the next four to six weeks.  This has been confirmed by officers dealing with this.  Fingers crossed!

·         Meeting with Island Roads.

I am in the process of setting up a meeting between Local Town and Parish Councillors and Island Roads to discuss ongoing residents concerns.  I am hoping this meeting can take place towards the end of April/ Early May.

·         Off-Road Parking.

When parking your vehicle, please ensure that residents accesses are left unobstructed this applies not only to driveways themselves, but also directly opposite entrances where in narrow roads it can be very difficult for householders to enter and exit safely. 

Old School Meadow.

I have received feedback from residents asking for Gurnard’s Old School Meadow to be used for Conservation purposes, rather than primarily recreational use.  This follows Gurnard Parish agreeing to increase mows.

Although conservation is important and can be utilised alongside recreational use despite feedback received I still hold the view that the majority of local residents who use the old school playing field and orchard does so for recreational use.  Please let me know your thoughts..

Mayor’s Report.

·         A meeting took place to resurrect plans to create a hard surfaced footpath to circumnavigate the football pitches in Northwood Recreation Ground.  This project was initially considered by Cowes Community Partnership and Cowes Town Council about 11 years ago, and was overtaken by Playbuilder funding to improve play facilities for the park.  It is understood that funding from developers contributions were previously ring-fenced for this project.

·         I was joined by Cllr David Jones and Cllr Paul Taylor on flag-raising and commemorating Commonwealth Day in Francki Place, Cowes.

·         There has been successful meetings between the Isle of Wight Council, contractors from Trevor Jones Contracting who support the view of both Cowes Town Council and Cowes Heritage who wish to see the Watch House Shelter repaired rather than removed.  For Trevor Jones Contracting, Gowan Ruler has highlighted that the company are prepared to do this for the town at cost.  On behalf of the Town Council, I wish to thank Gowan for his support to save this asset for visitors and residents. In the meantime, I remain hopeful that a compromise negotiated whereby the IW Council project manages repairs can proceed.

·         Cowes Town Council has been approached to continue funding the school crossing patrol in Park Road.  This follows Cowes Primary School not being in a position to continue to fund this crossing point, which is also used by students from Cowes Enterprise College, as well as Blackberry Lane Nursery. The difficulty across the Island with crossing patrols is that the recruitment of new lollypop men and women is very limited, and it is fully recognised that where and when these exist patrols are worth their weight in gold!

·         Cowes Town Council are considering options to increase parking availability in the town.  Of priority is supporting residents, shoppers and visitors.  However a more joined-up and a consistent view on parking arrangements throughout the town is being considered by Councillors.  In the meantime, please let me know your views?

·         Following a request made to the producers, the Town Council was successful to gaining samples for a pilot scheme to test a more sustainable weedkiller.  The weedkiller itself is made from Acetic Acid and is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

·         A meeting took place to monitor the management and upkeep of Mornington Woods.  It was reported that damage occurred to a neighbouring household when the branch of a maple tree fell down in stormy weather.  It was noted that prior to this, local residents did not consent to works taking place.  In addition other damaged trees are being monitored and bat surveys are taking place.

Also this month:

·         I have supported a resident in getting their blue badge processed.

·         I am supporting tenants who are in conflict with their landlord following neighbours discarding wet wipes/ sanitary items which has led to blocked drains and pipework

·         I am meeting with residents from Gurnard Pines, who have asked for my support with the cost of new meters.

·         I am supporting a resident who is suffering from damp conditions in their home, which is having an adverse impact upon this residents children.

·         I am helping a resident to receive an improved healthcare package to suit their personal needs.

·         Support is being provided to residents of Hamlet Court.

·         Following last months report, repairs have taken place to damaged kerbing in Blackberry Lane.

·         Advice and signposting has been provided to residents requesting new paper bins and recycling of Garden Waste.

·         Repairs continue to broken railings on Cowes/ Gurnard Esplanade.

·         I am supporting residents liaising with Planners over a building within a conservation area.

·         An Extraordinary Meeting of the IW Council took place to grant the Mountbatten Hospice founder Dr Desmond Murphy ‘Freedom of the Isle of Wight Status’.  This was granted unanimously by the 28 Councillors (myself included) in attendance for this special meeting.

·         A ‘sink hole’ was reported to me last month.  I have offered this resident support, should this be necessary.  In the meantime, I have liaised with colleagues on this matter.

·         I am advised that the name for the new development proposed for land adjacent to Dottens Farm is proposed to be either The Dottens, Dottens View or Pond Close.  Please let me know your thoughts?

·         I have been contacted by a number of residents concerned over proposals to increase revenue from overnight parking.

·         Support is being given to residents of The Green, given a hard time from Amey due to a lack of storage capacity for waste and recycling. To date, residents have not been supported on the room available leave waste. Discussions are ongoing with the IW Council who are due to contact landlords and owners to resolve the problem.