Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: November 2023

 

Surgeries:

9:30-10am, Friday 3^rd November, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Friday 3^rd November, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 9^th November, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-4pm, Tuesday 14^th November, Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

11-11:30pm, Thursday 16^th November, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

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

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

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

 

Water Butts.

 

These are still being rolled out by Southern Water. For details on whether your road is included within the scheme, please visit: https://gurnardparishcouncil.gov.uk/free-water-butt-from-southern-water/. Waterbutts are currently being rolled out in Northwood, whilst Cowes will follow soon! 

 

Speed Reduction Scheme, Gurnard.

 

I still continue to receive requests for a 20’s Plenty, or similar scheme to reduce the speed of traffic in the village.  In the meantime, I am advised that results from the IW Council’s Speed Review will be presented to Cabinet early next year, and although the Government’s support for schemes has lessened where there is support from local communities schemes are more likely to be supported.

 

Please let me know your thoughts on this?  I’m intending to call a public meeting to gauge views next year.

 

Anti-Social Parking, The Green, Crossfield Avenue.

 

More calls have been received regarding indiscriminate parking on The Green opposite Cowes Enterprise College.  In response, this has been raised to Parking Services as well as the Police. 

 

Road Closures.

 

·         Princes Esplanade.

In the last month, there has been considerable dialogue between myself, Island Roads and contractors who have been working to get the Esplanade reopened. However, this has proved difficult due to Island Roads making it clear that traffic lights is not an option that can be used given the road width.

 

Although a compromise was offered to reinstate the Community Bus, given the risk involved for the driver, it was agreed not to reopen the route for buses only. The road is scheduled to reopen on 3^rd November.

 

·         Rew Street.

Wightfibre is undertaking works in Rew Street.  Like the Princes Esplanade closure, this has meant that bus services having to be re-routed. Rew Street is scheduled to reopen on 7^th November.

 

Northwood Park Play Equipment.

 

Following its ROSPA inspection earlier this year, swings were removed from Northwood Park.  This followed the inspection where the swing base had corroded. 

 

As a result, I am advised that a replacement of the swing will cost in the region of £10,000.  This I have passed on for consideration by the Projects Committee of Cowes Town Council.

 

News from Southern Vectis.

 

The £2 single bus fare introduced by Government earlier this year, and supported by Southern Vectis has been extended to at least 31^st December 2023!

 

With further respect to Southern Vectis, I am advised that the new buses for Route 1 are due to be rolled out this month.

 

Planning:

 

Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace & residential development for up to 117 units.

 

Should proposals for the SANG and residential development be supported by officers, I have requested that the final decision is called-in for consideration by the Planning Committee.  The grounds for this are:

 

As Ward Councillor, I wish to call-in proposal for the hybrid Planning Application for land between Place Road and Cockleton Lane (Ref: 23/01430/FUL) on the following grounds should the LPA be mindful of approving proposals:

Impact upon the loss of Green Space between Cowes, Gurnard &  Northwood and its impact proposals has upon coalescence.

 

The residential aspect for this proposal is contrary to Policies SP1 of the Island Plan Core Strategy, as this is neither ‘within or immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary’. 

 

Policy DM2 also references the need to (point 2) optimise existing topography, views, wildlife corridors etc and ‘complement the character of the surrounding area, particularly when this has been referred to other Supplementary Planning Documents (such as Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan)’.  Previously with respect to Policy DM2 the view ‘particularly of the church across the green gap and valley’ from Place Road was considered important.  This will further be inhibited by the scale and density of new development outside of the settlement boundary west of Place Road, 

 

To note, Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan has referenced the importance of the boundary between Place Road and Cockleton Lane referred to as the Jordan Valley LC7 and subsequently the Gurnard Plateau LC5- now more important given recent development of the upper Jordan Valley.

 

Of particular note within the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan are Policies E1 (Landscape Protection and Green Gaps) and H1 (New Housing Development) which compliments Policy SP1 on requiring the need to ensure new developments are contained within the settlement boundary. 

 

It is further noted in the new Island Planning Strategy there is no deviation from existing settlement boundaries between Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood, which highlights the importance and requirement to protect this green gap from coalescence. This has also been reinforced within the LUC’s Isle of Wight Coalescence Study 2018 (page 20). This I consider important given the recognition of the green gap, and the protection offered to retain the settlement boundary in the same position as it was prior to the Meadow View development (which was considered, at Appeal to be ‘immediately’ adjacent to the Settlement Boundary)

 

Given the Net Zero credentials of the residential units, I also have concerns to why it is necessary for the SANG to require a 20 vehicle car park.  This is contrary to Policy SP7 of the IPCS, which requires an alternative means to travel than by car.  By its location, and access from Tuttons Hill, this access,  and any surface treatment of footpaths within the SANG, urbanises the important green gap between both Cowes and Gurnard.

 

This call-in request, mirrors concerns raised by Gurnard Parish Council, Cowes Town Council and Northwood Parish Council in objections raised.  In line with their and other residents objections, in addition I wish also to add concerns over:

 

a) Proposals over the Future management of the SANG.  This cost, will potentially need to be funded by residents including those in ‘affordable’ accommodation.

 

b) Proposals to lose hedgerows and wildlife Corridors from the Gurnard Plateau. 

 

c) Crime and Disorder concerns on boundaries between the SANG and neighbouring residences. 

 

d) Concerns over the existing capacity of roads and junctions on the Cowes to Newport corridor.

 

e) Concerns have been raised regarding the ability for the combined sewer system to cope with additional homes.  Reference has been made locally to overcapacity of the combined sewerage mains, which has resulted in outfalls at Gurnard (Woodvale and Marsh Road) discharging into the Solent.  This for local residents is a major issue.

 

f) Residents have raised concerns with me over the ability of healthcare providers to cope, particularly doctors and dentists, which are in low supply locally.  This follows loss of dentists and GP’s at Cowes Medical Centre. In discussions had with Cowes Medical Centre, it is noted and widely acknowledged that there are challenges dealing with the needs of current local population.

 

·         Gurnard Pines Eco Chalets.

 

Discussions continue with Planners on the Eco-Chalets.  Originally this proposal looked as though it might have been refused.  However, following several amendments being made, officers now seem happier.

 

In the meantime, I know that the applicants remains eager to start this at the very earliest opportunity.

 

 

Flooding.

 

Following the amber warning for flooding, a number of actions throughout the Island took place after several rivers burst their banks which coincided with high tides.  It was made clear that preparation was not as good as it should have been, the fact that the amber warning was only issued by the Met. Office 15 minutes before its start time (at 5:45am) did not help.

 

The situation at the time was made worse by a combination of factors. Storm Water, (very) High Tides, high water tables and North Easterly winds meant that river water was not able to flow into the sea.

 

Further flood warnings have been issued for early November.  For support, please call 01983 823600.  In the meantime, I have tagged IW Council support at the end of this report.

 

Locally in Gurnard, I spoke to a number of residents at Gurnard Marsh, Gurnard Pines, Cowes/ Gurnard seafront and Cowes High Street.  As a matter of urgency, I’ve requested that reinstalled grilles under the culvert at Shore Road is permanently replaced. This was reinstated in error by IWC Coastal Officers concerned by Health & Safety.   

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Winter Is Coming: Support from the Footprint Trust.

 

The Footprint Trust is gearing up to help residents prepare for the colder months with its Winter is Coming event. This takes place on Wednesday, 8th November from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM at NCCC, 64 High Street, Newport for an afternoon filled with valuable resources and expert advice.

 

In the meantime please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/keep-the-island-safe/cost-of-living/ for IWC updates.

Government support can also be found at the following link: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/

 

Fireworks.

 

If you are intending to celebrate Bonfire night this year with fireworks, please let your neighbours know.  This follows incidents (and subsequent calls I receive) of pets being startled.  To drop a note through neighbours doors to pre warn them is generally well received and can ensure preparations are made.

 

Scams.

 

Following last month’s report, a number of residents have been in touch concerning scammers targeting older family members. It is noted that single elderly residents can be vulnerable to scammers.

 

For an update on current scams, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/business-and-consumer/trading-standards-service/iwasp-isle-of-wight-against-scams-partnership/current-scams/#:~:text=Calls%20about%20your%20debit%20or,all%20sorts%20of%20banking%20details.

 

Martin Lewis also provides advice on avoiding scams, see: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/stop-scams/

 

Hedgehog Corner: Do’s and Don’t’s to protect hedgehogs in your garden.

 

·         Do leave some areas of wilderness where the hedgehogs can snuffle for insects.

·         Do put out water for drinking.

·         Do put out a bowl of dog food or meaty cat food around dusk.

·         Do install, in a quiet part of the garden, a hedgehog house.

·         Do look to see if your hedgehog is limping or appears injured or late Autumn look out for underweight hedgehogs.

 

·         Don’t put out bread and milk

·         Don’t pick up fit hedgehogs

·         Don’t leave black sacks lying around.

·         Don’t use slug pellets or other chemicals, they may poison hedgehogs and other animals.

·         Don’t light a bonfire without checking to see if a hedgehog or other wild animal has moved in.

·         Don’t fork over compost heaps in case hedgehogs or other animals have taken up residence.

·         Don’t spray hedgehogs with dog or cat flea sprays. It will be detrimental to the hedgehog.

  

News as Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         Work will commence this month on consultation for next year’s Parish Council Precept, where residents can prioritise which projects they would like to see actioned.

·         Ideas to enhance the Children’s Play Area on Princes Esplanade is to be discussed this month.

·         Gurnard’s Parish Council website has been upgraded. Grateful thanks to Cllr Mark Franklin.  

·         The Old School Meadow met, and has made a number of recommendations to be considered by the Parish Council.  These include the relocation of seating, planting of a memorial tree and ongoing repairs to equipment damaged during the summer.

·         I am looking forward to meeting with the new Chair of Governors at Gurnard Primary School.  I understand that the Chairman wishes to work closely on projects to address the ongoing issues outside the school at drop off and collection times, and schemes to encourage more children to walk, cycle and scoot to school.

·         At the AONB Meeting Parish Councillors were promised a tour of the new waste facility on Forest Road.  Before this can happen, we were advised that the waste plant needs to be operational for 30 days.  Ironically, since operation the Island has not created enough General Waste for this purpose.

·         Concerns have been raised regarding the longstanding lack of repairs to seating (which is the responsibility of Island Roads) outside Bucklers View.   

 

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

 

·         During the last week of October, with the Cabinet Member for Emergency Planning, Cllr Karen Lucioni I have been visiting, listening and supporting residents impacted by flooding across the Island. Over this time I have seen first hand the impact floods have had on communities of Ryde, Gunville, Binstead, East Cowes, Yarmouth and locally in Cowes and Gurnard.

·         Discussions are underway for a duty officer to man the desk at Seaclose. This, I hope will provide both an interface for the public as well as a step forward in improving pre-application advice. 

·         With officers, I have attended a meeting with Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council to help support a housing needs study for the community.

·         At the Solent Forum meeting, I attended presentations on ‘Blue Carbon’ and the basis of why the marine habitat is changing.  In addition, there were presentations on tagging fish to monitor migration routes and SIFCA provided a presentation on the Bottom Towed Fishing Gear By-law.

·         At a meeting of SCOPAC, the organisation looked at the Pros and Cons of sheet pile walls for Coastal Defence.  With significant rising costs of schemes (both economically and environmentally), inevitably alternatives will be needed.

·         I attended a meeting called by Cllr Karl Love to discuss concerns over flood defence at East Cowes.

·         Surveys have taken place to monitor the Eastern Esplanade Flood Defence Scheme at Ventnor. From the early intervention, it is likely that further urgent works will be required.   

·         Proposals for piling Military Road at Brook Bay were refused by the Planning Committee.  This followed an objection raised by Natural England over the impact this would have upon the road.  In light of this refusal, steps will be required to investigate further options to safeguard the road’s future. In the meantime, I have expressed concerns over delays moving forward with plan.

·         At the Southern RFCC meeting, a bid for £200,000 was unanimously supported to provide long overdue flood alleviation measures for Binstead. At the meeting, the bid was endorsed for having community groups and organisations working in partnership.

·         Work continues to look at options to provide an improved pre-application advice service. In addition, I continue to support the need for a duty officer to be available at the front desk of the Planning Office at Seaclose.

·         A complaint was made to me concerning a new air strip established.  This has been referred to the Planning Enforcement Team 

·         I attended a meeting of the Island’s AONB Committee.  Work has begun on the Management Plan, whilst bids were made for external funding to promote biodiversity and nature recovery projects. Support is given to our farming and rural business community, with recent Walking Festivals, hedge laying clubs.  Details of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be found at: https://www.wightaonb.org.uk/

 

Also this month.

 

·         Advice has been sought for a resident wishing to properly dispose of asbestos.

·         A request was undertaken to reduce noise nuisance at the Contractors Hut, in Shore Road. This follows noise nuisance from the hut starting before 5am in the morning.

·         I have received a complaint concerning speeding traffic in Park Road, Cowes, as a result I have requested a review be undertaken to take action given the vicinity of schools.

·         A complaint was made concerning noise nuisance.  In response, I’ve requested householders keep a log.

·         More complaints have been received following unauthorised parking on Crossfield Avenue Green. These have been actioned by Parking Services.

 

Flood warnings: Support from the Isle of Wight Council.

 

Check with the Environment Agency for up to date flood warnings visit: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ or call:  0345 988 1188

 

·         Our response

 

If there are any reports of serious incidents of flooding the Council will co-ordinate the response and liaise with the Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency.

 

In case you are affected by flooding

 

·         Useful contacts in case of flood:

 

·         evacuation - if you need to be evacuated because of severe flooding or damage, contact the police or dial 999

·         general flooding issues - contact us on 01983 823600

·         main river or sea - if you believe the flooding is from a main river or the sea, contact the Environment Agency

·         highway or drainage - to report flooding on the highway or drainage issues, contact Island Roads

·         mains sewage/public drains - notify Southern Water if flooding affects your mains sewage/public drains

·         gas leak - notify the National Grid to report a gas leak as the result of flooding on 0800 111 999

·         electrical issues - notify Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks of electrical issues such as power cuts by calling 105

·         non-emergency calls about vulnerable older people -  call Adult Services on 01983 823340 or 01983 821105 outside of office hours

·         non-urgent health concerns - call NHS 111 for 

·          Floodline - the Environment Agency provides help on flooding issues via telephone service on 0345 988 1188

 

·         More useful contacts and information:

 

if your property is affected by flooding, contact your property insurance company for advice on removal of damaged property from your home

 

·         the Met Office on 0370 900 0100

·         download a useful flooding fact sheet (PDF, 3.2MB) produced by Island Roads

·         for food safety advice after flooding, including how to make baby food without mains water, contact the Food Standards Agency: 020 7276 8829

·         call Trading Standards on 01983 823000 if you are unsure about which company to use for repairs following a flood at your property

·         more information about the Isle of Wight Trader Approval Scheme

 

Using sandbags

 

·         Provision

 

It is not the IW Council’s legal responsibility to protect individual homes or businesses. You must take responsibility for your own property. In some emergency situations, we will instruct Island Roads to position stocks of sandbags at the following locations:

 

·         Well Road, East Cowes

·         Simeon Street Recreation Ground, Ryde

·         St Mary's Car Park, Cowes

·         Carisbrooke High Street, Car park

·         Lugley Street Car Park, Newport

·         Brookfield Gardens, Binstead

 

Additional sandbag locations may be identified based upon the forecast impacts of flooding and in areas where the Environment Agency has advised that there is a potential risk of flooding. Please keep a watch on Isle of Wight Facebook / our news pages for additional locations.

 

·         Unused sandbags

 

Wherever possible, store full bags that have not come into contact with floodwater in a dry shady place to use again if you need them in the future.

 

Sacking material is normally biodegradable and will perish if left in place for a long time. It is therefore advisable to empty sacks and keep them dry for re-use. Store the sand in your garden, or yard for future use. If you do not want to store the sand or the bags, once empty the bags can be placed in your normal household waste and the sand dug into the garden, if you have one, or taken to the household waste recycling centre.

·         Used sandbags

 

Sandbags tend to retain contaminants such as sewage and oils when they come into contact with floodwater. Ensure you wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling. If sandbags are contaminated by floodwater you should take them to your local household waste recycling centre and inform the staff that they have been contaminated.

 

Where this is not possible you should seek advice from us on 01983 823111 to find out if other options are available to dispose of the sandbags. Do not place full sandbags or the sand in you household waste. Do not allow children to play with the sand or place it in sand pits due to the risks from possible contamination.

 

If in doubt, contact the council’s environmental health department on 01983 823000 for advice.

 

Used sandbags are not classified as contaminated if:

used to retain surface water / ground water, which has had no or short term and limited exposure to sewage

do not smell of sewage or oil

shows no visual signs of being contaminated by sewage or oil

 

Used sandbags are classified as contaminated if:

·         used to retain raw sewage

·         used to protect / retain sources of oil

·         used to retain surface water / ground water, which has had continual exposure to sewage or oils

·         smells of sewage or oil

·         shows visual signs of being contaminated by sewage or oil

 

If there has been widespread flooding and large quantities of sandbags have been deployed, we may arrange for the collection of used sandbags from specific collection points. If this is the case, we will provide details on where and when collections will be undertaken.

 

·         After a flood

 

In the event of a flood, try to avoid contact with the flood water. Do not drive through flood water and do not let children play in it. Take care if you must go through flood water as there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution. When cleaning up after a flood, wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection, and wash your hands afterwards. If your home is flooded, do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors to dry out your home. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can kill.

The Environment Agency has produced a leaflet called What do I do after a flood?  to assist residents and businesses after a flood visit: file:///C:/Users/Paul/Downloads/1439-FloodRecoveryGuideIOW%20(1).pdf

 

·         Waste

 

Residents should speak with their insurers to see if they will cover waste disposal costs for a private waste carrier and should always should ensure their insurance are happy for them to start clearing the property. Where possible, residents should use Household Waste Recycling Centres (free for householders to take their waste) or the Bulky Waste (£40 for up to 4 items). 

 

In respect of uninsured persons, we will review requests for assistance on a case by case basis to ensure those who are vulnerable and in financial hardship are provided assistance. 

 

·         Replacement Bins

 

Many properties will have lost bins in the floods – in these circumstances free black bins can be made available as well as usual recycling receptacles.

 

·         Preparing for a flood

 

You can prepare for flooding by following some simple steps:

 

·         Check the Environment Agency website to find out if your area is at risk from flooding and advice on how to protect your property.

·         Make a personal flood plan https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a807d93e5274a2e87dba1ba/LIT_4112.pdf or a plan for communities & groups. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-plan-guidance-for-communities-and-groups

·         Prepare your business for flooding using advice on the government website.

·         Sign up online for https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.  It is a free service that provides flood warnings direct to you by telephone, mobile or email. You can also sign up by calling 0345 988 1188.

·         The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Resilience Forum has produced a Multi-agency Flood Response Plan https://www.gosport.gov.uk/media/2494/Hampshire-County-Council-Multi-Agency-Flood-Response-Plan/pdf/HCC_Multi_Agency_Flood_Plan_Public_Version_Nov_2012_HF000004009465.pdf?m=637152067651970000

This provides a framework for managing the response to floods across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.