Surgeries.
12:30-1pm,
Thursday 3rd September: Gurnard Press Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
4:30-5pm,
Monday 7th September: Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes
5:30-6pm,
Monday 7th September: Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road,
Cowes.
7-7:30pm,
Monday 7 September: The Horseshoe, Newport Rd, Northwood. (with
Cllr Gordon Adam)
5:30-6pm,
Wednesday 9th September: The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
11:30-12:15pm,
Thursday 17th September: The Phoenix Café, Gurnard Pines, Gurnard.
10:30-11am,
Thursday 24 September: Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill,
Gurnard
11:45-12:15pm,
Thursday 24 September; Eegon’s Café, High Street, Cowes. (with
Cllr Gordon Adam)
5:30-6pm, Wednesday 30th
September: The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
Drought Update.
Residents have approached me with concerns over unkempt
hedgerows and land being left fallow or uncut during the drought. Please note,
landowners are under no legal obligation to ensure that land is cut back.
Locally where fires have occurred (Headon Warren), this
was caused by individuals lighting fires near parched land. The other incident, resulting in the loss of
80m of hedgerow at Chale, was caused by a passing steam engine.
Since wild fires have occurred and since the Island is
suffering from drought, the IW Council issued the following:
Enjoy the island, but please help
keep it safe
We're expecting the hot, sunny
weather to continue into September, there remains a high risk to grass and
wildfire. Dry grass, vegetation and heathland can ignite in seconds, and even a
small spark can quickly spread.
Please do not use BBQs, disposable
BBQs, fire pits or any open flames on/near beaches, in woodlands, countryside, parks
areas and other open spaces.
Enjoy the sunshine safely:
·
Pack a picnic instead of a BBQ
·
Dispose of cigarettes safely and never throw them on the ground
·
Take your litter home or use bins provided
·
Leave fire pits, campfires and BBQs at home
If you see a fire:
·
Move to a safe location
·
Call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire Service
·
Give the location as accurately as possible.
To note, whilst the IW Council has
issued the above guidance, it is noted that the public use common sense when
considering having a bonfire, barbecue/ stoves, fireworks or taking out their
steam engines…
Beach
Huts. Legal Charges questioned.
I met with and am supporting beach hut
owners, who are seeking feedback from the IW Council concerning charges for renewing
licences, public liability and legal fees.
I’ve spoken to a number of beach hut owners
Islandwide, many who have complained about not receiving a response back. Could
I please ask that I am copied into any email sent to the Council, as this
allows me to chase up matters.
Waste Bins.
Please report damaged waste bins to: https://www.iow.gov.uk/article/1320/Report-a-waste-problem or call 01983
823777.
To note, if you are not to blame for
damage or loss to your bin, I’ve been assured that will not be charged.
I picked up on line, that a number of
residents at Gurnard Pines do not have food waste bins, if this applies to you,
please let the IW Council know!
Coastal
Path Reopening.
The Thorness to Gurnard Luck section is due
to officially re-open 12pm, Wednesday 9th September. Last month’s
hot weather helped delay the opening, due to conditions making it more onerous
to erect new fencing. In addition new
cracks also needed to be surveyed.
I’m hoping before the official opening, the
footpath can be opened up before this time.
Overgrown
Hedgerows and Trees.
Hedgerows can have a proper cut back from 31st
August, to coincide with the end of the bird nesting season.
In the meantime, I have also forwarded
complaints concerning over hanging trees and brambles at Mornington Wood,
Churchill Road (now resolved) and Shore Road.
Near Rew Street, I am also investigating the
opportunity for residents to acquire land that has become overgrown
Anti-Social
Parking.
·
Princes Esplanade,
Gurnard; Egypt Esplanade, Cowes.
During the summer, I continued to receive
complaints concerning overnight parking on Princes/ Egypt Esplanade from
residents. Please note, at the moment
most of Cowes/ Gurnard seafront remains unrestricted for parking. The reason for this is due to the number of
anglers who fish at night, who when consulted a few years ago objected to
restrictions that prevented them from fishing.
To note, unless there is a bye-law in place, or the land is privately
owned you cannot restrict one vehicle from another.
Whilst residents accept they have no
entitlement to a view, I’ve been approached to restrict mobile homes parking
along the Esplanades. From experience,
over the last few years most mobile home owners stay for a few days and park
away from properties between The Hawkins in Cowes and Solent Shores, Gurnard
Having read on-line posts concerning this,
most people advise that they do not support more parking restrictions in the
seafront. In the meantime, please let me
know your views.
·
School Pick-Up’s
With children returning to school this month,
I have been requested to ask that parents are mindful of where the park their
cars at school pick up time. This
follows residents living near to the school avoiding going out during pick up
and collection times.
At Gurnard, for new parents it is often
helpful to understand in advance the best place to park in advance. When I
spoke to a number of parents last year, I was surprised that some parents did
not know of alternatives (within 5 minute walking distance) were closer in distance
and safer for children to walk from school.
Speedwatch.
With the Autumn approaching, we are once more
seeking volunteers to join the Northwood and Gurnard Speedwatch Group. Once we
have new volunteers, these can be trained with ‘watches’ taking place around
both villages.
Please let me know if you wish to volunteer
and of roads you would like to see prioritised.
I am advised the next street for Speedwatch is Pallance Road (although
we only have a limited amount of residents free to undertake training).
Burnham
Advocacy Proposals for Migrants.
Friends, family members and residents have
bent my ear on the following an article that appeared in the Island media,
visit: https://www.islandecho.co.uk/burnham-advocacy-website-proposes-asylum-centre-for-the-isle-of-wight/
Having read beneath the headlines and
undertaking research, it appears this proposal comes from a political think
tank. To note, this isn’t an official document from any political party, was
not written or endorsed by Andy Burnham, his team or any organisation
associated with him. Under the hypothetical asylum proposal, claims would be
registered and considered at an Isle of Wight centre under UK law, with appeals
taking place where permitted.
Clearly
if any such proposals progress, I know that the Island community will have
input, with absolutely no likelihood of being brushed under the carpet..
Noise
Nuisance Complaints.
I have been contacted over the summer by a number
of residents impacted by noise nuisance from neighbours.
In general unless the noise is a regular
problem, it is considered to be more anti-social, when it occurs after 11pm, or
before 7am. In the first instance please
copy me in to correspondence with environmental.health@iow.gov.uk
In the meantime, please ensure that you keep
a log with dates and times, as this can be used as evidence.
Report from Chair of the IW Council
Planning Committee.
·
The
September Planning Committee is scheduled to consider proposals for a new
children’s home in East Cowes.
·
Councillors
will this month visit ongoing developments at Horsebridge Hill, Place Road and
new housing (originally refused by Planning Committee, and overturned on
appeal) at Baring Road. Training will
take place for all Councillors after site visits. The purpose of the Training is to look at
social housing, affordable housing and will show the margins developers now
work within on the Island.
·
At
Full Council, the Island Planning Strategy will again be considered. Once more
Councillors will be offered the choice of supporting current Inspectors
compromise of 700 new dwellings per year, or the fall back option of 1100.
·
Also
being considered is the ‘National Scheme of Delegation’, whereby Government
will reduce the number of ‘exceptional’ applications being considered by
Planning Committees. On the Isle of
Wight the Committee could be considered ahead of the game as we currently
consider less than 1% of applications. Nationally the target is to reduce the
current number to 4% (giving me, as Chairman more wriggle room). Sadly the Chair will no longer have the final
say as this responsibility will now fall upon officers. From dialogue received,
I support making the process and the rationale for Councillors call-in more
open and transparent following the current constitutional process.
·
The
Governments new Planning Bible, the National Planning Policy Framework was
issued during this summer. Proposals are
currently being digested both nationally and locally and will be fed back in
the coming weeks.
Planning
Issues Locally.
· Requests have been followed up for additional Tree Preservation Orders. These are being followed up!
·
I
am attempting to set up a round table meeting with developers, highways and the
Parish Council to progress footway connectivity to the Meadow View development.
·
A
Planning Officer’s application was considered by Planning Committee. Following feedback from neighbours and other
agencies, proposals were approved with conditions.
·
In
Northwood, I’ve been asked for feedback following lizard fencing being installed
rear of 391 Newport Road.
·
As
reported last month, proposals to develop a new drive thru’ at Three Gates Road
was refused, in summary due to Three Gates Road being considered the wrong
location.
Public
Spaces Protection Order: Sky lanterns, Balloons and Disposable Barbecues.
Following a recent consultation, the
Environment and Community Protection considered feedback whereby residents
supported restricting sky lanterns (88%), balloons (84%) and disposable
barbecues (69%) on open IW Council land.
As a result the Committee agreed to: request a future report setting out the
feasibility, legal implications, resource requirements and costs of a
restricted or seasonal approach for identified high-risk sites, together with a
summary of existing enforcement powers, information from the Hampshire and IW Fire
and Rescue Service regarding wildfire impacts where available, and
opportunities for partnership working, education and signage
This will be
revisited by the ECP Committee on 24th September.
Bathing Water Alerts.
Following last
month’s rain, the Environment Agency again issued a bathing water alert for
Gurnard.
In preparation
for a future meeting with Southern Water, I have requested an action plan from
the water authority on its Plan B actions that followed the abandonment of
their SUDs proposals, its short term proposals and how Southern Water intend to
mitigate further discharges in the longer term. This will be fed back on-line,
once I receive a response.
In addition, I
continue to liaise with agencies such as the Solent Protection Society and
Surfers Against Sewage and this month return to taking up my position as the IW
Council’s member within the Solent Forum.
Southern Water’s
response can be found here:
Good morning Paul
Thank you for your
email
As part of
Lawrence's (Southern Water’s Chief Executive) visit in June, one of the commitments made was
to provide an asset and investment plan covering the next 10 years. This plan
will include details relating to storm overflows and will be shared with both
yourself and other members of the council.
We are unable to
comment on bathing water quality directly. However, I can provide the
Environment Agency's current bathing water data, including the sample history,
via the following link: Bathing waters data - sample
history
Interestingly, a
high reading was recorded on 11th August 2026. I can confirm that there were no
active storm overflows on that date, as there was 0mm of rainfall, and all our
assets were operating as intended. Based on our records, our assets did not
contribute to this elevated reading.
The last
significant rainfall event on the Island occurred on 2nd and 3rd June. You may
wish to compare this with the Environment Agency's bathing water sample results
from that period to understand the potential impact of storm overflows
following a rainfall event.
We are currently
awaiting the next set of bathing water samples to be published, which should be
available shortly. These results will help determine whether there has been any
impact associated with the most recent rainfall event. You may wish to discuss
the matter further with the Environment Agency. Decisions regarding beach
closures and public health assessments are the responsibility of the relevant
local authority, working in partnership with the Environment Agency.
Anti-Social Matters.
Anti-Social
matters continue to be reported to the police, in the last few months vandalism and criminal damage was
reported to the police, as was cases of barbecues
and public gatherings taking place on open land.
The foreboding
balaclavad scooterist causing distress to residents, particularly the elderly,
small people and animals (I kid you not!). Whether it was police action,
residents, my newsletter, or new adventures the individual disappeared.
The
displacement of Road Closed signage,
motorists not understanding the meaning of what subsequent signage actually
means, together with inappropriate diversion signage caused some concerns over Cowes Week, where the police took a
pragmatic approach! I was also asked to
ensure risk assessments took place for firework
displays!
Another
new Prime Minister!!
I am intrigued that we have
a new PM at the helm and await with interest what the future holds under his
new regime. Whilst locally, we continue
to see how this will impact upon the Isle of Wight and Island lives.
Keeping abreast of Mr
Burnham’s day one priorities, for fun, I’ve highlighted these and will monitor
and review these again in 12 months time, to see how these have moved
forward....unless of course we get another Prime Minister.
The priorities, that I’ve
captured are:
1.
Energy Bills: VAT to be scrapped.
2.
Bus Fares being capped at £2
3.
Ending of Rough Sleeping.
4.
Business rates rebalanced (for pubs, clubs
and music venues)
5.
Number 10 North.
6.
Unfreezing Income Tax Personal Allowance
7. Devolution
and improving local public control.
Hedgehog
(and other wildlife) Corner: Drought Special!
The best way to support UK wildlife during a
drought is to provide fresh, accessible water sources and leave shaded, un-mown
areas in your garden for shelter. It is
important to ensure wildlife oasis’ are monitored. The best way to do this, is to ensure this is
focused very much in residents gardens.
Provide Water
·
Set out shallow dishes:
Place small bowls or saucers of clean water on the ground for hedgehogs and
other mammals, and use elevated bird baths for birds.
·
Add pebbles or stones:
Put stones, marbles, or pebbles inside your water dishes so insects and bees can
land and drink safely without drowning.
·
Maintain water cleanliness:
Change the water daily and clean bird baths weekly to stop diseases from
spreading.
·
Top up ponds carefully:
Add water to low garden ponds using stored rainwater from a water butt if
possible. If you must use tap water, let it stand for 24 hours first. Ensure
steep ponds have stones or ramps so animals can climb out.
Provide Shade and
Shelter
·
Stop cutting the grass:
Leave lawns and wildflower areas long. Tall grass holds moisture, stays cooler,
and protects small creatures like beetles and frogs.
·
Leave the garden untidy:
Avoid pruning bushes or clearing away log piles. Overgrown areas create vital
cool shade for hedgehogs, amphibians, and insects.
·
Add mulch: Put a layer of
organic mulch like bark or compost around garden plants to keep the soil moist
and soft for foraging birds and mammals.
·
Offer Supplementary Food
·
Feed hedgehogs:
Leave out meat-based cat or dog food (avoiding fish flavours) alongside fresh
water when natural food like earthworms becomes hard to reach in dry ground.
·
Support birds:
Put out small amounts of high-energy food like suet balls or soft scraps if
insects and worms are scarce.
Also
this month:
·
I continue to respond
to residents who are dissatisfied with how the current Planning Call-In process
operates. This, as referenced earlier in
my report is being visited via the Government driven ‘National Scheme of
Delegation’.
·
I am providing
support to rehouse a resident, unhappy with their housing tenancy.
·
Dangerous metalwork
was removed from footpath CS4 linking Battery Road with Egypt Esplanade.
·
I attended a recent
meet your Councillor event hosted by Cowes Town Council on the Parade during
Cowes Week.
·
I hosted a meeting
with Beach Huts in Gurnard. This I am
working with the IW Council to respond to enquiries.
·
Next month I’ll be
preparing for this winter’s super el nino, which is threatening winter storms
(if you believe the meteorologists) As a result, I am seeking to resurrect the
Northwood and Gurnard Flood Action Group.
·
During Cowes Week,
action was to taken to remove graffiti
·
Action has been taken
following a resident seen flytipping waste.
·
I have taken up
concerns raised regarding a vexacious complainer that has taken up considerable
IWC resources.
·
Parking Enforcement
Officers were contacted during the summer following anti-social parking in Park
Road.
·
A positive outcome
has followed long standing planning enforcement action in Gurnard.
·
I am investigating
the imposition of VAT charges for Ground Rent in two separate locations.
·
Whilst not holding my
breath, I am hopeful for Voi repainting their e-scooter/bike bays.
·
Congratulations to
the Daisy Ring Bus Charity for their success over the past year.
·
I am supporting local
businesses in attempting to accrue new Government Grants recently made
available.
