IW Councillor's Report, July 2023

 

Surgeries:

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 3^rd July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 4^th July, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

11:30-12:15pm, Thursday 6^th July, The Pavilion, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 12^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 19^th July, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 20^th July, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Opportunist Burglaries.

 

The police has asked for residents to be vigilant by locking sheds and doors are locked. This is requested as unwanted intruders and opportunist burglaries occur during the summer.

 

Jet Ski (Personal Watercraft): New Legislation.

 

Legislation has been introduced to prevent dangerous misuse of watercraft such as jet skis. New Powers mean that:

 

·         Anyone riding a jet ski recklessly or causing harm to others now face up to 2 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

·         Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be granted more powers to prosecute.

·         In addition the Maritime Police Unit also has powers under local the local bye-law.

Call 999 in an emergency. Non-emergencies contact www.hampshire.police.uk. For other concerns call 101 straight away

 

Affordable Housing Consultation.

 

The draft Housing Affordability SPD updates information that needs to be considered and provided relating to planning applications involving provision of affordable housing on the island. The consultation continues until 28 July 

The document purpose is to provide all parties with clear guidance on the types of affordable housing being sought, the target mix and the data sources to be used to identify local affordable housing requirements. It also outlines the affordable housing process and different types of affordable housing including First Homes.

 

For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/local-plan/supplementary-planning-documents/

 

Anti-Social Behaviour, Gurnard Secret Beach

 

I’ve received reports regarding anti-social behaviour on the beach, with instances of adjacent properties being damaged and used without homeowners permission.  This has been reported to the police who I have asked to step up patrols.

 

Gurnard Press.

 

On Social Media it has been reported that Gurnard Press has new owners and is to re-open on 28^th June.  The new café is to be run by Ava and Michele and their family…

 

On less happy news, Dave and Katie will close the Pavilion at Gurnard Pines after the August Bank Holiday.

 

Environmental Health Complaints

 

·         Barking Dogs.

With the weather continuing to warm up, I’ve received complaints regarding the barking of dogs both inside and outside homes.  This can cause considerable distress to those living nearby.

 

If you are an owner of a dog that is left at home, please ensure that your pet is happy (with their favourite toys), has familiar sounds (i.e radio’s) and are properly hydrated before leaving for work.  The RSPCA also advises that pets are exercised beforehand to assist ensuring they do not get stressed.

 

·         Anti-Social Gardens.

Unkempt gardens continue to be a cause of concern for neighbours.  Unless there is an environmental issue (vermin, waste) that causes a health and safety issue/ hazard, the IW Council are limited in their powers to take action.

 

·         Noise Nuisance.

I continue to receive complaints regarding noise nuisance.  Although I am happy to assist on this, Environmental Health asks that residents email them direct: environmental.health@iow.gov.uk, or call 01983 821000.  This ensures officers can fully understand the harm anti-social behaviour impacts. In the meantime, to assist please keep a log of incidents and when (and where) they occur.  

 

 

Back Door Waste/ Recycling Collections.

 

For second home owners, and those unable to leave their waste out, the Council provides their Collection Plus Service allowing householders to agree a safe collection point for their refuse. For further information please call 01983 823777 or visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/additional-household-services/paid-for-waste-services/. This service costs £65 per year and free to residents who are mobility impaired.

 

Local Planning Applications.

 

·         I am still attempting to find a compromise that will satisfy IWC Planners and the developer of intended Eco-Chalets at Gurnard Pines.  Locally, there is little opposition from residents to plans to create eco-chalets where chalets had previously been located. Given the investment that has taken place on the former complex by the Owner, I remain in support of plans.  With respect to this, I have called-in proposals by the Planners to reject current proposal.

·         Elsewhere, in Woodvale Road a compromise was found, where a neighbour objected to the loss of their privacy by the installation of a balcony. 

·         Landowners are considering expanding the Meadow View development beyond where permission has been granted.  The developers are anxious to extend community engagement prior to any new proposal which is intended to lie on land between Place Road and Cockleton Lane.

·         A request was made to the case officer for an update on the Watersedge Café. This follows removal of the kiosk.

·         A complaint was made to IW Council’s Planning Enforcement and Coastal Protection Teams over further works that took place on the secret Beach between Gurnard Sailing Club and Gurnard Marsh. This is being investigated.

·         I have been approached following reports of Anti-Social Behaviour at a property on Cowes Seafront.  This has been reported to the householder and action has been taken.

 

Water Butts.

 

Southern Water are intending from this month to have people door knocking with bins and (when residents aren’t in) calling cards as they ramp up their installation of slow the flow water butts this month  

 

Elsewhere, I know that some residents have received correspondence from ‘Aqualogic’ who are seeking to provide ‘water saving devices’.  If you receive such correspondence from Southern Water’s contractors, Aqualogic this is genuine.

 

Questions have been raised regarding the prevalence of mosquitoes who use water butts as a breeding ground. To avoid this happening, float some olive oil on the top. One tablespoon full should be enough.

 

Car Parking charges.

 

A number of residents contacted me concerning new car parking charges that have been rolled out across the Island.

 

New charges were agreed following last year’s budget and consultation. Although residents were not in full support, views expressed showed that increases were preferable to services being cut back further. 

 

That said, I have sympathy with residents contacting me, and have asked that if costs were more affordable this could result in more people paying less thus, retaining revenue. What also concerns is that charges seem higher on the Island than in comparative mainland areas. For me, what is increasingly important is the need to incentivise residents using local facilities, traders and services.  At the moment it remains a constant battle to defend not imposing the threat of charges in new areas (for example for Cowes/ Gurnard and East Cowes Seafronts) and seeing charges imposed in different ways (i.e imposing charges for disabled drivers).  With next year’s budget soon to happen, please let me know your thoughts!

 

Highways/ Environmental Works etc.

 

·         I am advised works to protect the Beach Huts from further land slippage are imminent.

·         Again, I am advised that works to make repairs to the Northwood Cricket Ground are due to take place soon.

·         Yellow lines have been painted to denote drops from the Beach Huts and to the beach in Gurnard.  This follows complaints made by residents to the Council.

·         I have been approached by a resident wishing to make a claim against the owner of a private road.

·         I have followed up a concern raised over access to drinking water for wildlife in Parkhurst Forest.

·         I’ve chased up an abandoned vehicle in Cliff Road, Cowes.

·         A request was made to extend double yellow lines at Horn Hill, Rew Street. This is due to vehicles blocking the gate needed for emergency access to the Coastal Path, as well as the Gas and Telephone mains that come ashore at this point. Because of the significant risk to life the landowner has threatened to close the path.   

·         The deteriorating condition of seats outside Bucklers View has been reported to Southern Housing for repair.

 

School Place Planning (Potential School closures)

 

At 6:30pm, Tuesday 11^th July, at Medina Theatre a public meeting will take place to discuss proposals that could lead to schools closing with intake numbers falling by one third in five years on the Island. I’ve also requested answers to questions raised by parents and teachers which I am supporting.

 

Overgrown Hedgerows, grass verges and vegetation.

 

With summer here, so remains the thorny issue (pun intended) of overgrown hedges.  I have so far asked Island Roads to contend with the hedge in Tuttons Hill. At Meadow View, the developer has confirmed of hedges needing to be trimmed.  I expect many further enquiries over the coming weeks and months ahead.  Please continue to keep me updated!

 

Because of the recent grass cutting regime by Island Roads, and following complaints received a consultation with residents is due to take place over the summer.  This may result in further cuts, naturalising grass verges and the potential of allowing residents (who have asked to do so, managing verges outside their homes) and will be explored further following consultation by the Parish Council at its September meeting.

 

Verification of Documents etc.

 

As a magistrate, I am able to authorise/ verify documents.  On a positive note, I am happy to do this at no cost during Councillor surgeries.  However, surgeries are always prioritised to support ward matters first and limited to 30 minutes. Given the unpredictable nature of surgeries I cannot always guarantee to verify documents within the time available.

 

To assist, if you wish paperwork to be authorised etc, please contact me beforehand. Please also ensure you have all your documents including any originals.  Should you wish me to verify, sign and date three or more copies of original documents, please write the following on each copied page: 

 

‘I hereby confirm that this is a true copy of the original document’.  

 

This allows more time to reference original documents, and to sign and date copies as required. I request this, as it is so important to allow me sufficient time to verify documents correctly.

 

Other professionals can verify documents (i.e legal advisors, bankers, doctors, ministers, teachers etc). The Magistrates Court, Sea Street, Newport may also be able to help. The Court can be contacted on 01983 535100.

 

Barbecues.

 

Please discard of used disposable barbecues sensibly. If barbecues can be avoided all together this would be brilliant!

 

Please ensure debris is safely disposed of. Incidents have occurred where abandoned barbecues have caused fires to surrounding countryside as well as litter bins.  In addition there have also been incidents where barbecues have scorched ground where they are been lit, whilst on beaches barbecues has caused burns when trodden on.

 

In response to the regularity of incidents requests have been made to ban disposable barbecues. Should drought conditions prevail, it is likely that barbecues (on public open spaces) will be banned until conditions change. 

 

Hedgehog Corner: Creating hedgehog highways.

 

Removing barriers to a hedgehog’s nightly wandering is the most important action we can take for the species. A 13cm x 13cm hole is sufficient to create a corridor from one garden to the next. This can be drilled through wooden fence panels or be a gap cut in a wire fence. A channel can be dug underneath a fence or gate, or a brick can be removed from a wall.

 

There’s no maximum number of holes you can create. A hole on more than one boundary will contribute to a bigger habitat network. Those with more ambitious goals may even want to replace the fence with a hedgerow to provide a corridor, nesting spot and food for hedgehogs.

 

The development of new homes shows no signs of respite, and is widely considered that the building of fences with no gaps has contributed to the hedgehog decline.

 

 

 

 

Report from the Cabinet Member for Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding.

 

·         In liaison with Sandown Town Council, a Management Plan for the Town’s Conservation Area has been created to reuse and restore key vacant, derelict and ‘at risk’ buildings in the town.

·         In line with the Council’s Corporate Priority consultation is underway on Affordable Housing (see earlier item on  this)

·         The first phase of urgent Coastal Protection works at Ventnor was completed (unusually) on time, and will safeguard imminent risk to both the coastline and nearby properties.

·         I recently supported proposals to sign off and progress a housing scheme at Spencer Park, Ryde to provide affordable homes to key workers. 

·         Work has commenced on repairs to the Sandcove/ Pier Road slipway in Seaview.

·         I was the ‘guest’ speaker at Wroxall Parish Council’s meeting, where a record 26 members of the public attended to share their concerns over the deteriorating condition of the former Worsley Pub.  Thankfully, prior to the meeting that afternoon I received confirmation from Natural England who had accepted conditions to mitigate against nitrates. 

·         I attended a meeting of the Planning Improvement Steering Committee.  Issues discussed included reduced profit margins for the providers of Affordable Homes, issues relating to the availability of privately/ social rented homes, the social impact of nature recovery, pre planning advice and plans for future engagement with stakeholders.

·         Consultation is pending for the Local Planning Authority’s Statement of Community Involvement.

·         Over the coming few months, Planning Committee agenda’s are due to have more items.  This is due to a large number of applications coming forward for consideration.

·         69.4% of decisions for refusal were upheld by the Planning Inspectorate when considering Planning Appeals. This is considered to be a very good standard when considering Major and Non-Major developments. It is above the national average and comfortably clear of thresholds for assessing under performance.

·         I met with IWALC to discuss the potential of transferring public services from the Local Authority (IWC) to Parish Councils.  A further meeting is due to take place as a follow up.  IWALC has requested potential future support from Parks and Beaches, Parking and Highways, Planning 

·         Discussions are continuing with Seaview and Nettlestone Parish Council on progressing a Parish Plan for the Parish.  Meanwhile, Yarmouth Town Council are in the process of considering its Neighbourhood Plan options.

·         I have been advised that at a recent local private meeting with the Minister, that proposals to update Planning Policy and the Governments Planning Bible has been delayed.  As yet, there has been no formal confirmation of this. 

·         Action is being taken in partnership with Trinity House to replace/ repair Navigational Markers at Shanklin.

·         A commitment has been given to provide a Flooding Update to Corporate Scrutiny Committee this month.

·         A request has been followed up concerning access to the IW Council’s Planning Portal.

 

Gurnard Parish Council Chairman’s Report.

 

·         A number of complaints have been received regarding the regularity of bins being emptied. This is being monitored.

·         With Cllr Acton, we both were interviewed and filmed regarding Southern Water’s Pathfinder Project.

·         An initial meeting took place with Place Road developers concerning their future plans and a request to support the repair of the perimeter fence.  A follow up session is pending

·         As Chairman, I have been invited to and intend attending IWALC’s meeting with Mayors and Chairs.

·         I have been approached concerning proposals to manage Cats Copse woodland off Rew Street.

·         A complaint was received concerning a serious disturbance involving footballs in use at Gurnard Green. This has been forwarded to the IW Council..

·         Cllr Franklin is in the process of making recommendations to update the Parish Council’s Website.

·         An update has been requested on the current status of Gurnard Village Green.

·         Richard Shaul has now been formally contracted as Gurnard Parish Council’s Parish Clerk. Congratulations Richard!

·         I am meeting with a resident who has complained on a number of matters concerning Old School Meadow.

 

Also this Month.

 

·         My updated declaration of Interests can now be found on my website.  This follows appointments made at recent Council Annual General Meetings.

·         I’ve received a commitment from the IW Council to undertake

·         I have been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.  In this role, I have volunteered to lead engagement with other Local Authority representatives. In addition, I will be supporting the Chairman and Officers involved in overseeing the build of SIFCA’s new Patrol Vessel, ‘Vigilant’ and providing support on the pending byelaw associated with Bottomed Tow Fishing Gear.

·         I attended a meeting on the work of the Care Quality Commission, and the ongoing pressures that the Island faces with its aging population.

·         I made a request that Donna Jones the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight comes to Cowes to address local residents’ concerns.

·         I attended a meeting of the Licensing Committee and received updated training and support offered to Councillors.

·         I attended Cowes Primary School’s International Day, met many lovely parents and teacher (who discussed concerns they had on school place planning) and had some delicious food.  Thank you Team Cowes Primary for a lovely day!