IW Councillor's Report, March 2019

Surgeries:

10:30-11am, Friday 1^st March, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 5^th March, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 5^th March, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

11:45-12:15pm, Wednesday 13^th March, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 13^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 19^th March, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Wednesday 27^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 28^th March, Coffee and Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 28^th March, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2nd April, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 2nd April, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Highways Issues.

·         Meeting with Director of Neighbourhoods.

°         Park Road Crossing.

I was joined by the Head Teacher and representatives of Cowes Primary School in addressing concerns over the long term future of the crossing patrol in Park Road. This follows reassurances from the IW Council, since funds were withdrawn in 2016. The Director is addressing concerns, and will feedback on solutions to meet the existing funding gap.

°         Developers (Section 106) Contributions for Community Projects.  

Locally, concerns have been expressed that following the volume of developments that have occurred in Gurnard nothing has been ring-fenced for projects that will mitigate upon the impact that new developments will have.  Several years ago, officers advised that Town and Parish Councils and ward members would have greater involvement in the allocation of funds.  This has not happened. 

In discussing this I’ve requested better involvement, as has Gurnard Parish Council, the IW Association of Local Councils, and nationally through the NALC. If this does not happen there is scope under the Localism Act to accrue funds through a different mechanism.

°         Traffic Regulation Orders, and implementation timeframe for Cowes proposals. 

This was advertised last year and was not implemented owing to delays caused by ‘resource issues’.  The Director seemed to agree that this was unacceptable, and once recruitment of staff takes place this would be given high priority.

·         Abandoned Vehicles.

Vehicles (this includes an abandoned boat trailer) have been taken away from the highway at Shore Road and Princes Esplanade. In addition, vehicles have been reported and notices served to registered keepers of cars seemingly abandoned in Granville Road and Baring Road.

·         Signage and hedgerows

Road signs have been reconfigured in Rew Street.  Also in Rew Street prior to the nesting season, hedges have been thinned and trimmed, whilst minor tree takes place to prevent trees overhanging the footway in Worsley Road.

·         Water Leaks and Drainage.

Following complaints to and from Gurnard Parish Councillors a water leak has been reported in Cockleton Lane. In addition, I continue to report concerns over ponding and insufficient drainage in Ward Avenue.

Bonfires.

With spring arriving early, I have received reports of bonfires in the valley of the spring in Baring Road.

Please advise neighbours if you plan to have a bonfire, as I’m reminded this can cause distress.  If you are unable to dispose of garden waste sustainably, please ensure fires do not cause a nuisance and are not left unattended!

For information on Green Garden Waste please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/iwforms/form.aspx?k=GreenWasteSub2019

Watch House Shelter, Cowes Parade.

Last year, Cowes Town Council agreed to uplift the IW Council’s cost to remove the shelter in order to safeguard and retain this amenity for residents and visitors. 

During the winter there was further deterioration and movement of the structure, resulting in repairs being unviable.  This is something I share resident’s concerns over, and am hoping following feedback from officers on options.

Island Planning Strategy.

As Ward Councillor, I have raised concerns over the Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Strategy.  In summary the concerns raised are as follows:

·         The annual number (641) of new dwellings proposed, the fact this is too high and cannot be substantiated.

·         The need for a greater reliance upon social, affordable homes and local homes for local people.

·         Opposition to the Housing Allocation west of Baring Road, the impact this will have upon and within the Jordan Valley, and the fact that there are other developable sites which would have lesser impact upon the landscape.

·         The need to protect the Jordan Valley from further development and the impact this would have upon coalescence between Cowes and Gurnard.  This applies to both the south of Tuttons Hill as well as the north.

·         Within the strategy, no mention has been made of the impact upon medical services and highway infrastructure.

·         The requirement to protect the countryside and environment where mainland utility connection points are located.

·         The need to protect the green space/ green buffer at Spencer’s Copse/ Gurnard Cliff Wood. 

Bucklers View.

Pre-application discussions continue between Southern Housing, existing residents and neighbours on proposals to create a further 12 so-called ‘lifelong’ dwellings at Bucklers Views. This follows a public exhibition of proposals which took place last month.

Concerns being raised include the overdevelopment of the site, the perceived impact the complex may have on existing adult care and medical infrastructure, the loss of green space and the impact upon nearby trees.  That said, officers have advised that proposals are in general accordance with planning principles which allow older residents to downsize.

The formal planning application is due to published this month.  Once I know more, I will feedback this information.

‘Ancillary’ accommodation.

In recent months, I have received a number of enquiries concerning dwellings that were constructed, and given permission on the proviso that use is ‘ancillary’ to that of a neighbouring dwelling.

Concerns being raised, is that in most cases these dwelling are being lived in independently, and are therefore contrary to planning use.  This continues to be monitored, and action being taken when breaches occur.  Following concerns raised, Planning Officers have been asked to monitor an ancillary accommodation off Rew Street.  

Blackberry Lane.

Contractors working nearby recently caused damage to the condition of this thoroughfare, owned by the IW Council.

I have asked for the Council to address concerns, and requested for the lane to be restored to its original condition prior to commencement of works.

On this the contactor has been notified and I am awaiting what steps are due to be taken.

Beach Huts.

Despite proposals to increase beach hut fees, incorporated within the IW Council’s 2019/2020 (which I continue to strongly oppose), I have asked the following questions put by owners.  These being:

1 The legality of a Council Member to take forward proposals?
2. Why two sets of tariffs don't seemingly tally with hut sizes.
3. What do Beach Hut owners for their ground rent?
4. What happens after three years, when and if this option is chosen?
5. How can the top tariff (equal to a band A house) be justified?
6. What are figures being used by the IW Council being based upon?

English Coastal Path Update.

I am still awaiting a response from Natural England regarding my request to see the new trail being diverted from Worsley Road via Spencer Copse (or Gurnard Cliff Wood to give it its proper name!) and Shore Path.

In order to support my request, I have sought the support of the Local Access Forum (the statutory body responsible for overseeing Rights of Way) and Isle of Wight Ramblers, as well as having support in principle from Rights Of Way and in practise from Beauty In Perpetuity.

In the meantime, Beauty in Perpetuity are gathering evidence of support for this path to become a definitive right of way following the offer for purchase the woodland formerly owned by the Spencer Family.

Local Council Vacancies.

Gurnard Parish Council and Cowes Town Council have vacancies for local councillors.  Please contact clerks, Katie Riley gurnardparishcouncil@gmail.com and Debbie Faulkner townclerk@cowestowncouncil.org.uk, for details.

Cold Calling.

In February, I received a number of calls from residents concerned by Cold Callers selling goods on the doorstep.  As Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood is a designated No Cold Calling zone, this should not happen.

If it does, politely ask uninvited sellers to leave and let me and Isle of Wight Trading Standards (01983 823371) know. 

With respect to the seller, who was cold calling as a ‘work creation hawker’ initiative, in place on the mainland I have asked that Trading Standards investigate further and responds to this initiative. 

In the meantime, if you stickers please let me know! 

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership Meeting.

At the recent Partnership meeting, of interest the following matters were discussed:

·         Dark Skies. Data received from Island Roads is in the process of being analysed concerning dimming and trimming of street lighting in rural areas. Also, if the Back of the Wight Dark Skies Park is approved, what criteria will be in place to extend this further to initially include the AONB? 

·         Brexit and Funding.  Because of uncertainties and Government priorities over Brexit, future funding for AONB’s by the DFE is uncertain.  In response to this a review (the Glover Review) is taking place to ascertain the importance of AONB’s and National Parks to the wider community.  A discussion also took place concerning safeguards being needed to support the sustainability of farms.

·         Retrospective Sea Defences.  These were approved against planning officers and statutory stakeholder advice in Binstead by the Planning Committee.

·         Island Planning Strategy.  Concerns were raised by the impact of tentative proposals for a ‘garden village’ in the West Wight. Questions were also raised concerning both the future of Military Road and the Undercliff and improved affordable housing and employment provision in rural areas?

·         Tourism.  Although 2.3m visitors came to the Island in 2018 (the same number as 2017) visitors spent 9% more. It was reported that the number of short stays reduced, in favour of visitors remaining for 5 days or more.  It is indicated that increased capacity on ferries, dark skies, English Coastal Path and biosphere designations proposed will open up opportunities for Tourism.

Public Toilets.

Both Cowes and Gurnard Parish Council’s support repair and where appropriate replacement to Public Toilets to be given a high priority.  Please let me know your thoughts concerning this?

Great British Spring Cleans.

Gurnard Parish Council’s organised Village Tidy-Up takes place at 10am, Saturday 30^th March from Gurnard Village Hall, Westbrook Lane.

In addition a further spring clean has been planned to take place 10am, Wednesday 3^rd April at Northwood Recreation Ground in Park Road by Cowes Town Council.

IW Council Budget 2019/ 2020.

At its meeting last month, the Isle of Wight Council was recommended to increase Council Tax by 2.99%. 

In response to the consultation which took place last year, which received 427 responses:

·         86% of respondents agreed the Council should charge for those services that users choose to utilise such as leisure centres, beach huts and harbours.

·         85% supported an increase in Council tax to pay for priorities, whilst 37% supported an increase of 3% or more.

·         Respondents prioritised increased spending in regeneration and business development.

Despite making suggestions proposed to me with the support of residents that I passed on (and were disregarded!) I voted against proposals, as I felt would savings proposed would adversely impact upon the Island’s most vulnerable residents.  This was, in my view particularly relevant considering the level of reserves that the IW Council has accrued.  In addition, I shared the views put that in-house ‘transformation’ initiatives does not demonstrate the best value when funds could be deployed elsewhere supporting frontline services. 

It was also noted that last year for every £7 incorporated within the savings forecast £1 had not been duly met.  

Please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/mod-council/27-2-19/PaperD-BudgetCouncilTaxSetting2019-20AndFutureYearsForecasts%20.pdf for details.

Mayors Report.

·         Code of conduct training took place for Councillors with Monitoring Officers of IW Council.  Of particular interest are potential changes to take place to re-enforce the requirements of prejudicial interests for local councillors.

·         Flood Defence Information is being updated for local residents.  Cllr Peacey-Wilcox reported Cowes’ is being promoted as an exemplar of Good Practice to other local councils.

·         A commitment to complete the Cut initiative has been given for the 2020 season. The Cowes Business Association will be working in partnership with the Town Council on this initiative.

·         Discussions are to take place in working with the IW Council on a fit for purpose parking strategy for Cowes.  

·         It is with sadness that Councillors Roger and Jean Bartrum has left Cowes Town Council for personal reasons.  On behalf of the Council, I have expressed my gratitude and overwhelming appreciation to these Councillors for their enthusiasm and hands-on approach to resolving issues.  Both Jean and Roger’s involvement will be missed.

Also this month:

·         I know that at least four households have been successful in receiving a tax rebate from the Marriage Tax Allowance.  For further details, please visit:  https://www.gov.uk/married-couples-allowance

·         Following moving home, I’ve updated my Register of Interests.  These will be appear on my website.

·         I met with supporters of light rail proposals to attempt to retrieve necessary formal support to potentially improve rail connections on the Island.

·         I have raised concerns regarding the expansion of Lanesend School, and the impact this is likely to have upon schools and parental choice in the Cowes area.

·         Within the Licencing Committee, following years of freezing fees, taxi fares are due to increase.  This follows consultation with taxi operators, and takes account of increased costs to operators. In light of the increase in taxi fees on the Island these have risen from 213^th to 90^th out of 359 licensing authorities.

·         I attended a meeting of the Council’s Audit Committee.  Items discussed included fraud, housing benefit subsidies and the mitigating the ongoing financial risks of supporting the Floating Bridge and Christ The King School.

·         The Planning has now agreed to proposals to build 66 homes on land south of Oxford Street in Northwood.

·         Following perseverance, steps now seem underway to implement the pedestrian refuge linking the Range to bus stops in Place Road.

·         I am supporting tenants in Cowes disputing charges being imposed by landlords to clear drains within newly constructed homes.

·         Groundworks took place outside Bucklers View in Worsley Road.  This was due to a ruptured gas main beneath the pavement.

·         Bollards have been repainted by Island Roads in Gurnard, in advance of this year’s Village Of The Year.

IW Councillor's Report: February 2019

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 5^th February, Cowes Library, 12-14 Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 5^th February, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Friday 8 February, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road. Gurnard. (This surgery is postponed from 1st February)

11:45-12:15am, Wednesday 13^th February, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 27^th February, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

12-12:30pm, Thursday 28^th February, Eegon’s Café, 72 High Street, Cowes.

10:30-11:30am, Thursday 28^th February, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Friday 1^st March, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road. Gurnard.

Postponed Surgery.

Due to moving house I have postponed my surgery at Gurnard Press on 1^st February. Whilst waiting to be re-connected, please call/ text me on 07 935 090 835 between Thursday 31^st January and Monday 3^rd February.

Access to Gurnard’s Secret Beach.

Following a resident falling last year on the old slipway/ coastal defence structure built in the early 1980’s, by Harry Spencer the IW Council closed access to the beach between Gurnard Sailing Club and Gurnard Marsh.

Although the IW Council has limited jurisdiction for Shore Path or the beach, it does have a duty of care to access the beach which it oversees on behalf of the Crown Estate.

Since receiving numerous of complaints from myself, dog walkers and beachcombers the Council has re-opened access to the beach via sleepers and wooden boards to South East of the Slipway.  In the meantime, many thanks to the half a dozen residents who have volunteered their support to improve access to this very special area.  

If you are interested to support volunteers please let me know!

Island Planning Strategy.

Consultation on the new Isle of Wight Planning Bible continues until Monday 25^th February.  For details, please visit: https://iow-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/planning/ipsdraft2018/ipsdraft2018

Within the Plan, of note to me the IW Council are suggesting increasing the numbers of new homes being built from 525 per year to 641.

Also of note within Strategy are the two allocations recommended for Cowes West and Gurnard.  These have been suggested for Parklands, Park Road (20 dwellings) and the western edge of Baring Road, Gurnard (25 dwellings).

The Baring Road allocation, which is causing the most concern states the following:

HA021: Land at Baring Road, including 187 Baring Road, Gurnard

A greenfield site of approximately 1.7 hectares is allocated at Baring Road, Cowes to deliver a sustainable, high quality residential development which shall provide: 

a)    At least 25 homes providing a mix of sizes and an affordable housing contribution in line with DHWN6; 

      b)   a continuous footpath along the road frontage; and 

c)    landscape buffers should be incorporated to the west to safeguard the setting of the Jordan Valley.  

As the site is located on the edge of the Jordan Valley between Cowes and Gurnard, design should be high quality and take account of the existing context.  

Development should look to provide a single row of frontage dwellings, or chalet style to ensure gaps and opportunities to view the valley and slightly set back from the road, similar to the existing dwellings to the south. 

An appropriate sized gap opposite Crossfield Avenue should be maintained to provide relief in the massing and maintain views across the valley.

Archaeological and biodiversity assessments may need to be undertaken by any potential applicant to record where appropriate and assess the relevant impacts and mitigation aspects.

A letter drop to 100 households advising residents of this allocation took place last month.

Cabinet Meeting, Cowes.

Key Councillors held their Cabinet Meeting at Cowes Enterprise College last month.  At the meeting, I was joined by local Cllrs Bartrum, Bartrum, Brown, Nicholson and Taylor.

From my perspective, I took advantage to receive clarification on finalising details of the Cowes Traffic Order undertaken last year.  In response, Cllr Ian Ward highlighted that this was a priority and that staff were being appointed to address delays in implementing proposals. Of key, is the appointment of Colin Rowland a new Director of Neighbourhoods to oversee this. In the meantime, I am looking forward to meeting Mr Rowland to chase issues.

Also of interest were long term proposals to support regeneration alongside consideration for construction of a new (toll) Medina Crossing. In addition concerns were made in respect to the IW Council’s Parking Review.  In light of feedback, I consider it unlikely that parking charges will be implemented after 6pm, or at new locations.    

Speeding Traffic, Church Road.

I have received a request from a resident for additional speed restriction measures in Church Road, Gurnard.

Although existing parking arrangements do help to reduce the speed of traffic, there remains concerns that following incidents with animals being hit by cars that the speed of vehicles, and the lack of attention shown by motorists that a problem exists.  Please let me know your thoughts!!

Road Resurfacing.

I have received requests from residents following Island Roads delaying resurfacing Crossfield Avenue and Park Road.

From my perspective, I am in full support of residents given these two roads are important thoroughfares used by cyclists and motor cyclists and pot holes can prove hazardous for those on two wheeled vehicles.

Spencer’s Copse, Gurnard.

A group has been created, following the 1.45 acre copse being put up for sale in December.  This has led to community interest through a crowdfunding initiative to buy this beautiful woodland. 

The Isle of Wight Beauty In Perpetuity Group is committed to buy the land as a community to:

·         Not build on the land.

·         Allow community access to the woodland (rather than one private owner)

·         Conserving and enhancing the wood for the future.

For information please contact:  https://www.iowbeautyinperpetuity.org/

In the meantime, I have re-emphasised my suggestion to incorporate the path from Worsley Green to the Watersedge Café (via adjoining woodland, the copse, the Secret Beach and Shore Path) as a part of the English Coastal Path.  

Litter.

I continue to receive complaints concerning the amount of rubbish and dog poo that continues to be discarded on the Cowes to Newport Cycleway.  In response, I have requested that the path is monitored and action taken against anybody seen leaving litter or fouling their dog.

Governor Needed: Cowes Primary School.

I’ve been approached by Cowes Primary School who are seeking a new Governor with accountancy expertise to support the school.  Please contact: clerk@cowespri.iow.sch.uk or call Kim Comer, Clerk to the Governors on 01983 293261.

Heat or Eat?  Support from The Footprint Trust.

The Footprint Trust offers free home visits to look for ways in which to reduce fuel and water costs. The Footprint Trust can provide new cookers, fridges and washing machines to those in greatest need.  The Trust, and advice offered can save on average of £200 per year.  Please call 01983 822282 or visit: http://www.footprint-trust.co.uk/projects.html for details.

Cold Weather.

With recent cold weather, I’ve received a request to ask residents older/ infirm residents to please avoid going out in cold and icy conditions. 

This follows an incident when a resident slipped on ice in town.  Following this, I’m told the resident lost their mobility for several months before their body (thankfully) repaired itself.  Although the family were more than happy to help, the person affected most was the resident who lost their independence.

If you, or somebody you know needs support, please let me know so that I can ensure residents receive the support they need, deserve and are entitled! 

Cold Weather Advice from Southen Water.

Cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst, so it’s best to be prepared. 

Taking simple measures, including lagging pipes and checking your internal stop-tap works, in case of an emergency, will help keep you and your home safe this winter. Find out more online at: www.southernwater.co.uk/weathereye 

In an emergency

·         If your pipes do freeze:

1.Turn off the water supply at the stop-tap straight away

2.Don't switch on your boiler or immersion heater

3.Open the nearest tap and gently heat any frozen sections of pipe with a hot cloth or hot water bottle, working from the tap backwards

4.Never use a naked flame to defrost pipes. It's a fire hazard and can cause more damage to your water system.

·         If your pipes burst:

Water pipes in homes are the property owner's responsibility, so if you notice a burst or leak at home:

1.Shut off your water supply and then open all hot and cold taps until they run dry

2.Switch off your mains electricity supply

3.Try to temporarily fix the burst pipe by binding it tightly with cloth, tape or using a pipe clamp

4.Call a qualified plumber and turn off all taps until the pipe is repaired.

Top tips to prepare your home for the cold

·         Insulate water tanks and pipes

Use pipe lagging / jackets or insulation to prevent any exposed or unheated water tanks or pipes from freezing. Think lofts, garages and also garden taps. When insulating, make sure there are no gaps in the lagging.

·         Fix dripping taps

In cold temperatures, even a small trickle can cause water in the pipe to freeze.

·         Find your internal stop-tap

Find the stop-tap in your property and make sure you can turn it off. Most stop-taps are fitted under the kitchen sink or stairs and can be turned off by turning them clockwise.

·         Service your boiler

Have your boiler serviced regularly (usually every year) to keep it working as efficiently as possible and avoid it breaking down during cold weather.

·         Block breezes and draughts

Minimise draughts and shut doors and windows to unheated parts of the home. If your property is empty for long periods, turn off the water at the stop-tap and consider draining your pipes (by opening your taps while the stop tap is off).

We're doing our bit to fix external leaks. If you spot a leak when you're out and about, please tell us about it via www.southernwater.co.uk/report-a-leak or call our freephone Leak Line on tel 0800 820 999.

Mayors Report.

·         With Cllrs Peacey-Wilcox, Jean Bartrum and Christine Bustin I met with Cowes Business Association, who raised concerns  regarding long stay parking in Cowes, increasing parking availability and improved access to park & ride

·         Most local Councillors (from Cowes and East Cowes) met to discuss concerns on the confidence of, and reliability of the Floating Bridge.  Following the meeting several recommendations were made.  It is hoped that both Council’s will meet regularly to discuss issues that both towns have.

Also this month.

·         I have approached Cowes Harbour Commissioners concerning damage to the sea wall at Town Quay and repairs needed to Egypt Light.

·         I contacted Southern Water to repair two broken meter covers.

·         At Full Council, I supported concerns expressed by proposals to withdraw funding for hospital patients requiring treatment, supported concerns over the withdrawal of funding for the IW Law Centre, supported measures to address children in poverty and voted against the creation of a combined Fire Service, as not all concerns raised objectors to the proposals were not fully addressed.  It was reported that the IW Council received a ‘Good’ rating from OFSTED.

·         Following resident feedback received, I am liaising with the IW Council to address concerns to repair seafront railings.

·         I continue to lobby the IW Council to ensure the allocation of ‘developers contributions’ to fund Local Council projects.

·         I met with Gurnard Pines Residents, to seek solutions to the cost of the installation of water/ electricity meters.   

·         I have provided advice and support to residents concerned about the relocation of Newport Football Club.