Isle of Wight Councillors Report, July 2024

 

Surgeries.

 

2:30-3pm, Monday 1^st July, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 4^th July, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 18^th July, Benches adj. The Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

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

11:45-12:15pm, Thursday 25^th July, Eegons Café, 85 High Street, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 31^st July, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Hot Weather.

 

Always the eternal optimist (apparently), I am still awaiting hot weather to bask its happiness across the Island!

 

Once it warms up (for the school holidays!) please ensure our furry friends are kept cool and watered, as in the past I receive distress calls from neighbours regarding barky dogs being left at home by ‘mums and dads’.

 

School Place Plan.

 

Work continues on issues facing the Island regarding the significant drop within the school role. This is also a national issue for local authorities, and within the Island numbers will fall by a third within in five years.  In the last 12 months, our Island Education Authority have investigated local options, rather than those considered by Hampshire.

 

Information on the Isle of Wight’s position, delayed by the General Election will be shared this month.

 

Contacting me.

 

Each month I receive a considerable amount of requests for support.  As I spend more time travelling to and attending meetings, the best most instant way to receive a response (if you have the technology!) is to send a short text on how I can give support. Requests can often be dealt with during downtime in minutes. With other forms of communication, (including weekends and holidays!) I aim to respond within 24 hours of receipt for local residents. If you do not receive any response within seven days, please let me know as your email/ call may have been missed! 

 

Please, if leaving voicemails ensure you provide contact details!

 

Waste Services: Collection Plus.

 

The Collection Plus service allows you to have your domestic wheeled bins or reusable sacks collected from an agreed point on your property. This could be the side of your house, instead of being required to place them on the kerbside. Collection Plus benefits residents who:

 

·         work away from home during the week

·         work irregular shift patterns

·         are second home owners

·         are elderly. (To note this service is offered at no charge to residents who are mobility impaired)

 

Apply at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/additional-household-services/paid-for-waste-services/ or call waste services on 01983 823777.  This service costs £69 per annum.

 

Barbecues.

 

Please, please avoid disposable barbecues. In the past these have caused fires when not properly disposed of, and left unsupervised.  In my opinion, following the volume of bye-laws in place, and having heard several horror stories I believe that it only a question of time before Government will legislate an outright ban.

 

Opportunist Burglaries.

 

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

 

Overgrown Hedgerows, grass verges and vegetation.

 

With summer here, so remains the thorny issue (pun intended) of overgrown hedges.  I have asked Island Roads to contend with hedges in Tuttons Hill, Place Road and Baring Road.  Please continue to keep me updated!

 

Grass Verges reconfiguration.

 

Working with Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council, Southern Water are intending to reconfigure grass verges ‘later this year’ to capture more surface water rainfall through Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SUDS) which will involve swales etc. On this, I have requested Southern Water to hold an ‘open face to face event’ to relay their proposals to Gurnard residents affected. Once I know more, I will let you know!  

 

Jet Ski (Personal Watercraft): 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 yrs 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 emergency. Non-emergencies contact www.hampshire.police.uk. Other concerns call 101 straight away!

 

Flytipping.

 

Last month, I had to dispose of the lawnmower dumped by a resident on the steps of Gurnard Pre-School in Cow Lane.  Because this was left on private land, nobody wanted to take responsibility to get rid of the wretched mower.

 

Because I was ping-ponged between service providers, the mower was taken to the lovely people at B&Q to recycle.

 

In the meantime, a number of waste bins continue to have an issue with both household and commercial waste. This is being monitored by neighbours, myself, Jason and Senad our Environment Officers.

 

Highways Matters

 

·         Roundhouse Bus Stop. Southern Vectis confirmed that the No.1 service was not diverted via Crossfield Avenue, due to vehicles blocking the road when buses were rerouted earlier this year.  When notice is given in future to re-route the bus service, I will be requesting a traffic order to prevent obstructions occuring.

 

·         Cycle Dismount Signage.  Signage was requested to advise walkers and cyclists to dismount where the shared cycle/ walking route at Queens Road when approaching the Cabin on the Green from Cowes.  

 

·         Winding Way. Damaged fencing at Winding Way has been reported by Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         Cow Lane parking bay.  A new unauthorised parking bay has been reported to Planning Enforcement.  To note only two households and the school that has vehicular access to use Cow Lane overseen by the IW Council.

 

·         Gurnard School/ Pre-School Parking.  I met with residents who raised concerns with me regarding parents blocking accesses in Woodvale Road and Baring Road.  For the School’s Sports Day, issues came to head with parents and residents involved in hot-headed disputes.  Although Parking Enforcement were also on site, I please ask for parents to please be mindful of where they park!  To note even on busy days, there remains parking availability within only six minutes walking distance of the school.

 

·         SGN works.  Although the prospect of these works were unpopular once proposed, I would very much like to thank Chris from SGN (who lives locally) for his support to residents getting in and out of Gurnard.  In the meantime, to note further ‘emergency’ works are intended to take place this month in Baring Road.

 

·         Pot Holes etc, Princes Esplanade.

Works to infill a pot hole/ void beneath the pavement in Princes Esplanade was completed this month following herris fencing being in place for several months.  I am also hoping that repairs will also take place besides the beach Huts to repair damage.

 

Planning Issues.

 

·         Sunnycott Caravan Park.  This application was approved through the Planning Inspector.  In light of this there is no longer a requirement for further formal consultation to discharge conditions.  However, I understand liaison regarding drainage continues, as does the need for an updated ecology report. This continues to be monitored.

 

·         Cockleton Lane.  An application was made to remove a non-residential condition for a boat house adjoining a property in Cockleton Lane.  Because this application is outside the settlement boundary a request was made for a call-in request to Planning Committee.

 

Licensing Committee.

 

At the last meeting of the Licensing Committee, IW Councillors agreed increase restrictions on A-Boards. This follows the current position whereby only those boards 1.5m or higher requires a licensing consent to promote a business.  Following debate, Councillors considered it appropriate that all A-Boards should be licensed given concerns raised over boards being a tripping hazard to pedestrians… Please let me know what you think?  

 

Trees.

 

An application has been made to cut back by 20-30% a tree in Solent Shores.  Gurnard Parish Council, considered that tree thinning here was inappropriate and should be minimised. No more than 20% was suggested.

 

Street Trading, Princes Esplanade.

 

Both myself and Licensing Officers continue to monitor street traders on Princes Esplanade.  I understand that further meetings have taken place by traders.  In the meantime following approval of licenses, I have received no further complaints from those living nearby and continue to monitor the situation. 

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (SIFCA)

 

It was a considerable honour to be appointed as the new Chair of SIFCA.  SIFCA’s role is to ‘lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries by securing the right balance between social, environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable fisheries and a viable industry’.

 

From my perspective, it is important to improve the interface between local authorities and the Authority.  At present there remains a number of Councils that are not involved in SIFCA, or its work to address this I am seeking to discuss the need for local authorities to allow deputies should their lead member not be available.

 

Also in the coming months, SIFCA will be commissioning a new patrol vessel ‘Vigilant’, due to be commissioned later this year following testing taking place in July. In addition, SIFCA also submitted the ‘Bottom Towed Fishing Gear’ byelaw and undertaking Black seabream research commissioned on behalf of funding partner DEFRA.   

 

Elsewhere at the recent AIFA meeting recognition was granted to provide support for women in the fishing industry and the declining number of small fishing boats. 

 

Island Planning Strategy

 

Formal engagement is due to commence on Monday 8^th July, to follow the General Election.  Depending on the colour of the new Government may depend on how positively the Strategy progresses.  Although the Inspector will assess the strategy on its own merits, this could be under the backdrop for change.  With respect to manifesto commitments, all political parties have pledged to accelerate particularly social housing.

 

Having scanned the political manifestoes this suggests 1.9 million homes (Liberal Democrats), 1.6 million homes (Conservatives) and 1.5 million homes (Labour). The Greens are seeking to create 0.75 million social homes, whilst Reform, who haven’t provided numbers, echo others commitment to build ‘affordable’ housing whilst protecting the green belt.  (To note on the Island, we have no Green Belt).  As a health warning, it is worthwhile noting manifestoes are aspirational and the numbers specified above need to be taken in context with aspirations outlined within manifestoes.

 

Because of the delay caused by the General Election in May this could prove to be one of the last planning strategies to be submitted to Government.  Once I have notice of timescales, these will be reported in August. 

 

Warm Weather: News from Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Increased temperatures can cause risk to people’s health, so it’s important we look after ourselves and each other. People most at risk of harm include older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

 

During prolonged hot weather there is risk of developing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heatstroke can occur if symptoms of heat exhaustion are left untreated, it can also occur suddenly without warning.

Please take extra care over the next couple days and follow these top tips to keeping safe during the hot weather:

 

- Stay out of the heat

- Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm

- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat

- Avoid extreme physical exertion

- Wear light, loose fitting, breathable clothes

- Have plenty of cold drinks and avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks

 

Hedgehog Corner. 

 

Hedgehog incidents always spike during July.  If you find a hedgehog in peril please call: 01983 613145.

 

To note the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown Zoo has taken a lead in supporting our prickly friends.

 

Since creating Hedgehog Island in collaboration in 2019 with Save our Hedgehogs Isle of Wight, hedgehog Island has had three core goals, these being:

 

·         To inspire and empower Isle of Wight communities to take positive action for hedgehog conservation.

·         To gain a better understanding of the size and distribution of the wild hedgehog population on the Isle of Wight.

·         To provide a safe permanent home at our sanctuary for rescued hedgehogs to badly injured to return to the wild.

 

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

 

·         The meeting arranged with Off Island delegates to discuss Coastal Protection, Flooding and Land Stability was cancelled for political ‘leaders’ and residents was postponed due to the General Election.

·         I’m supporting a swift outcome for planning proposals for Sandown. This may be considered by Committee soon.

·         At the most recent IWALC meeting a request was made from Freshwater PC requesting fairness with free hourly parking, which unlike other towns is not available in the village.  This, I understand is being looked into.

·         At the Island Rivers Group, I was concerned to hear of very high phosphate levels in our Island’s rivers.  In addition the Group are seeking to support Farmers regarding carbon credits, water testing at Newtown and restoring the ecology of the Eastern Yar.

·         The Alliance have targeted five priorities for the coming year. Within my portfolio these include the delivery of Section 19 (flooding) outcomes and the support of delivery Island affordable housing.

·         In response to the above, I am chasing on the delivery of Flood resistance scheme for Binstead.  This week, I understand an officer was seconded from the EA to support delivery of this longstanding project. 

·         I attended a meeting with Housing Provider GRWN Homes.

·         At the last meeting, I arranged with the Association of Local Councils, Councillors were able to question officers responsible for Flooding and Coastal Protection.

·         Within the Planning Committee approval was granted for a 22 bedroomed House of multi-occupation in Ventnor.  In addition a business hub was approved on Isle of Wight Council owned land at Branstone, as was proposals for Tapnell Farm.

·         The Department of Transport are due to visit the Isle of Wight to assess landslips at Bonchurch and Brook.

·         With land at St. Lawrence still moving, concerns were raised regarding significant increases for Insurance in the postcode area of PO38.  This is of real concern, particularly to businesses who have seen premiums increase tenfold.  In addition, having the same PO38 postcode impacts upon many areas such as Chale, Chale Green, Rookley, Godshill, Niton and Wroxall north of the undercliff, who had not been impacted by ground movement. This is something that I will be putting pressure on our new Member of Parliament’s to address.

·         There is to be a review of Traffic Regulation Orders, this follows concerns raised insofar as TRO’s being used as a measure to enable affordable housing delivery.

·         Following a discussion that I had a few years ago with Planners, I understand that an Isle of Wight Wildlife Group are seeking to enhance training for local Tree Wardens.

·         Following previous meetings Cllr Phil Jordan and Cllr Ian Stephens are establishing a Property Action Group to accelerate the development of Island Affordable/ Social Housing.

·         Two new members of staff has been appointed to support residents on flooding/ flood alleviation measures.  These positions have been filled in partnership with Southern Water and was originally requested by me to assist within planning enforcement, although has moved forward from what I initially visualised.

·         I have received details of an empty property in Newport.  This has been through to the Empty Property Team.

 

In a nutshell, other matters I have been dealing with as IW Councillor for Cowes West & Gurnard.

 

·         A new litter bin has been sought for Place Road adjacent to the Deauville Avenue junction.  Because of the volume of household waste being collected from nearby rubbish bins, I am concerned this could create an issue for residents living nearby to bins.

·         I am working with Isle Access to seek potential grant funding for a disabled lift for a shop in Newport.

·         I have request new waste caddies for residents moving in locally.

·         I have sought a further update from Natural England on the new Coastal Path.

·         Gurnard Growers attended the last Gurnard Parish Council meeting.  I understand that they have approached the developer of Meadow View for his support.  I am also supporting the Growers and am supporting them getting the wheels in motion for what could be a fantastic growing scheme/ project for local residents!

·         More dying ash trees were reported to Island Roads. 

·         I have provided support to a resident who wishes to become a magistrate.

·         At the Local Pensions Board, members discussed concerns regarding risk management. Of greatest concern to me is the impact of the shortfall of pension professionals joining the service, whilst cybersecurity continues to be an area of concern.  Locally the Pensions Board is monitored by experts Heywood Pensions Security. 

·         I received a call from a resident regarding commercial vehicles being parked on the Crossfield Estate.  This is becoming a real issue for the community. To date I have spoken to a number of individuals to address this issue.

·         I have raised concerns regarding the issue of tents to homeless vulnerable residents. This in itself shows the importance of the IW Council getting to grips with the Island’s homeless.

·         A discarded concrete block adjacent to Gurnard Sailing Club was reported to the IW Council. Support was provided to the Club in ensuring the block is removed and made safe to swimmers and sailors using the slipway.