IW Councillors Report, November 2021

 

Surgeries:

 

4:30-5pm; Tuesday 2^nd November, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11am; Thursday 4^th November, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 10^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

11:30-12:30pm, Thursday 18^th November, Food Shack & Bar, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard. 

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 24^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 25^th November, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 25^th November, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

October.

 

As many people may be aware the last couple of months for me have proved a challenge due to personal circumstances that I have been dealing with.  As a result of this, and following 10 days isolation brought about from contracting Covid, I will be adapting my work/ life balance from this month.

 

Sometimes, you need to work through life changing experiences to understand what is important!

 

Consequently, I will be concentrating much more on local matters.  In recent months, I have spent up to 2-3 days each week dealing with issues from other wards.  This will stop unless there is a Planning link, or where I am a Parish/ Town Councillor. 

 

In the meantime, I would like to thank everybody for their kind words and friendship!    

 

The Jordan Grille, Shore Road.

 

The ongoing saga to content with the removal of the grille continued to cause an issue for me.  Following the support of the lovely Vicky Spencer, from the EA the Isle of Wight Council removed the grille before the October storms set in.

 

Flooding Issues.

 

Apart from Shore Road, I have also been supporting residents in Cockleton Lane, Rew Street and Wyatts Lane where storm water surface drainage continues to be an on ongoing issue.  This problem seems to have been made where ditches have not been kept clear from debris and where semi-permeable front driveways are not properly maintained.

 

In Solent View Road work to replace the tree damaged water main will take place in the coming weeks.

 

A request has also been followed up to monitor discharges entering the River Jordan.  This follows further complaints being received regarding the odour of the river.

 

Toilets.

 

I continue to receive feedback from Southern Water who request that residents please not to dispose of fats, wet wipes, rags, sanitary equipment, condoms in toilets.

 

According to Southern Water, Gurnard is one of the worst areas in the region for this, and although repairs has been necessary over the past few months the issue with blockages continue.

 

Cowes Enterprise College: Design Technology

 

Last month, before getting hit by Covid, I was really looking forward to catching up with Cowes Enterprise College students.  This took place after Half Term, once I’ve fully recovered!  

During the event, I spoke to students about Town Centre Planning and the provision of street furniture which could and should make places better for residents and visitors.  

 

Crossfield Estate.

 

I continue to receive feedback concerning boundary hedges being punched through to increase access to roads on the Crossfield Estate.  In King James Close (where access have been created to both Westwood Close and Winston Close), I have requested these gaps are blocked as when the roads were created it was made clear that no right of way was wanted or required.

 

 

 

 

Planning Applications.

 

·         The Dottens.  This application has been refused.

 

·         Cockleton Lane (Ref: 21/01747/FUL). Proposed 6 dwellings.

 

I called-in this application on the following grounds:

°         Concerns over the size and scale of units and subsequent loss of amenity, privacy and outlook to nearby properties.

°         Concerns over storm water run-off and combined mains and sewerage system.

°         The site lies on a Greenfield site outside the existing and intended settlement boundaries of the Island Plan and Draft Island Planning Strategy. Should any development on the site be allowed this should meet the local housing need, i.e. allow older residents to downsize to single storey dwellings and/or to provide local affordable housing contrary to policy H1.1, H1.2 and H1.3 of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan.

°         Because there are no special circumstances affording development outside the settlement boundary the Parish Council has concerns over the narrowing of the green space between Meadow View in Place Road (Cowes) and Cockleton Lane (Gurnard), hence creating coalescence between both communities. Therefore this development is contrary to E1 of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan. 

°         Given the loss of the Cockleton Lane hedgerow, we request the developer provides an Ecological report and mitigate against any loss of biodiversity

°         Given the volume and speed of traffic in Cockleton Lane we have concerns over vehicular access on the lane, pedestrian access to the site, and access via sustainable means. 

°         I am concerned about the potential of lighting and materials used for the permissive path, access road and properties, and the impact this will have upon the rurality of the area. 

°         I am concerned about a lack of permanency of any permissive path.

°         I wish to add to my call-in request the need to remain consistent with relationship to other applications that have been considered outside the settlement boundary within Gurnard in accordance with the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.  Examples that I give that has been refused include:  Baring Road, The Dottens and Gurnard Farm (Lower Church Road).   The concern that I have is that as soon as a precedent is made whereby if the hard settlement boundary is lost, then this could potentially dilute the GNP and the definition of the settlement boundary.

 In addition concerns have been raised to Planning Officers regarding applications in Pine Tree Close, whilst comments have been relayed regarding a 5G mask for Baring Road.  

In addition, I have raised concerns over proposals for the former Poultry Farm in Place Road where I’ve expressed concerns over the lack of affordable homes and settlement coalescence.  

 

Other Planning Matters:

 

·         Councillors unanimously rejected proposals to drill for Oil at Arreton.  What was very key during the debate was concerns being expressed over the principle of drilling for oil when the Island is a designated Biosphere Reserve.  The key ground for objecting was the fact that the ‘economic impact’ of exploration was considered by Councillors to be less important than the loss of the economic impact through both tourism, and the impact drilling would have upon the Islands natural environment.

·         I am supporting Councillors with derelict properties, addressing concerns over these being left vacant.

·         I am renewing a bid for extra funding to be made available to support planning enforcement.  I am ever hopeful there may be scope to ensure any extra support can be offered to Town and Parish Councils.  

·         A review is taking place of areas of the lsland where second home ownership is of concern.  It is advised that the tipping point of a communities sustainability is where ownership is around 27%.  In Seaview the figure is 80%, whilst in Yarmouth it is 70%, and Bembridge this is 60%.  Across the Island the figure remains at 5%.  However, since Covid evidence suggests second home owners have switched their primary residence to the Island. 

·         Because of issues concerning the Planning Authorities Planning Website, I am requesting action is taken to resolve some of the issues connecting and downloading documents from the site. 

 

Covid Booster Drop-In’s.

 

These walk-in’s are taking place at The Riverside Centre on the following dates:

 

Wednesday 3 November, 8am - 12.15pm. Open to anyone aged 40 years or over who requires a first dose or a second dose of AstraZeneca.

Friday 5 November, 2pm to 7.45pm. Open to anyone aged 16 or over who requires a first dose of Pfizer, or second dose if eight weeks have passed since the first.

Wednesday 10 November, 8am - 12.15pm. Open to anyone aged 40 years or over who requires a first dose or a second dose of AstraZeneca.

Friday 12 November, 2pm to 7.45pm. Open to anyone aged 16 or over who requires a first dose of Pfizer, or second dose if eight weeks have passed since the first.

Wednesday 17 November, 8am - 12.15pm. Open to anyone aged 40 years or over who requires a first dose or a second dose of AstraZeneca.

Friday 19 November, 2pm to 7.45pm. Open to anyone aged 16 or over who requires a first dose of Pfizer, or second dose if eight weeks have passed since the first.

Wednesday 24 November, 8am - 12.15pm. Open to anyone aged 40 years or over who requires a first dose or a second dose of AstraZeneca.

Friday 26 November, 2pm to 7.45pm. Open to anyone aged 16 or over who requires a first dose of Pfizer, or second dose if eight weeks have passed since the first.

In the meantime, in addition to the above Cowes Medical Centre are also offering Flu and Covid-19 vaccines to patients by appointment, also in addition many local pharmacies are taking bookings for immunisations.

Concerns have also been raised by the NHS directing residents to mainland immunisations appointments.  This is clearly stupid and unacceptable, and a request has been made for the NHS and CCG to sort this matter out.

 

Drones.

 

I continue to receive calls concerning the use of drones, please note the following rules regarding their use:

 

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the UK

·         Your drone must weigh under 20kg

·         You can’t fly above 400 feet in altitude or 500 metres from you horizontally

·         Ensure your drone is always in sight

·         Always keep away from aircraft, helicopters, airports and airfields

·         Use your common sense and fly your aircraft safely

·         Any drone weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the CAA and the drone pilot must complete an online safety test, obtaining a Flyer ID and an Operator ID that should be attached to the Drone.

·         You must not fly within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or vessels

·         Your drone must not be flown within 150 metres of a congested area or any large group of people such as a concert or sporting event as you may be prosecuted

·         If you intend to record in an area where people are, you must inform them before you start, as you will need to respect privacy, or risk being prosecuted

 

If your drone is fitted with a camera there are additional regulations you must follow.

 

·         You must not fly within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or vessels

·         Your drone must not be flown within 150 metres of a congested area or any large group of people such as a concert or sporting event as you may be prosecuted.

·         If you intend to record in an area where people are, you must inform them before you start.

·         If you intend to use the drone for commercial purposes you must have permission from the CAA and comply with additional laws governing their use. 

 

To get guidance on operating permissions for drones see the CAA’s website for the latest information and regulations regarding drone use.

 

Top Tips from the Footprint Trust to help you keep Warm & Safe this Winter.

 

OFGEN has reported that for 15 million Energy Customers, Bills will increase as from 1^st October.  This follows an increase to the Fuel Cap which OFGEN negotiates with energy supplies

 

At the moment to counter these increases a number of independent search engines can help customers get the best deal. These include: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557

 

In addition to the above, The Footprint Trust advises:

 

·         Talk to your energy company.  Are you on the best deal? Can you get the £140 Warm Home Discount?

·         Keep safe in a power cut or water failure.  Join the free Priority Service Register call 0800 294 3259 or visit www.ssen.co.uk/psr/southernwater

·         Lag your water pipes

·         Save £200 per year on utility costs! Talk to the Warm Island team at the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

·         Phone 0800 027 0800 and ask about the Watersure tariff if you have a disability or high water use due to illness.

·         Make sure your torch is charged, and you have spare batteries.

·         Keep a supply of tinned and non-perishable goods in case extreme weather prevents you going out to the shops

·         Make sure you have enough medicine; don’t leave re-ordering to the last minute.

·         Keep important phone numbers on your fridge.

 

Useful Helplines:

 

°         If you are worried about your Fuel Bills call The Footprint Trust on 01983 822282.

°         Islehelp for advice and information on benefits, money issues, rent concerns. Telephone: 01983 823859/ 823898;  Website: www.islehelp.me; Email: enquiries@iwcab.org.uk

°         Isle of Wight Council Covid-19 Support  Telephone: 01983 823600

°         Struggling on your pension? You may be entitled to more money. Pension Credit helpline 0800 991 234.