Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: September 2024

 

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 2^nd September, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd September, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 5^th September, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 10^th September, Northwood Village Hall, Newport Road, Northwood.

Cowes Primary Surgery: 6:30-7:30pm, Tuesday 10th September, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. **

10:30-11am, Wednesday 18^th September, Benches adj. to kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 18^th September, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard. 

5:30-6pm Wednesday 25^th September, Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Cowes Primary Surgery: 6-7pm, Thursday 26th September, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. **

10:30-11am, Thursday 26^th September Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:45-12:15pm, Thursday 26^th September, Eegons Café, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Cowes Primary School.

It has been announced that Cowes Primary School is one of six primary schools on the Island proposed to close and be 'repurposed'. This follows the falling school roles locally and the impact this continues to have.

Following this announcement, I have been approached and am talking to a number of parents who I am supporting.  At present, the rationale and options are being digested.

**I am also holding two surgeries/ drop-in's for parents and staff affected by proposals.  These take place on Tuesday 10th September from 6:30-7:30pm and 6-7pm at the IW Community Club in Park Road, Cowes.

In the meantime, please let me know your views.  

New Government Planning Proposals.

The Government are consulting on new proposals for planning and housing. 

 

Subject to the Islands intentions within our new Planning Strategy, Government are seeking to increase our Island’s annual housing figure from 453 to 1104. This could revert back to needing to expand settlement boundaries, higher density housing, new housing allocations and a significant loss of green field sites to development.  To note, when the previous government suggested the same, the Isle of Wight Council had to find capacity to develop two new ‘garden villages’ to make these targets. This is something I would want to see avoided! 

 

In my view, 1104 homes per year would set the Island up to fail, as housing figures rarely exceed 500 per annum.

 

Consultation on proposals within the new National Planning Policy Framework continues until 24^th September and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Concerning the above the IW Council are advised to continue to submit its proposals including its lower housing figure to the inspector. During the engagement less than 400 comments were received, this figure is considerably less than consultations which took place in 2018 and 2021 which received thousands of comments.

 

Comments made to the latest consultation will be submitted and considered by the Planning Inspector who following direct and indirect public feedback, will gauge whether the IW Council got their proposals right.

 

E-Scooters.

 

Since Voi took over from Beryl as e-scooter operator and licensee, complaints increased. These, I’ve taken up with the IW Council, and since Cowes Week, I’m told there has been a decrease in complaints of scooters being dumped all over the place!  Accordingly, compliance increased from 81% to 87% since July, this continues to be monitored until the figure gets closer to 100%.  In the meantime parking bays are due to be repainted.

 

Mornington Car Park Drone Hub.

 

I continue to be approached by residents who will be impacted by a proposed Drone Station intended for six months of tests from Mornington Car Park.  Following feedback, I requested publication of Questions raised, these can be found on my website within my August report.  Since then I raised issues regarding planning consent for temporary change of use of the car park and expressed concerns over the flight path crossing amenity space to the north.

 

This, and resident feedback assisted delaying any commencing of this pilot until potentially after the school holidays.

 

A-Boards Consultation.

 

Thank you to the business people in Cowes and local residents, who recently took part in the recent A-Boards consultation.  This consultation took place in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce following complaints made by shoppers in Newport who had come into conflict with A-Boards..

 

For hidden traders away from High Streets, I know A-Boards are a key to attract shoppers.

 

 

Cowes Enterprise College.

 

Following comments made at Full Council by another Councillor, I’ve been in touch with the College who advised contrary to local belief the school is available for hire. For details, please visit: https://schoolhire.co.uk/cowes/cowes

 

Motor Homes.

 

I continue to receive complaints concerning motor homes being parked in perceived anti-social spots across the Island. On this, issues regarding waste treatment continues to be addressed by Environment Officers. However, as vehicles are taxed and insured vehicles are parked legally. In most cases owners do not wish to upset those living nearby and will relocate to other locations across the Island after a few days.

 

I’m again looking into overnight parking restrictions as this may assist, however will move the issue to elsewhere.

 

ExxonMobil Solent CO2 Pipeline.

 

Consultation on the proposed CO2 pipeline continues until Thursday 12^th September. Details, which intends to create a pipeline to take CO2 bi-products from Fawley, across the Solent, then across the Island for storage beneath the English Channel, can be found here: https://www.solentco2pipeline.co.uk/

 

Last month, I delivered over 100 letters and leaflets to residents most affected in and around Rew Street. In addition, I’ve attended two residents meetings, attended a two meetings with Town and Parish Councils, met residents, received feedback from Richard Quigley MP and spoken to individuals with greater knowledge of carbon capture than me.  In response to questions put, with Shalfleet’s Cllr. Thomas Cowley’s indulgence I have gathered a response to some of the questions and responses, set out below:     

 

What Is the cost of the Pipeline?	Don’t know.
Who is paying for this?	ExxonMobil.
Why did the project get turned down for government funding previously?	This was one of the last projects to arrive for the funding round for the previous Government.
Do you expect Government funding this time?	Don’t know. Unsure of approach of new government.
There are North Sea sites available. Why here?	North Sea sites may progress. This was the only site in the south of England.
What benefits will there be for the Isle of Wight?	Carbon capture is a benefit, don’t know beyond this.
What’s the estimated timescale from now to commencement of works on the pipeline, to completion of the pipeline project and then how long to commission?	5-7 years of planning. 2033-2035 for completion of the pipeline and immediate commissioning.
How many other CO2 pipelines are there in the UK and across the globe?	Don’t know.
What issues have occurred with CO2 pipelines across the globe?	Don’t know.
How is CO2 injected on site?	Using standard well-proven techniques’ similar to those used for gas into oil wells.
What equipment is needed on-site at the point of injection?	There is no rig, all equipment is sub-sea.
How many tonnes of CO2 will be captured per year?	5 million cars. The tonnage figure is commercially sensitive.
What is the total capacity of the site for carbon capture?	Don’t know until the well is drilled.
How many years will the pipeline be operational?	Don’t know until the well is drilled.
What geological conditions are required to capture carbon on this site?	Government has defined the carbon capture site as suitable.
How long do you expect the CO2 to be held in the ground?	Indefinitely.
What stops it leaking out?	It stays in the ground.
How many sites globally use the same process?	Don’t know.
How many are successful?	Don’t know.
How long have sites successfully captured CO2 so far?	Don’t know.
How have sites failed?	Don’t know.
What is the probability of failure of the storage site?	Don’t know.
Where is the CO2 being generated?	Fawley and the surrounding complex, although some may be shipped from further afield.
If at Fawley, who owns the process that is generating CO2?	ExxonMobil.
If not Fawley, how & why is it being transported to Fawley?	Don’t know.
What are the processes that is generating the CO2?	Generation of hydrogen fuel (This is not ‘green’ hydrogen)
How are you expecting those processes to grow or shrink in volume and over what time period?	Don’t know.
What work are you doing to develop new processes to create replacement projects that generate less CO2?	The generation of hydrogen fuel and synthetic aviation fuel.
How much is being invested to develop those alternative processes?	Don’t know. This is a matter for experts working in alternative fields.
Why isn’t consideration being given to tankering CO2 to the injection site?	Don’t know.  Unsure whether this was considered.

 

A further consultation takes place 10:30am-6:30pm, Tuesday 3^rd September at Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.

 

 

Planning Matters.

 

·         Local Enforcement.

Converted boat houses, garages, unauthorised sea defences, parking bays, the removal of hedgerows and new structures are enforcement matters which I continue to chase locally. In most cases discussions continue between residents and planners

 

·         Planning Committee.

Elsewhere a controversial application was approved for 130 new dwellings in Bembridge.  Of the 130, 46 are ‘affordable’, with 32 of these rented with rents pitched at ‘the right price’ in perpetuity for those living locally…

 

Planning Committee also considered proposals for a mixed housing/ employment use at Sandown Airport.  This application was refused as 500 jobs were suggested, and transport facilities both for employees and new residents adjacent to the location were considered inadequate. 

 

·         ‘New’ Planning Applications.

During the summer, I was approached by residents of Niton, Freshwater and Ventnor who contacted me with concerns over local planning applications.  In instances such as these, I always advise residents to first speak to their ward Councillors. Local ward members should be aware of local issues and the impact applications may have upon affected residents. As ward Councillors they retain powers to call-in (which I am happy and can support).  

 

If this does not progress to a satisfactory conclusion, I will always support ward Councillors and residents.

 

I have also been approached by two applicants, who have applications which may be turned down by Planners.  Often before considering any decision notice for refusal, there remains an opportunity for a rethink following minor changes which may or may not be considered positively. 

 

Grow Gurnard.

 

I am so happy to see progress being made with the Grow Gurnard project, which hopes to be located on a one hectare site behind Hilton Road, on the ‘SANG’ site managed by the developers of Meadow View.

 

It has been great at both Gurnard Parish Council and during the Grow Gurnard picnic to see how this initiative continues to grow with partnerships evolving alongside the horticulture, arts and woodwork departments of the IW College, Health and Wellbeing group the Isorropia Foundation and the Living Larder. 

 

Despite early rain, the picnic was a huge success with I counted more than 100 residents attending.  A very big thank you to Nuala and Jane for their vision and arranging the event!

 

Bonfires.

 

If you must have a garden bonfire (noting that more than once a month could be considered a public nuisance) please let neighbours know.  With the Autumn too quickly approaching, this continues to be an issue for neighbours.

 

Hedgehog Corner: The Hoglympics- News from Hedgehog Street.

 

·         Athletics

Hedgehogs are surprisingly speedy. It’s thought they can reach speeds of 3 metres per second (although a 100m race might be a bit far for them..) And it’s not just sprints, their nightly roaming trips can be more than a mile which is certainly an endurance event for this small mammal!

 

·         Swimming

Did you know hedgehogs can swim? They even have built-in buoyancy aids as their spines are hollow and help them float. They’re strong swimmers, but if you have a pond or pool please make sure it has access ramps or a gently sloping side so they can easily get out again.

 

·         Climbing

On their nightly travels, hedgehogs traverse different areas. These range from paths and gardens, through to rocky and bushy areas. Luckily hedgehogs are adept at scrambling across different terrains, just like champion climbers! You can help them climb difficult features like garden steps by adding a series of bricks to make them more hedgehog friendly.

 

·         Boxing

Rather than boxing for points, hedgehogs may fight over food or females. One hedgehog will barge into another, forcing its opponent to roll into a ball. They may even continue to push the rolled-up hedgehog out of their way.

 

·         Weightlifting 

If a mother hedgehog is disturbed or needs to switch nests, she’ll carry hoglets in her mouth to a new nesting site. That’s one strong hedgehog!

 

 

Southern Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.

 

During time off in August, I spent several days working with SIFCA.  During this time, as Chair:

 

·         I attended the Authority’s Technical Advisory Committee which provides update on research taking place, as well as bye-laws being implemented which addresses the commercial interests of fishermen and conservation.  Over the ten years which I have worked with SIFCA, I have seen a really positive change between stakeholders at meetings and the importance of working together.

·         Analysis was considered of Manila Clams, oysters and the monitoring of previously overfished oysters from the Solent.

·         There was an update on Marine Licensing by the Marine Management Organisation which has increased within the last year.  Of note are dredging licenses and the impact these have within our marine environment.  

·         I took part in appraisals for members. 

·         I met and discussed concerns with the Chief Officer of the umbrella Association of the 10 national IFCA’s. Of concern to me are the priorities for our new Government and how this fits with the role of SIFCA. 

 

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

 

·         It took several months to arrange, but I met with 30 or so Binstead residents to discuss measures to mitigate against and hopefully prevent flooding in the village.  With Vicky from the Environment Agency, sessions are taking place to create bespoke solutions as with flooding no one solution suits all.  

·         A memorandum of understanding has been agreed between the IW Council, Island Roads and Southern Water to implement Sustainable Drainage Systems across the Island to reduce the volume of surface water. Two officers (one engineer and one flood officer) has been appointed to assist addressing issues.

·         I continue to chase up an expired enforcement notice, on behalf of residents of Birch Close, Freshwater.

·         An urgent works notice is under consideration for Norris Castle.

·         The Westridge Farm Judicial Review against the IW Council has concluded.  Although all matters against the IW Council were dismissed in full, it is important to recognise any lessons to be learnt.   

·         I continue to lobby Town and Parish Councils for their priorities for any developer (section 106) contributions.

·         The Cabinet awaits details from Government on their proposals for devolution. This again, was a priority for the last Government who wanted to see Council’s working together more closely and sharing services.

 

In a nutshell: Other local matters.

 

·         I have agreed to give support to MP and Neighbouring Councillor, Richard Quigley.  As a Town Councillor for Cowes North, over the years I have followed up and supported a number of local residents.

·         I’m working with neighbouring Councillor (and unsuccessful candidate for MP), Nick Stuart.  With respect to the CO2 pipeline, Nick has brought considerable expertise to the fight against this ill-founded project.

·         Concerns have been raised regarding shooting that has taken place on farmland, and the impact this is having on pets.  I have contacted Environmental Health to learn more about the rules and regulations.

·         I have signposted support for a resident suffering a neighbourhood dispute.

·         I received a complaint showing me photographs of ‘naturists’ using the currently closed Coastal Path at Gurnard. This I’ve suggested is reported to the police to look into on grounds of indecency.  

·         Once a decision is made on the drone port at Mornington Car Park, I have requested improved signage given the car park is under-utilised.

·         I am told that the request for cyclists to dismount, and rejoin the road at Queens Road is being raised with Island Roads to agree the signage.

·         Details and locations of defibrillators can be found at: https://www.defibfinder.uk/

·         Fishing for undersized sea bass has been reported to SIFCA

·         In time for the summer holidays, the Beach Hut barrier was removed and rehoused by the IW Council.

·         I continue to support a number of residents requiring support in temporary housing.

·         Following potential increases to housing numbers and extended settlement boundaries, residents are rightly concerned on the need to update and amend the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan.  The first step in this will be to update the Housing Needs survey, which is something I personally support moving forward on.

·         I have responded to a Debate not Hate survey for the Local Government Association.  Understanding the abuse colleagues experienced both face to face and through social media this is a growing issue, particularly when misinformation is encouraged by some website moderators.

·         A request was made for the storage of alcohol to be sold, for one of the containers at Inner Space.

·         I am attempting to remove overgrowth on the footpath to the rear of M&S between Terminus Road and Cross Street.  I’m hoping this will prove more successful than requests made to Southern Water in Marsh Road!