Isle of Wight Councillor's Report, May 2024

 

 

Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Thursday 2^nd May, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 14^th May, Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 15^th May, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 15^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

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

 

Cowes Flooding.

 

Last month saw some of the highest tides ever in Cowes.  I have spoken to a number of residents and business owners in the town and saw the devastated and heartbreaking impact this has had. 

 

Following feedback from businesses in the town sandbags were taken away, whilst the road sweeper visited the High Street to help cleanse our town centre   In addition, I heard contrary views concerning the cleansing of drains- which shopkeepers did not feel were effective. Thank you to businesses who worked together after the floods to reopen.  Also grateful thanks were relayed to Biffa, the Emergency Planning Team at the IW Council and Cowes Town Council for their support!

 

For those not signed up to Flood Warnings, visit Floodline at: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or alternatively, or call: 0345 988 1188.  Other agencies giving support include the National Flood Forum, please visit: https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/ or call: 01299 403 055.

 

Empty Properties.

 

Do you know of empty properties?  The IW Council do hold a list of vacant homes, in the hope of bringing these back into use.  Please let me know, so these can be reported!

 

Planning Enforcement.

 

Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Ryde Town Council and Sandown Town Council have all confirmed that they wish to ‘buy-in’ additional planning enforcement support to tackle longstanding issues in these towns.  As a consequence over the two years this was in place, a number of buildings within Newport’s conservation area has seen investment to buildings resulting in new life in the town. 

 

I am talking to Officers to investigate whether more can be done to provide extra support for the smaller towns and parishes across the Island, as I fully appreciate the cost of funding staff for 1,2 or 3 days a week is prohibitive.

 

Planning Enforcement: Local Issues.

 

In the last 12 months, I’ve asked for follow up’s on nine different planning enforcement matters in our area.  One of the main issues being raised locally is the use of ‘ancillary’ outbuildings being utilised for residential use. Another issue raised by residents concern issues concerning trees, both being removed (from locations that have ground stability concerns), being planted and not being cared for. These concerns are under investigation at the moment.

 

Although the capacity within the Planning Enforcement Team has significantly increased under my term as the relevant Cabinet Member, with all the will in the world and dozens of planning approved each week with dozens more conditions, it isn’t always possible to monitor compliance. For this reason, the feedback that the Council receives concerning this remains so important!

 

Second Homes.

 

I have received feedback from second home owners concerned by Full Council’s decision to next year increase Council Tax by 200%. In response, the point is made that if the IW Council does not incur charges that could take place, any argument for future Government financial support would be difficult to justify.  Therefore, the Council’s hands are tied.

 

 

IW Councillors Annual Report.

 

My Annual Report is available, as an addition to the hard copy of this report. This is also available from Cowes Library.

 

Environmental Issues.

 

Following last month’s report, I have received more complaints regarding the fly tipping of Garden and Builders Waste on the public footpath CS3 which lies to the rear of Gurnard Heights.  In addition, I am also receiving feedback from residents who have noted the disposal of household waste, being transferred to litter bins. This is being monitored.

 

Elsewhere, I have requested that the Cross Street Car Park Wall is monitored for safety following concerns being highlighted. In addition, I also passed on concerns regarding graffiti which appeared on Cowes Parade.

 

Trees.

 

I am seeking an update from the Tree Team in updating Tree Preservation Orders.  It been brought to my attention that within parts of our ward TPO’s in some cases have not been updated for over 70 years.  In response to this, the next review when it takes place will be in Cowes.  Once notice is given, I look forward to working on this with our tree wardens.

 

Hedgehog Corner: 10 Top tips for encouraging hedgehogs in your neighbourhood.

 

1.    Link your Garden.

During their active season, hedgehogs roam between 1-2 km each night, so its critical they can access a wide range of gardens. 13x13cm square holes in walls and fences will let hedgehogs through but is too small for most pets.  You could also dig a channel underneath your fence to provide access.

 

2.    Make your Pond Safe.

Hedgehogs are adept swimmers, but they can’t climb out of steep sided ponds or pools and will drown. Use a pile of stones, a piece of wood or some chicken wire to create a simple ramp.

 

3.    Create a wild corner.

Let the plants go mad in a corner of your garden, and don’t cut them back in winter to let hedgehogs nest.  They’ll also benefit from the abundant insects. Use branches to add structure.

 

4.    Deal with netting and litter.

Hedgehogs are prone to getting tangled. Plastic drink can rings, elastic bands and netting are common offenders. Replace netting with a rigid structure or use a thick cordage and keep taut.  Sport and garden netting should be tied up or stored inside when not in use.

 

5.    Put out food and water.

Hedgehogs really benefit from extra food, using it to supplement their natural diet. Meaty cat or dog food are both suitable. Water can also be scarce at certain times of the year and is the only thing you should give them to drink.

 

6.    Stop using chemicals.

Lawn treatments reduce worm populations. Pesticides, insecticides and slug pellets are toxic and reduce hedgehogs’ creepy-crawly prey. They are all necessary in a healthy well managed garden. 

 

7.    Check before strimming.

Hedgehogs will not run away from the sound of a mower or strimmer –check before you cut to avoid causing horrific injuries or death.  Robotic lawnmowers also pose a risk to hedgehogs, so make sureto check areas thoroughly and don’t run them at night. Single hedgehogs are easily moved, but use gloves!  Moving a hedgehog family is more complicated and ideally they should be left undisturbed.  For advice call 01584 890801.

 

8.    Be careful with Bonfires.

Piles of debris are irresistible to a hedgehog looking for somewhere to hibernate or nest- build it on the day of burning or move the pile on the day of burning to avoid a tragic end.

 

9.    Make a home for hedgehogs.  

A log pile is one of the best features for encouraging all kinds of wildlife- and so easy to make.  It will encourage insects and provide nesting opportunities all year around.  Alternatively you can make your own DIY hedgehog house. For details visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/help-hedgehogs/hedgehog-homes/

 

10.   Become a hedgehog Champion.

Register to join volunteers. Hedgehog Street provides resources to make your neighbourhood chock-a-block with hedgehogs. Visit: https://www.hedgehogstreet.org/about-our-hedgehog-street-campaign/who-are-the-hedgehog-champions/

 

Car Parking, Worsley Road.

 

I continue to receive complaints from drivers of large vehicles regarding the fact their thoroughfare is blocked by parked cars in Worsley Road, particularly between Gurnard Press and Westbrook Lane.

 

In response, drivers are appealing for double yellow lines to allow their vehicles to get into the village. To note, I know that deliveries, emergency vehicles as well as the bus cannot always get through, and whilst this is the case with the bus, I’m advised that the service could be withdrawn should the issue not be resolved. Understanding parking is at a premium, please could residents park tight to the pavement as this will often allow those valuable extra inches required to allow vehicles to squeeze through!

 

Emails and Confidentiality.

 

Legislation is intended to change concerning emails to those (including Councillors) in local Government.  From my perspective, I feel uncomfortable with this, as I have always advised that should residents contact me they do this, to my gmail.com address rather than through any .gov.uk domain.

 

The reason for me avoiding use of a gov.uk email account, is that I believe all emails I receive are private and confidential until the sender gives permission for those emails to be circulated to be any third party.  At the moment, if good reason is given (including freedom of information requests) any .gov.uk can be ‘considered’ by third parties.  This does not make me happy, particularly given the level of confidence, I am expected to uphold.

 

To note, should any resident want to make a freedom of information request, this can still happen.  However, I believe that I am strict on who see’s what and why!  With respect to Freedom of Information, I already circulate all information that should be distributed within the public domain.   

 

Cowes Foodbank.

 

This month the foodbank are requesting squash, long life juice, tinned spaghetti, sponge puddings, rice puddings, coffee, rice (1kg) and tinned vegetables.

 

Report as Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         I intend to make this my last Chairman’s Report on behalf of Gurnard Parish Council.  With potential changes being made within the IW Council, and with local elections pending for May 2025, I look forward to prioritising my efforts as Ward Councillor.  I would to thank Councillors, Richard our clerk and local residents for their support since 2022.   

·         Last month saw a public consultation weekend hosted by Gurnard Parish Council at the village hall.  Of interest to me was information on future plans by Southern Water to reconfigure grass verges to capture more surface water within Gurnard.  On this, I am ever hopeful that consultation will be improved upon from what occurred last year regarding the roll out of Waterbutts.  Following engagement, this could take place this Autumn.  Also of noting was news on Asian hornets, Gurnard In Bloom, Speed Reduction, the Cybercafe, the Gurnard Agriculture Project with and the IW Ambulance Service. A huge thank you to Vice-Chairman, Cllrs Penny Acton and Christine Bustin who led on this.

·         A very big thank you to volunteers who took part in April’s Village tidy up. Grateful thanks to Gary and Debbie Hall from Plaza for the Ice Creams.

·         Following recent complaints regarding Anti-Social parking in Worsley Road, signage is pending for the road’s verges.

·         Following feedback, I look forward to progressing suggestions made for the children’s play area on Gurnard Green.  After discussions residents that spoke to me were in favour of a proposed ‘open’ shelter for the Green alongside a swing and roundabout.

·         Could I please ask that residents exercising their doggies at Old School Meadow in Cockleton Lane, to please use the dog bin provided.  At the moment volunteers spend too much time picking up bags of poo, this is not fair on other dog walkers our volunteers or for children playing in the Meadow.

 

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

 

·         It was agreed that funds for the local levy provided by the Southern Regional Flood & Coastal Committee can be rolled over for a further 12 months.  This follows commitments made prior to last year’s winter storms and the fact that ground conditions have not afforded schemes to move forward (for instance Flood Defence measures in Binstead).  Because of the intensity of issues facing the Island the Chair of the SRFCC is due to visit in the coming months.

·         One of the above schemes, in place is the Depaving Binstead to Reduce Storm Overflows.

·         A meeting was arranged to host the EA and the SRFCC visiting the Island to view the damage caused through flooding and recent landslides.

·         With Ventnor Town Councillors, I had the opportunity to view recent landslips at St. Lawrence.  In addition, following the site visit I spoke to a number of residents and businesses in Ventnor.

·         I am speaking to residents in Freshwater Bay concerning upgrading the retaining wall on the main road.

·         I met with Councillors from the Liberal Democrat group to address concerns over the Island Planning Strategy. As a consequence the group have removed their previous objections.

·         The application to develop Norris Castle was refused by the Planning committee in line with officers recommendation.

·         I met with residents from the Barton Estate to discuss concerns made regarding the Coastal Path.  A further meeting is pending with IW/ East Cowes Councillors.

·         At a public meeting, I met with residents of Gunville affected by flooding.  Although many residents are angry with the IW Council, a future meeting will be set up to give details of the Section 19 investigation due later this month.

·         I met with a resident affected by surface water drainage at Freshwater. On this, I am liaising with agencies.

·         With the Leader and Housing Cabinet, I met with a provider of energy efficient island affordable housing. The group’s focus is very much on supporting homes for key workers and whilst they work closely with local diocese.  Many of the homes the group (EMMA) develop are swift to construct.

·         After going out for consultation in Spring new planning documents have been issued to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems and Health Infrastructure.  These documents are due to be supported by May’s Cabinet Meeting.

·         Advice is being sought from local Council’s concerning Flood Plan templates.

 

Also this month, in a nutshell

 

·         A request was made to replace a drain cover on the revetment besides Gurnard Beach Huts.

·         Thank you for their positive feedback following last month’s report on anti-social parking on Worsley Road.

·         I received a positive response back regarding the tone of letters regarding parking enforcement in Cowes.

·         For those who missed renewing their IW Council Garden Waste subscription, please note that Onward Waste provides the same service at lower cost. For details, please call: 01983 632 205

·         I have requested action to be taken concerning the use of shipping containers.  Also, enforcement-wise, I am seeking clarity concerning the use of ‘ancillary’ outbuildings and chalets being used as residential properties.

·         I continue to liaise with our Environment officers on the fly tipping of building material and garden waste.

·         A complaint was relayed regarding rogue companies operating.

·         I have chased up a longstanding matter concerning the loss of a hedgerow in Pallance Road.

·         I am seeking clarity from the police on the opening times of Cowes Police Station.  This followed a resident approaching me involved in a traffic incident, not knowing how, where or when to report it.  I have requested that the Police’s website provides this information.

·         I continue to support residents involved in a particular neighbourhood dispute.

·         Full Council is this month to consider when to implement its new Committee System.  Because of the risks involved, and my fear that this will be implemented on the cheap, I support this being introduced in May 2025.  As I have stated before, the fact that there will only be four wide-ranging committee meeting on a two monthly basis, will in my mind mean the increased need for delegated decisions by officers.. In my opinion there should be eight committees meeting each 6-8 weeks.  Ultimately this will cost more money than the Cabinet model, but at the very least it affords the opportunity for all 39 councillors to step up.

·         Full Council is also to consider referring its planning bible to the Planning Inspector.  Should this be supported by Council, this will offer a further opportunity for consultation.  This will allow those opposed to aspects of the Plan to make representations direct to the Inspector.

·         A vacancy has arisen for a new clerk at Cowes Town Council. For details contact the Town Council on 01983 209022, or email: townclerk@cowestowncouncil.org.uk

·         A request was enacted to remove graffiti from Cowes Parade.

·         Further concerns were raised regarding the planting of leylandii trees adjacent to the Dottens.  These concerns are being evaluated by planning enforcement officers.