IW Councillor's Report: August 2024

 Surgeries.

 

10:30-11am, Thursday 1^st August, Benches adj. The Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Thursday 1^st August, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

5:30-6pm Wednesday 28^th August, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

 

Solent CO2 Pipeline.

 

ExxonMobil owners of the Fawley Oil Refinery are seeking consent to create a pipeline to take CO2 bi-products from their facilities, potentially across the Solent, then across the Island to be ‘contained in a geological pocket’ found in the English Channel to the south west of our Island.  

 

Of the options under consultation, two of the three options are across the Island. The other crosses the New Forest.

 

Concerns raised so far include:

 

·         Potential damage to the (AONB) Natural Landscape, Heritage Coastline, geology and ancient woodlands etc.

·         Disruption caused when laying the pipeline.

·         Safety of the CO2 pipeline, and potential harm/ blight to properties.

·         Why the Isle of Wight? Unlike support given to the New Forest, ExxonMobil has no background with the IW Community.

·         Issues regarding the 40m2 valve stations and 90m2 Pigging (Pipeline Inspection Gauges) stations and their coastal locations on the Island?

·         Land Stability

·         How Green are ExxonMobil?  Is Carbon Capture and carbon trading in this way, a good example of practice or is this just corporate ‘green-washing’ to tick boxes?

 

Locally ExxonMobil are undertaking consultations.  Locally these take place:

 

·  10am-5:30pm, Wednesday 7 August at The Pavillion, Victoria Recreation Ground, Newport.

·   10:30am-5pm, Thursday 22 August at Shalfleet Village Hall, Church Lane, Shalfleet.

· 10:30am-6:30pm, Friday 23 August at Phoenix Knights Centre, Gurnard Pines, Cockleton Lane, Gurnard.

·  10:30am-6:30pm, Tuesday 3 September at Phoenix Knights Centre, Gurnard Pines, Cockleton Lane, Gurnard.

 

The deadline for feedback is 6pm, Thursday 12^th September.  For details visit: https://www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk/

 

I have been in touch with MP, Richard Quigley and neighbouring Isle of Wight and Hampshire Councillors. In the coming weeks I will be undertaking a letterdrop to residents of Rew Street and the surrounding area.

 

Coastal Path update.

 

I’ve been in touch with Rights of Way concerning Thorness to Gurnard Coastal Path.  As DEFRA are responsible for the Coastal Path, they are responsible to oversee the path’s rollback. This delay was not helped by the extent of flooding and recent landslips occurring during the winter. As a consequence, I’m told these paths could remain closed for some considerable time. In the meantime, I continue to chase up progress with Natural England.

 

On a positive note, the procurement process is underway for footpath improvements at Spencer’s Copse.

 

45 Free Days out on the Island!

 

The Isle of Wight Guru has been out, seeking free days out across the Island for this summer.  Please visit https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/free-days-out-on-the-isle-of-wight.html for details!

 

Gas Pipeline Works.

 

Works continue in Baring Road.  I continue to receive residents feedback which I relay to Island Roads.  Last month this included signage from Ward Avenue concerning the closure of Baring Road. This is being monitored 

 

Cowes Police Station.

 

Is now open from 12-3pm on Fridays!  Following the offer made by our PCC of recruiting more officers on the Isle of Wight, I remain very concerned that 30% of our officers live on the mainland!

 

Intelliport proposal, Mornington Road Car Park.

 

A number of residents have contacted me following a recent consultation which took place with local residents.

 

It is envisaged that the car park will be closed from 7^th August for six months.  The purpose of the closure is to test the ability for drones crossing the Solent.  I have added responses to questions put below:

 

Q. If successful what will happen to Mornington Road Carpark. 

A. The trial is primarily about testing the technology and proving proof of concept. Mornington Road Carpark has been selected to meet the needs of this initial trial. After the trial capabilities will have been demonstrated, the operator Inteliports will look to move “inland” to a completely different site.  

 

 Q. What will the drones be carrying.

A. The drones will initially be trialling the transport of commercial goods where speed of delivery is the priority. Future deliveries once proof of concept is proven will hopefully see the delivery of important medical related deliveries (at a different location). 

 

 Q. Why has Mornington Road Carpark been chosen.

A. Mornington Road is one of few sites and the only site within the IWC’s control that has a direct line of sight to Calshot, the second location the drones will be flying to and from. Meeting the specific requirements to facilitate this trial left no other viable alternatives. Due to factors such as line of sight, range, size and CAA regulations.  The IWC and Inteliports engaged with other suitable sites outside of its control. However, was unable to bring forward a usable trial location.

 

 Q. Why have the following dates “07/08/24 to 07/02/25” been chosen.

A. These dates have been selected on balance of the need for carparking e.g. during Cowes Week. Against the trial requirements that includes factors such as external grant/funding windows, variability in weather conditions to test in and deployment logistics.

 

 Q. What consultation has been completed.

 A. Based on the scale of the project and limitations of event space.  A local stakeholder consultation event was held on the 15/04/24 with representatives such as the woodland group, local town councillors, local press and local businesses.

 

Q. What noise level do these drones create. 

A. At 1m from the drone, approximately 70db. Generally, this is much quieter than a standard combustion engine vehicle.

 

Q. Will it affect property insurance.

A. Flights will not cross over residential properties. Flights will be over the Solent and governed by strict CAA guidelines.

 

Q. Are you proposing building any structures.

A. No, a temporary 20ft container will be placed on site. No foundations will be made. As such, no planning application has been required or made.

 

Q. What transport will be needed to transport goods to and from the area.

A. Cargo bikes will be used to transport goods delivered during the trial as part of the green initiative.

 

Q. All the trees in the park are protected, so can one assume that they will not be cut down.

A. The site has been inspected and no tree works are currently planned or required.  

 

Q. Have ecologists been engaged.

A. Yes, local independent ecologists have been engaged on this matter prior to the IWC’s decision to grant this licence to operate a trial. Following an inspection, based on the proposal and the carparks current usage, there was deemed to be no significant impact to wildlife. To further mitigate any potential issue, monitoring of protected species has been insisted and will be undertaken throughout the trial.

 

Q. How many drones a day will be visiting Mornington Road Carpark.

A. Upto 6 inbound flights & 6 outbound. There will be days where there is likely to be none or days with far fewer. 

 

Q. How was the decision made. 

A. The proposal was presented at the Regeneration Members Board with senior council officers and elected councillors. Based on the potential benefits to the island all were in agreement to grant a trial to Inteliports.

 

Q. How much is the IWC receiving for the trial.

A. Lost income from parking revenue is being subsidised by Inteliports, there is no shortfall on the carparks target income. 

 

Q. How many cars park at Mornington Road Carpark.

A. In a full year, we would expect approximately 850-900 transactions. We would expect 130-150 of these transactions to be in the period 8th August to 8th February. On average during this period as much of it in the autumn and winter this is a little as one paying customer a day as free parking is available close by during this period. 

 

Q. Will the footpath remain open.

A. Yes, while the carpark will be closed the footpath will remain open.  

 

Q. What alternative arrangements will be made for residents with a residents permit.

A. There are two identified residents with a permit, they have been contacted by parking services and offered a solution. 

 

Isle of Wight School Place Plan: The Local context.

 

Following from last month’s reports a number of residents contacted me regarding the future of schools in the local area. At present the intake for schools in the Cowes Area is for six classrooms.  Of the six, two are within Gurnard, two are at Lanesend, whilst Cowes Primary and Northwood Primary have one classroom each. This provides a capacity for 180 children. Locally in 2023/24 the intake stands at 139, it is estimated this will fall to 106 in the year 2027/28. As a consequence 76% of primary schools have set a deficit for next year.

 

With reports due in September and following recommendations from school leaders, inevitably schools across the Island will be either repurposed or closed, as it is recognised that deficit budgets will impact upon falling standards. Both Cabinet, and Corporate Scrutiny raised concerns over the falling population of children and its impact. 

 

Island Planning Strategy: Period for Representation.

 

Your opportunity to feedback comments to the Planning Inspectorate on the Island’s Planning Bible continues until Monday 19th August.  A drop in session takes place at Seaclose Offices 2-5pm, Wednesday 7^th August.  In the meantime, the Council awaits feedback from Government on policies that may result in increased housing numbers.

This was made very clear when Councillors took when decision to delay the Planning Strategy.

 

Although the Council made many changes, this offers a further opportunity to raise concerns along with evidence, direct to the independent planning inspector. Comments can be made from libraries, County Hall, Seaclose and via:

https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/local-plan/island-planning-strategy/ and  https://www.iow.gov.uk/planthewight

 

General Election.

 

I have passed on my congratulations to our two new Members of Parliament, Richard Quigley (Isle of Wight West) and Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East). The final results were:

 

ISLE OF WIGHT WEST		ISLE OF WIGHT EAST
Richard Quigley (Labour)	13,240	Joe Robertson (Conservative)	10,427
Bob Seely (Conservative)	10,063	Sarah Morris (Reform UK)	7,104
Ian Pickering (Reform UK)	5,834	Vix Lowthion (Green)	6,313
Nick Stuart (Liberal Democrat)	2,726	Emily Brothers (Labour)	6,264
Cameron Palin (Green)	2,310	Michael Lilley (Liberal Democrat)	3,550
Rachel Thacker (Alliance for Democracy & Freedom)	117	David Groocock (Independent)	420

 

No? Cold Calling and Scams against older Residents.

 

Further complaints have been made to Trading Standards concerning Anglian Home Improvements.

 

If you do not have a No Cold Calling Sticker, this will be used as an excuse for callers.  Although, Anglian door-steppers are fully aware of the Cowes No Cold Calling Zone, some still do not understand that No means No.

 

If you require a sticker, these are available from Cowes Library or myself.

 

Elsewhere, I have also received calls from residents who continue to be fleeced by unscrupulous tradesmen.

 

More than two-fifths (43%) of older people – that’s almost 5 million people aged 65+ – believe they have been targeted by scammers. Residents are 5 times more likely to be a victim of fraud than domestic burglary, and nearly a third (31%) of all crime is fraud.

 

People from all backgrounds are victims of fraud. However, older people are over-represented as victims of fraud, including pension and investment fraud, postal scams, doorstep scams and telephone scams. For example, the average age of victims of mass marketing postal fraud is 75.3. This includes lottery and prize scams, and clairvoyant scams. Often, victims are at home alone all day, and can very vulnerable.

 

Contacting me.

 

This month, I am spending time catching up on my emails and chasing items!  Although I have fewer surgeries, I am available. Please feel free to send me a text, which I aim to respond to within 24hrs of receipt (72 for non-Cowes West and Gurnard residents). I’m also available via email, ‘phone and by letter.  If leaving a message, please provide your contact details! 

 

Gurnard Marsh Pumping Station.

 

I have received complaints concerning the condition of Marsh Road’s pumping station.  Complaints date back to July 2023. These unacceptable delays were again been reported to Southern Water. I am hopeful that the vegetation will be properly treated and removed.

 

Holiday Use vs Residential Use.

 

There remains a number of enforcement matters underway at the moment.  The success of Air B&B continues to be an issue. Because Air B&B was considered by property owners to be more lucrative than private rental, subsequently there was a downturn in the availability of private rented accommodation, which fell by 80%

 

Within Planning, over the years a number of ‘ancillary’ properties were conditioned to have no permanent residential use. This has meant that Islandwide garages, sheds, summer houses, (converted horse boxes!) and boat houses have seen residential use.  When this happens more often than not this gets reported and action is necessary.

 

Water Butts Appeal.

 

At the last meeting of Gurnard Parish Council I received complaints regarding our newly installed water butts.  Complaints varied from the slow flow drippy holes and instances of water butt plastic breaking and shattering.

 

If this has occurred to you, let me know.  If possible, if you could send me a photograph of your broken butt that would be fantastic as Southern Water are keen to remedy the problem before rolling out water butts elsewhere. 

 

Dog Mess.

 

With the school holidays now firmly upon us, a number of parents have complained to me concerning the amount of dog poo on Old School Meadow.  Of particular concern are professional dog walkers, seen emptying their vehicles and allowing doggies to roam around the Meadow out of control.

 

If this is seen, please let me know so that we can identify individuals!  

 

Natural Landscapes (Formerly AONB)

 

I attended the recent meeting of the Natural Landscape Partnership.

 

During the meeting we were advised of the following:

 

·         DEFRA funding was successfully bid for, for structural improving of rights of way (£31k) and possible access to the White Lady Bridge, subject to negotiation which crosses the road at Shorwell.

·         Further funding (£43k) was received to improve habitats for the ‘blue butterflies of the chalk’, as well as monitoring nightjars and barn owls.

·         9200 participants took part in organised summer walks.

·         Supporting farming in protected areas, is an issue which is causing concern within the farming community.  An officer was recently appointed by the Team to provide support to farmers in protected areas.

·         Questions have been asked, as to how the new Government wishes to use carbon credits, and how this may support the Isle of Wight.

·         There are now 280 ‘donate a gates’ across the Island. These kissing gates have been introduced by IW Ramblers to replace stiles and gates that are inaccessible to older residents.

·         Work is taking place to (potentially) roll out Tree Warden training and support to Local Parish Councils.

·         Seagrass has been planted in the Western Solent.  

·         The IW Natural Landscape are consulting on the 2025-2030 Management Plan, to comment please visit: https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Isle-of-Wight-draft-AONB-Management-Plan-2530-Apr-24.pdf

 

For further details of the work of the Natural Landscape, please visit: https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/

 

Highways and Transport Issues.

 

·         I was approached regarding the suspension of the Floating Bridge, before Cowes Week.  This was due to the need to acquire a spare part (on this occasion not in stock at FBHQ!) not being able to get to the Island due to delays with the ferry operator.

·         With the nesting season now over, I continue to request works to cut back our hedgerows.  Please let me know of highway and Rights of Way hedges requiring work.  

·         Further requests have been made to Southern Water to maintain its pumping station on Marsh Road. In response, I am advised work will take place this month not only to remove vegetation encroaching on the road, but to treat the Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed from their site.  This was first alerted by neighbours 13 months ago.

·         Work continues to get a cyclists dismount sign put in place next to the Cabin on the Green.  I frequently receive  complaints concerning cyclists using the Egypt/ Princes Esplanade pavement at speed.  If this applies to you, or somebody you know please use the road which is wide enough to cope with most traffic using this!

·         I received justifiable complaints concerning ferry operators inflating booking costs when the other operator withdraws their crossing and it is essential for travellers to cross for appointments.  Please let me know if this has happened to you or a family member.  It is issues, such as these that calls into question the behaviour of our ferry operators!    

 

 

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!

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

·         A dish of fresh water can be vital in hot weather

·         Pile up some logs in the corner of the garden

·         A diversity of plants rich in nectar will encourage insects

·         A 13 cm hole will allow hedgehogs access through fences

·         Avoid treating your lawn with herbicide

·         No single garden is large enough

·         ‘Hogs make nests from deciduous leaves

 

Cabinet Member for Planning, Flooding and Coastal Protection Report.

 

·         New recruits were appointed to support delivery of Section 19 outcomes, with officers in place working with in Binstead. I know also the formation of a formal flood group in Gunville is underway. This in itself was a priority for Gunville and is one of five of the action points for the Alliance administration at County Hall. Once there is certainty on moving forward, I look forward to speaking to both communities.

·         Recognising Coastal Protection works at The Esplanade, Ventnor, the IW Council won the award for ‘Integration and Collaborative working’ at the national Construction SECBRE Awards.

·         A bid for funding was received by the SRFCC for a Coastal Loss Community Co-ordinator. This bid was successful, and will provide support to those communities impacted by landslips. 

·         As I promised, Leeson Road, Ventnor did open at the earliest opportunity, and was subject to hours of negotiation by officers.  Because ground movement remains an issue the traffic lights are being manned 24 hours a day.  

·         A Judicial Review, at Westridge Farm, Ryde is being considered during the summer recess.  Whatever the outcome, I will be supportive of taking up matters raised by the judge. 

·         Since 2022, the Planning Department has undergone a LGA Peer Review.  In this time, steps have been taken to improve the Planning Authorities public interface, planning enforcement, pre-application support, improving the determining of Planning Applications in-time alongside the recruitment of officers not only within the Planning Department but also within legal services.

·         Storm damage to coastal defences are ongoing with the infilling of voids whilst repairs took place to the Colwell to Totland sea wall, Seaview. Repairs are pending for Sandown Bay (Dunroamin Beach, Lake) and Cowes to Gurnard.

·         Planning drop-in’s for members of the public continue to take place at Seaclose from 2-5pm on Wednesdays.

·         As Cabinet member I attended meetings of IWC Corporate Scrutiny, IWC Scrutiny Committee for Neighbourhoods & Regeneration, IWC Cabinet.  In addition, I called a meeting with the IW Association of Local Councils, attended meetings of the Southern Fisherman’s Council, as Chair of SIFCA, a Local Government Water Quality meeting and a meeting with Southern Water. 

·         The Met. Office has raised concerns over storms for this August.  Sand bags are on stand-by should this happen

·         Proposals to build 130 new houses in Bembridge was approved at Planning Committee.

New housing targets have been set by Government.  The standard method number (using updated data) has increased from 730 to 1104 new dwellings per year.  Proposals within the Island Planning Strategy suggests 453.   

 

In a nutshell.

 

·         I had the opportunity to attend the new Dementia Hub at Parklands in Park Road.  At the event I had the opportunity to discuss with residents, carers and staff the opportunity the new hub offers to those impacted by dementia.

·         More requests were made for Planning Enforcement matters.  At the moment there are four local matters being dealt with.

·         Further concerns were relayed regarding parking on the junction with Worsley Road and Church Road, Gurnard.

·         A further request was made to complete repairs to the seawall adjacent to the Beach Huts. Beach Inspectors, I’m advised has visited the site and I am advised the removal of the safety barrier is imminent.

·         Following the outcry in respect to the 93% increase in water bills for Southern Water customers, I am advised that OFWAT are likely to cap increases to 28%

·         Southern Water have advised that mis-connections in Lower Church Road have now been repaired, whilst Debourne Close and Wyatts Lane are pending.

·         The new Government are urging Councils to work closer together, as part of their devolved Government agenda. This could result in the IW Council sharing more services with Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.

·         I am really looking forward to resurrecting my relationship with Cowes Enterprise College.  This followed a discussion with the Chair of Governors following a comment by another IW Councillor at Full Council.   

·         Work to repair the concrete groyne at Gurnard is due to start in a few weeks.  It is thought that damage to this particular groyne is responsible for falling beach levels.

·         On behalf of residents I am investigating the potential opportunity to transfer as a ‘Community Asset’ Mornington Car Park.