Surgeries.
4:30-5pm, Monday 2nd June, Cowes
Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.
5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3rd June, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. (TBC)
10:30-11am, Thursday
5th June, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11-12pm, Wednesday 11th June, Eegon’s, 85 High
Street, Cowes.
10:30-11am, Wednesday 18th June, Benches adj.
Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.
11-11:30am, Wednesday 18th June, The Woodvale,
Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.
10:30-11am, Thursday 26th June, All Saints
Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.
11:30am-12pm, Thursday 26th June, Eegon’s, 85
High Street, Cowes.
Solent View Road/ Woodvale Road
Reinstatement.
I still remain very unhappy by
the recent catalogue of errors leading to abandonment of the Gurnard SuDS
scheme. This continues to be embarrassing and shambolic from all parties
concerned. In response to when Solent View and Worsley Road will be reinstated,
I am told: ‘we are working through contractual
mechanisms and practical matters to get Clancy back on site and the roads open
as soon as possible’…
Traffic
Disruption: Newport Road.
I’ve spoken to a very large number of
residents reaching out for me to see if I can get common sense to prevail with
the limited closure of Horsebridge Hill. This is frustrating for residents contacting
me as average travel time data being used does not properly reflect the delays
being experienced at peak times. So far, I put pressure on to see buses
being allowed direct access onto the road (this was as a result to ensure
students heading to Cowes Enterprise College to take exams), in addition I
asked for speeding restrictions for Rolls Hill, publishing FAQ’s on the IW
Council’s website. Please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/housing-and-adult-social-care/housing-services/housing-position-statement/horsebridge-hill-roadworks-faqs/
In
addition, I’ve attended meetings with adjacent landowners, residents, have
liaised with Staff and Cowes parents whose children attend Ryde School, as
there is no agreement allowing access to school buses within the contra-flow
I have also taken up complaints concerning
taxi access plus an HGV disregarding the no entry and am exploring the
potential of making Horsebridge Hill two-way between 8pm and 6am after the road
re-closes on 20th June.
Shopping Local!
In the last
few weeks, I’ve been approached by a number of retailers asking me to please
keep ‘banging-on’ about the importance of shopping locally. Over the last 12 months, a large number of
businesses have been hit by increased costs. This alongside fewer people
shopping locally and spending less, is making life very difficult for our independent
shopkeepers to keep their doors open, providing life and rich variety to our
High Streets.
If parking costs stops
you visiting your local town centre, the Isle of Wight Guru has posted the
following: https://www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/blog/cheap-and-free-parking-on-the-isle-of-wight
Lionheart
to move to Cowes?
The IW Council is seeking to
expand Lionheart School, with 60 places for young people who need a trauma
informed, therapeutic provision being provided at the Cowes Primary School
site. A consultation is taking place until 9th
June 2025 For details: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/help-shape-the-future-of-send-provision-on-the-isle-of-wight/
Island Planning Strategy.
The Full
Council has upheld the Planning Inspectors ‘compromise’ to the Island’s
Planning bible.
Whilst I
would have preferred the more achievable 453 dwellings per year, it was made
clear that by Councillors dithering and delaying with the IPS, the compromise number
(703) was much higher. This was pointed out to the political groups as a
consequence of not providing evidence to supress numbers they felt acceptable.
That said,
the new Plan have policies to afford improved environmental designations,
policies to enhance the opportunities for Island affordable homes for local
people, health care and infrastructure. In addition the IPS have updated
policies protecting green gaps, flooding and coastal areas and allocated
housing sites, rather than the roulette of supporting development immediately
adjacent to settlement boundaries.
To note, if
the IW Council did not support the 703 figure, the Planning Inspectors were
very clear that the housing number would increase in line with the Government
1104 algorithm. However, this still did
not stop some…
Update
from The Portland Inn.
On it’s latest Facebook post, it is reported ‘the Plan is to make the roof damage safe and
split the building to getting the pub area open first, we might still have
scaffolding and cover over the roof, but we have a chance of reopening by the
end of July or August’ Hurrah!
Cowes
Library.
The Library will re-open on Monday 2nd
June, following works to improve accessibility.
It is anticipated the new accessible toilet will ‘arrive’ later this
year, following the discovery of issues with the library building meaning this
was delayed!
Coincidentally, I am holding my surgery in
the facility on the same day, and looking to catch-up with regulars!
Traffic Issues.
·
Complaints regarding potholes in Crossfield Avenue
continue to be reported.
·
I discovered access to disabled facilities
from the bottom of Woodvale Road to Gurnard Green is pretty rubbish. I have suggested signage is relocated to
where access is much better on Shore Road.
·
Disputes between the IW Council and Island
Roads continue to cause me a headache, following further requests to replace
cycle dismount signs and lost bins and signs seemingly going unheard. This will probably cause me to be told off
again, but frankly I don’t really care, as this is not acceptable.
·
I have been asked to deal with dangerous
parking on Pallance Road. This has been
taken up with officers who are investigating safety concerns.
·
I am supporting a resident finding difficulty
accessing their drive due to parked cars opposite their entrance. Please take this into account, if you are
fortunate enough to find a free parking spot on a residential street!
Isle of Wight Council Update.
With the end of the Cabinet system at County
Hall, to a ‘more inclusive’ Committee decision model being in place, I am
looking forward to scaling back my commitments within the IW Council. This will
allow more time focusing on local rather than Islandwide issues.
Within the Committee system, I have been
appointed to join Council Committees overseeing the Environment, Transport/
Regeneration and Children’s Services. In
addition, I have been appointed to the Planning Committee.
I remain IW Council’s rep. on SIFCA
(fishing), SRFCC (flooding) and am have been appointed to Solent Transport. I
have stepped down from IW Natural Landscapes (ex AONB), the Solent Forum and
SCOPAC (coastal groups).
In the meantime, all my revised declarations of Interest will be posted
on my website this month.
Isle of Wight National Landscapes (Formerly AONB).
At my last
meeting of IW National Landscapes group, its Annual General Meeting. The following was reported:
·
Out of 1300 planning applications lodged last
year, 170 were in the IWNL (which comprises of 50% of the IW).
·
Improved pedestrian access to Bonchurch Down was
created through a £67,000 goat fencing award grant.
·
27 Grants worth £306,000 were awarded to
Farming in Protected Landscapes projects. One project highlighted is the Warren
Farm Micro Dairy.
·
Through the Saving the Blues initiative
funding was awarded to protect the Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Common Blue,
Smallblue and Brown Argus Butterflies on seven of the Island’s East chalk
downs.
·
Concerns were expressed concerning the
scarcity of the Reddish Buff Moth which is on the brink of extinction. None has
been seen this year.
·
It was reported that there is no evidence of
otters crossing the Island since 2020.
·
It was reported that nationally there was a 98%
decline of water vole, this is as a result of mink. However, within the Isle of Wight following
repopulating streams and rivers the population here continues to strive.
·
The Isle of Wight’s Local Nature Recovery
Strategy was launched on 16th May. For further details, please
visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/ecology/local-nature-recovery-strategy/
·
The Nature Calling group gave a presentation
to the AGM. This national organisation seeks to improve access to rights of the
way tor the disabled. I’ve made a commitment to invite this organisation to the
Local Access Forum.
·
The Hampshire and IW Trust (using nature
recovery funds) highlighted their rewilding projects at Nunwell Home and Little
Duxmore Farms. By rewilding and the
removal of fertilisers low grade agricultural land can improve, as well as
increasing habitats for wildlife.
Dartford Warblers, Yellowhammer, Short eared owls and Corn buntings are
regular visitors! To note, on the Island
rewilding accounts for less than 1% of our land mass.
·
Criticism was expressed regarding maize
growing for anaerobic digesters in favour of food.
Cowes Police.
|
Cowes
Police Station is due to open:
·
10-12pm, Saturday 7th June; ·
4:30-6:30pm, Thursday 12th June; ·
11am-1pm, Sunday 15th June; ·
5:30-7pm, Thursday
19 June and ·
12-2pm, Friday 27 June. |
In the meantime, the police are holding surgeries at:
·
1:30-2:30pm, Monday 2nd June, Cowes Food
Bank ·
12:30-2:30pm, Tuesday 3rd June, Northwood
Cool Space, Village Hall. ·
12:30-2:30pm, Tuesday 24th June, Northwood
Cool Space, Village Hall ·
11am-12pm, Thursday 26th June, Porchfield
Village Hall.
|
Cowes
Banking Hub.
With a number of recent shops vacated on
Cowes High Street I have contacted Cash Access UK requesting their support for
a banking hub for the town, this follows the popularity of the temporary hub
using East Cowes.
If you know of a site you think is ideal, please let me know before 20th June.
Memorial Benches.
I am
regularly contacted by residents requesting memorial benches, or upkeep and
condition of existing benches. These I
pass onto the body responsible, be that the IW Council or Gurnard Parish
Council. For details of requirements, please visit: https://gurnardparishcouncil.gov.uk/documents/memorials-policy/
Planning
Matters.
·
I
have once again taken up concerns over the alleged residential use of a unit in
Cockleton Lane.
· I called in a recent planning application that myself and local numbers considered to be unacceptable.
·
A
planning enforcement case has been re-opened on a coastal property undertaking
sea defence works.
·
I’ve
provided contact details for a resident wishing to liaise with Cowes Town
Council on a planning matter.
·
I
attended a briefing provided on the Island Planning Strategy, prior to this
being considered by Full Council.
·
A
resident has approached me regarding creating a heliport for use on their land
during Cowes Week.
·
Despite
BAE withdrawing their objection the Somerton Farm planning application decision
notice for approval of 160 dwellings has not been signed off.
Gurnard
Primary School.
Both myself and Gurnard PC Chair, Cllr Penny Acton met with the
Head Teacher of Gurnard Primary School.
This follows up from the potential for increased numbers and car
journeys to and from the school from September.
Items discussed included improving pedestrian
access, the potential to appoint a school crossing patrol and supporting the
school in efforts to reduce car journeys. This will be further discussed by
Gurnard Parish Council.
In the meantime, continued parking in Cow
Lane continues to be a cause for concern.
On this I am in liaison with Rights Of Way over signage, as the lane
itself only has access for the school and the two households in the Lane.
Report
as Chair of SIFCA.
At the Technical Advisory Committee:
·
Comments
were made concerning the imminent release of the new David Attenborough Ocean
Film. Some of the advisors were in
attendance at the meeting a spoke about concerns raised regarding trawling and
its environmental impact on marine life, particularly on Southern Oceans.
·
There
was a decline on fishing scallops this year. This is largely due to prices
being supressed by the French market. Instead fishers are focussing on manila
clams which are being landed from Southampton Water.
·
A
presentation was made on tracking Black seabream. It was reported most fish do return home to
their nesting areas each winter, many not deviating far. This is thought to be because of the warmer
winter sea conditions.
·
Research
has taken place on Pump Scoop sea dredging, as an environmental
alternative. Because research is
non-conclusive this is ongoing.
At the meeting with the Swanage Fishing Community:
·
Fishermen
considered that since 2014 there was an abundance of Black seabream. It was suggested to protect seabream it made
to increase the sizes from 23cm to 29-30cm. Protection was considered down to
politics rather than conservation.
·
Questions
were raised why wrasse are not protected in the same way.
·
Discussion
took place concerning the trauma of tagging fish for research.
·
Fishermen
highlighted the natural extended growth of sea grass in Swanage Bay. This was
being welcomed and is being self-monitored.
·
In
conclusion the third drop-in went well, was welcomed and attended by all of each
of the Swanage crews.
I intend to be attending the Association
of Chairs meeting on 3rd June.
Wight
Squirrel Project: The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Conservation Group. https://www.wightsquirrels.co.uk/
The Isle of Wight is a nationally important
stronghold for red squirrels. Because we have no fixed mainland link, grey
squirrels find it hard to get here.
Places to see Red Squirrels include: IOW Stream Railway, Havenstreet;
Squirrels Den, Arreton Barns; Shanklin Old Village; The Garlic Farm, Newchurch;
Quarr Abbey, Binstead; The Millennium Green, Ryde; Osborne House, East Cowes;
Fort Victoria, Norton; Nature Zones, Blackwater and Parkhurst Forest.
The Project monitors squirrels and looks
after sick, injured and orphaned squirrels on the Island. If you have seen a
red squirrel, or suspected a grey please call: 01983 611003 or 613145 or email:
wightsquirrels@hotmail.com.
Garden
Waste.
Residents have confirmed to me that the IW
Council are now no longer renewing Garden Waste subscriptions. As a result (as an alternative to disposing
waste at the Tip). Onward Waste continues to offer subscriptions. For details, visit: https://onwardwaste.co.uk/ or call 01983 632205
(9am-4pm).
Hedgehog
Corner: Breeding Season Update!
June is a
significant time for hedgehogs as it marks the start of the breeding season and
the birth of the first litters. During this month, female hedgehogs will
become pregnant, and the first litters, typically consisting of 4-5 hoglets,
will be born. Key points about hedgehogs during breeding season:
·
Breeding season: June is a
time of intense activity for hedgehogs, with mating and courtship being
common.
·
Pregnancy and birth: Female
hedgehogs may be pregnant, with the first litters of hoglets being born.
·
Nesting: Hedgehogs
will continue to build their nests, which are important for both breeding and
hibernation.
·
Courtship: You might
hear the commotion of male hedgehogs vying for the attention of a female.
·
Nesting: You might
see a hedgehog building or preparing a nest, often in a sheltered spot like
under a pile of leaves or in a hedgehog house.
·
Hoglets: You may see
or hear young hoglets as they are often born around this time.
·
Active hedgehogs: Hedgehogs are
very active searching for food and mating.
If you see a hedgehog in your Northwood garden, here's what you can do:
·
Don't disturb them: Avoid
disturbing the hedgehog, especially if you think there might be hoglets in the
nest.
·
Provide water: If it's a
hot day, offer a shallow dish of water for them to drink.
·
Be mindful of garden
equipment: Be
extra careful when using garden tools like strimmers and mowers, as hedgehogs
are vulnerable to injury.
·
Consider a hedgehog house:
If you
have space, you could build a hedgehog house to provide them with a safe and
sheltered place to nest and raise their young.
Contact
local wildlife experts:
If you are concerned about a hedgehog, contact
the British Hedgehog Preservation Society for advice. Locally call 01983
613145.
My last Report as Cabinet Member for Planning,
Coastal Protection and Flooding.
·
Within
the second Judicial Review for West Acre Park, on one point the Judge found
that the Local Planning Authority failed to publish details of the Section 278
agreement. Because of this, the Planning
Committee will reconsider proposals. All other grounds were upheld. It’s estimated this application has cost the
IWC £1m
·
I
attended an interesting webinar from the Southern Coastal Group and SCOPAC on
Heritage Assets being lost to coastal erosion. Because the priority quite
rightly is to protect life funding is distributed appropriately. In the past when the SRFCC have received
grants, the agency suggests Heritage organisations should consider funding this
themselves. In the meantime the cost for
doing this for our region is £1.8bn
·
I
have endorsed rolling over funding for a coastal protection scheme in my role
as an SRFCC representative. Why? Because within the Island, a number of schemes
get delayed for numerous reasons.
·
New
groynes at Lake have now been replaced.
Meanwhile the groynes and beach at Gurnard seems to have settled.
Nevertheless this continues to be monitored.
·
The
Council has now appointed our new Landslide and Coastal Loss Coordinator.
·
An
Island Planning Strategy Briefing and separate Face to Face session was offered
to all IW Councillors.
·
I
attended and supported Gunville residents at their recent Flood Group meeting.
In a nutshell, other issues:
·
Support
has been offered to Cowes Primary School Staff.
·
I
have been appointed to serve as a Deputy to Cowes Harbour Commissioners. This is a new role that I am very excited to
fill!
·
Great
news! Deauville and Cowes Town Council’s are seeking to come together to resurrect
a twinning group.
·
I
have received a complaint concerning degrading post in post boxes. This I am taking up with Royal Mail.
·
Panels
on the Dodnor Viaduct are due to be replaced in September. As an alternative,
the footpath to the east (N70) to connect with the far bottom of Dodnor Lane
will remain open.
·
I
have been contacted by residents who have advised that a Planning Application
for a McDonalds drive-thru’ in Three Gates Road is pending. I will provide an
update on this once I know more.
·
Single use vapes being sold from 1st
June must be rechargeable, refillable with e-liquid and have a replaceable
coil. The law is part of the government’s plan to tackle waste and pollution
caused by disposable vapes and tackle the rise in youth vaping.
·
I have been asked to provide support
concerning the monitoring of home educated children.
