IW Councillor's Report, April 2020

Surgeries.

5-6pm, Wednesday 1^st April. Please call 01983 289595.

5-6pm, Monday 6^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

9-10am, Thursday 9^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

5-6pm, Monday 13^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

6-7pm, Thursday 16^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

5-6pm, Monday 20^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

9-10am, Thursday 23^rd April. Please call 01983 289595.

5-6pm, Monday 27^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

9-10am, Thursday 30^th April. Please call 01983 289595.

Coronavirus Update.

The IW Council and its partners have established a helpline to support residents about the Coronavirus crisis.  If you, or somebody that you know requires support please call:  01983 823600 (9am-5pm).

In the meantime myself and Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox are working as Co-ordinators with IW Community Action to support residents in need. This follows up from thirty local residents offering support.  In light of Government advice, I will be significantly reducing the amount that I am out and about.  However, as a key worker I will be delivering Coronavirus Support/ Volunteer Leaflets (and Annual Reports) to residents living in isolated areas.  At the moment these are planned for Rew Street and Gurnard Pines.   

Updates from the NHS can be found at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/, support for the self-employed can be found at:  https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html, whilst help for businesses can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

With many residents on low incomes, visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/ or https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/

Ideally, under normal circumstances I would prefer to collate all information on to a single paged information sheet. However, this continues to prove difficult due to the fast changing situation concerning advice.

Issues being raised are as follows:

·         Issues relating to loneliness. Volunteers are in place to contact isolated residents by phone when required.

·         Issues relating to Financial Support.  The Universal Credit helpline continues to struggle with demand following residents losing employment.  I’m told this remains a Government priority and extra staff are being redeployed(!)

·         Testing of Frontline NHS staff. Nurses have contacted me who are urging ‘testing’ rather than ‘isolation’ when showing coronavirus symptoms.  This is an issue which (I support) Government being lobbied to change. 

·         Issues relating to second home owners.  Although restrictions apply for holiday accommodation, concerns have been relayed to ‘visitors from London’ relocating to the Island during the coronavirus outbreak. Please note despite reduced visitor numbers there are no restrictions to prevent second home owners returning to the Island.

·         Issues concerning construction work continuing in Baring Road. I am now advised that work on site has reduced, with the need for social distancing between contractors.

Updates:

Cowes Post Office in the High Street has temporarily closed.  This was due to the lack of space to permit social distancing within the shop.  Although I requested the IW Council to intervene to find a solution to this essential service, it should be remembered that whilst providing an essential service it is up to the owners to consider whether it is 1.commercially viable to remain open and 2. Provide the necessary safeguarding for staff and customers. In the coming weeks, inevitably more and more businesses, facilities and services will be affected once coronavirus numbers grow. 

Cowes Community Bus will reduce its level of service from 30^th March to operating only on Tuesday and Saturday.

Cowes Medical Centre has in place an econnect service.  This allows patients to contact the Medical Centre without the need for phoning. For details, please visit: https://cowesmedicalcentre.webgp.com/     

A very very big thank you to everybody who has volunteered and to all the essential workers committed to providing support.  In the coming weeks, your efforts will be invaluable and gratefully appreciated!!

Annual Reports.

These will be delivered once guidance is relaxed.  This can be found at: http://paulfullercc.blogspot.com/

Highways Issues.

·         Carriageway Resurfacing 2020/2021.

Island Roads have advised me of roads ‘being considered’ for resurfacing next year.  These are:

·         Crossfield Avenue	·         Grove Road	·         Terminus Road
·         Stephenson Road	·         Egypt Hill	·         Town Quay
·         Cross Street Car Park	·         Denmark Road	·         Sun Hill
·    Somerton Park & Ride	·         Cross Street	·         Thetis Road
·         Moorgreen Road	·         Park Road

As yet no date has been arranged to resurface Worsley Road, Gurnard.  However, despite this I continue to ask that repairs are made and the roads condition is monitored.

·         Glen Place junction.

Discussions are ongoing on who’s responsibility it is to improve access to and from Glen Place in Worsley Road.  Before the coronavirus outbreak, stem were in place to have a face to face meeting between residents, planners and Island Roads to resolve a way forward.

·         Car Parking Charges.

Because of coronavirus, I have requested a delay should the consultation take place on charging for parking on Gurnard/ Cowes Seafront.  Because of the current impact upon businesses, I have suggested that any consultation would be ill-founded and insensitive at this time.

I remain ever hopeful that with the promise of Island Deals, Fair Funding etc., the IW Council will become overtaken by events.  However, should the consultation remain pending I will ensure this is well publicised- if not by the Council, by me!

Update:  The IW Council has confirmed to me that proposals to charge on Gurnard Seafront are now on hold. Hurrah!!

·         Crossfield Avenue.

Myself, Cowes West Councillors Cllr Christine Bustin and Cllr Paul Taylor met with Island Roads to address concerns raised regarding buses mounting the pavement exiting Cowes Enterprise College.

·         Rolls Hill/ Road.

An update from the police has been requested concerning action to be taken against speeding motorists.

Planning Issues.

·         Baring Road Applications.

I have been advised that the two applications one for 4 dwellings, the second for 6 dwellings are likely to be refused. In response to this, I have requested intervention following trenches being dug in fields.  To date, I have not been advised of what was happening but surmise surveys were taking place.

·         Westview Road.

A new application has been received to develop a residential property in Westview Road, off Rew Street.  This application is outside the Settlement Boundary and will caused concern over precedent.  For this reason, I have called in the application, should officers be mindful of approving the scheme.

·         Supermarket Deliveries.

Because of the exceptional times we are currently in, the IW Council has relaxed planning conditions regarding the delivery of goods to replenish supermarkets and other shops.

·         Planning Applications.

I am advised that although Planning Applications can be submitted electronically by applicants, and these will be available online in the usual way, no new planning applications will be determined for the immediate future.

Because of Government guidance, the Council will not be starting the formal public consultation period due to the need for site visits and the erection of notices.  

Sewage Discharged into the Sea from outfall

Following a call from a local resident this was reported to the IW Council.

Coincidentally, in recent weeks at the Solent Forum I have spoken to individuals about the issue of private outfalls and the impact this has upon the river quality, our beaches and the sea.

In the meantime action has been taken, and the situation continues to be monitored.

Sail GP.

At the moment Sail GP are still intending to hold their event during Cowes Week (not been postponed at the moment!).

I understand that the site plan, schedule and traffic management plan has been postponed (due to Coronavirus) and will be shared by the organisers after Easter. The meeting scheduled to take place on 2^nd April has also been postponed.

Floodlighting: Ward Avenue.

A meeting was arranged with Environmental Health concerning Floodlight spillage, noise and issues concerning the 3G pitch.  Following the meeting, some key questions were raised.  These included:

·         Concerns over the soft landscaping/ arboretum and woodland conditions not being in place.

·         Why is all lighting on at all times- even when pitches are not in use. Can this be restricted?

·         Of the three pitches, why is the one closest to Ward Avenue the most frequently used. Can this be rotated?

·         Can floodlights have ‘hoods’/screens to prevent spillage?

·         Can the potency of lighting be reduced?

·         Why is lighting turned on at a time when natural lighting is good?

·         Can there be a waiting area. As the current space is used creating a noise nuisance to neighbours?

·         Can the raised areas surrounding the pitch be restricted, as tis impacts upon the privacy and amenity?

·         Can the school’s playing field be used during the summer to prevent disturbance?  

English Coastal Path: Isle of Wight Section.

Consultation as stated on the Isle of Wight section of the English Coastal Path. This continues until 12^th May 2020. For details please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/england-coast-path-isle-of-wight

In Gurnard proposals include:

·         the permitted path, at the bottom of Horn Hill, Rew Street connecting to CS17 from/ to Thorness

·         Footpaths CS35 and CS36 seaward (inc. the sea wall) of Marsh Road.

·         A direct path through Spencer’s Copse to the beach, and onward to the beach huts via Shore Path.      

Local Access Forum.

Following winter storms a number of public rights of way temporarily closed.  This include the steps to Alum Bay, and footpaths to Headon Warren, Forelands, Brook, Brambles Chine and Swains Road.

It was reported that Footpath CS35 at Gurnard was closed, However this has now reopened.

With the onset of the Tour of Britain later this summer, and by the fact that the Isle of Wight will bookend the tour in September it was hoped that pressure would be in place to upgrade those roads being used by cyclists.   

The Ramblers Association and the Rights Of Way Department are seeking volunteers to check rights of way each year.  Please let me know if you are interested.

Concerns were raised regarding the issuing of permits for 4x4 users using the Tennyson Trail.  A meeting was due to discuss with the police.

Solent Forum.

The general theme from the meeting was concerning the impact of how nitrates (largely through farming) impact upon water quality and the local environment.  This has had an adverse impact upon seagrass, and thus impacts upon absorption of carbon.   The development of housing upon nitrates entering water courses was also highlighted as an issue, with some Council’s aspiring to reduce housing numbers because of this.

Another issue debated at the Forum was (Eco) Advanced Mooring Systems and discussions taking place with harbour authorities, to use these facilities for yachtsmen to protect seagrass and maerl beds in the Solent.

A discussion took place on coastal archaeology, from CITiZAN working with community groups in Portsmouth, Langstone and Chichester Harbours who are surveying and exploring remains found on the shores of these historic heavily defenced waterfronts.

Environmental and Waste Issues.

·         Household rubbish bins have been left out after being emptied.  This has been reported to the Council’s Environment Officer.

·         I have also requested support from the EO on discarded compostable waste which is left in bins on Gurnard Green. Please note these bins can be (and are regularly) ransacked by the local fox population, and again I ask that rubbish is either taken home, and as if/ where left by second home owners, owners please subscribe to the collection plus service.  For details, visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/Collection-Plus-service-available

·         Egypt Esplanade was recently pressure washed to remove algae/ slime.

·         A request has been to Gurnard Pines make safe the fence on its boundary with Cockleton Lane.

·         A request was made to remove a shopping trolley left on Gurnard Green.

·         I’ve requested the replacement of trees removed from Worsley Road, Place Road and Solent View Road.

IW Councillor's Report, March 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

Because of fast developing Government advice concerning the Coronavirus Pandemic, please note that many of the issues reported in my March Report are evolving.  As a result of pubs, clubs, schools and cafe's closing, and most meetings and events being postponed or cancelled surgeries have been revised (see below)

In the meantime, I will be out and about during the end of this month, and during early April delivering reports and offering any support that required.  I have also been in contact with the Medical Centre, Cowes Foodbank, Local Councils to collate information, which I will collate to my April Report which I will put on-line by 28th March 2020. 

I remain ever hopeful that by May, more certainty, adaptations and reassurance can be provided. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me for support. In the meantime, please stay safe.  Yours, Paul. 

Surgeries.

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

5-6pm, Wednesday 11^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Monday 16^th March, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

9-10am, Monday 23^rd March, TELEPHONE SURGERY PLEASE CALL 01983 289595.

5-6pm, Wednesday 25^th March, TELEPHONE SURGERY PLEASE CALL 01983 289595.
 9-10am, Monday 30th March, TELEPHONE SURGERY PLEASE CALL 01983 289595.

Planning Updates.

·         37 Woodvale Road.

The appeal against the refusal to extend the bungalow opposite the junction to Jordan Close was upheld (not supported) by the Planning Inspectorate.

·         Baring Road proposals to develop next to Greenacres.

Following last month’s proposals to build 6 units on this site, a further application was advertised last month to run parallel with the first for 4 dwellings. The deadline for the second application is Friday 6^th March.

In light of both applications, I have called in both proposals for consideration by the planning committee should officers be mindful of approving the schemes on the following grounds:

1. Development would have an adverse impact upon the landscape characteristics of the Jordan Valley from Worsley Road and from Baring Road. This is Contrary to 4.30 and E1 of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan (NP) adopted by the IW Council.

2. Feedback on the new housing allocations within the Island Planning Strategy has yet to be determined but it is noted that after the first draft both the local IW Councillor and Gurnard Parish Council raised concerns on 3 fields adjacent to Tuttons Hill. This proposal is part of the largest of these. Contrary to 4.30 and 4.34 and Policy E1 of Gurnards NP

3. This application will continue to close the gap between Cowes and Gurnard, thus coalescing both communities and creating a cumulative impact upon the Jordan Valley. Contrary to 4.30(i); E1 and Gurnard’s NP Landscape Assessment.

4. Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan identifies several sites elsewhere in the Parish. If more housing is needed these sites have a much lesser impact upon on the remaining Jordan Valley.

5. The applicant gives no evidence to support that this proposal will meet the local housing needs and is contrary to H1.2 and H1.3 of Gurnard’s NP

6. Development is outside the settlement boundary and lies on a green field site which is currently used as agricultural land and regularly cropped. More trees are needed to reduce our carbon footprint and create a greener Island, parts of this field could be utilised to grow quality trees like Oak. Residents feel this area should be safeguarded 4.30 (i) and (vi)

7. I have concerns over the principle of development on this site.

·         Planning Enforcement.

Action has been followed up concerning floodlighting again at the Range, Place Road.  On Floodlighting, I am also meeting with residents in Ward Avenue who continue to complain of floodlighting from the new All Weather Pitch.  

In addition, action has been agreed following the unauthorised construction of a shed at Gurnard Pines.

I have also requested action is followed up after boundary hedgerows were removed on the boundary of the new Meadow View development.  Following complaints, discussions have taken place with neighbours which will ultimately improve boundaries and screening for the longer term.

·      Bucklers View.

A meeting with Bucklers View Residents is intended to take place to address concerns over drainage at the site, as well as a hands up on the proposals to extend.

In speaking to Southern Housing, I understand that construction will not commence within six months. Therefore it seems very unlikely that information sharing/ public meeting will not take place until contractors have been procured and a traffic management is in place in draft form. A conference call with officers is due to take place early next month.

·         Wightfibre Cabinets.

Following perseverance by residents and I, Planners have agreed to enforce darker fibre cabinets in conservation areas.

Sail GP.

The first meeting of residents who will be affected by this years SailGP event met with organisers and Council Officers.  Following the first meeting, follow up meetings will take place, whilst updates will take by email.  

It was reported that this year there will be no grandstand, whilst an official ticketed area will be in place opposite the New Holmwood Hotel.  In addition, a discussion is taking place about extending the hours of the Community Bus.

I anticipate the next meeting will take place later this month, once more is known about the proposed traffic highway arrangements.  Another issue being investigated by organisers is the use of the generator for the broadcasting enclosure.

Update: Sail GP have met with Cowes Week Ltd and Island Roads and are working towards a ‘cohesive traffic management plan’, which will be developed ahead of this month’s meeting, with an aim to share this in April.

In addition, progress is being made for a park and ride ‘Sail Bus’.  The feasibility of this is being evaluated.

Public Spaces Protection Order Consultation

The IW Council are consulting on the above, following initial concerns over access to dogs..

The consultation can be found at: https://www.iow.gov.uk/council/OtherServices/Environment-Officers/Public-Spaces-Protection-Order whilst drop-ins also take place at:

Cowes Town Council offices, Northwood House, Tuesday 3^rd March 2020, 10am until 11am

30 High Street, Newport, Tuesday 10^th March 2020, 2pm until 3pm

Highway Updates.

·         Seafront Charges.

In order to raise more revenue, the IW Council are pursuing proposals to charge for parking on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.

From my perspective, I am totally opposed to these unpopular proposals particularly given the cost of maintenance and the impact that this will have upon established and new businesses.

In response, before any formal consultation takes place I have asked for such proposals to be rethought within the context of setting next year’s budget.

·         Rolls Hill/ Road.

A meeting took place between residents, the Police and Island Roads to discuss concerns over speeding traffic using Rolls Hill and Roads Hill Road.

Following the speed being monitored, in light of average speeds being in excess of 50mph, I am supporting calls for an ‘Emergency Speed Limit’ being in force during the improvements works at St Mary’s junction.  On this, I am attempting to arrange a meeting with IW Council Officers and residents.

·         Gurnard Primary School.

I continue to receive complaints from parents and residents over dangerous parking. As a consequence of a minority of parents who park dangerously, consideration is being given to introducing a no waiting/ no loading restriction which will remove the 5 minutes grace to allow parents to collect and pick up children.

Last month at a meeting called to discuss options it was agreed to pursue this as well as increasing parking capacity within 5 minutes walk of the school.

·         Bus Shelter request.

Last month I have received a request for a bus shelter to be positioned next to the Meadow View development in Place Road.  Following feedback from Island Roads have advised this could be problematic given the width of the pavement, and by the fact it is likely that residents living nearby would be affected.  That said, I will be gauging residents views to gauge their thoughts…

·         Speeding: Place Road.

With houses being built on Place Road, I have been asked for consideration being made to reduce the speed limit to 30mph.  On this, before I proceed please let me know your thoughts!

Corporate Scrutiny.

Last month, I attended the IW Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

During the meeting I raised concerns over the need for an earlier exclusive ‘Confidential Briefings’ for Scrutiny Councillors on the PFI contract which required members to sign a ‘gagging order’

With respect to the Council’s Budget, this year there was not sufficient time allowed to table any costed alternative suggestions. This has not helped due to uncertainties over both the Fair Funding Review (still being consulted upon) and an Island Deal, which although was promised has yet to come to light.  Details of the IW Council budget can be found at:

Also at Scrutiny it was reported by the Leader that the Floating Bridge is now operating a ‘good and reliable’ service with 99% of services operating to schedule.

Annual Report.

If you do not wish to receive my Annual Report for 2019/ 2020 please let me know before 23^rd March.  These are due to be delivered by the end of next month, although I hope to finish well in advance of this.

Green Garden Waste.

If you have not already added your details to the waiting list for the Green Garden Waste subscription service, and wish to do so, you can sign up to the waiting list here: https://bit.ly/2QAbOKQ by subscribing to the Waste & Environment e-newsletter; you will also be able to subscribe to a range of other Isle of Wight Council e-newsletters if you would like to.

Please be aware that when signing up to the garden waste Environment and Waste notifications you will be added to subscription waiting list only, you will be asked a series of questions that will help us to provide you with the right service. Your email address and property data will be used to inform you of updates to the Garden Waste Subscription Service and other updates on this topic.

The Great British Spring Clean 2020.

This takes place 10am, Saturday 4^th April from Gurnard Village Hall.

Many thanks to Ben and Holly from the Little Gloster who are sponsoring this year’s event and providing a free cup of tea or coffee to those participating.

IW Council Budget 2020/2021.

In order to effectively challenge some of the budget headings for savings, I have been working with colleagues on alternatives these include:

·         Transferring funds from upgrading Sandown Civic Centre, and reinvesting the savings into social housing. 

·         Reviewing use of IW Council Buildings, ensuring best value is achieved.

·         Reassessment of Parking Charges and their impact on the regeneration of Town Centres and Seafronts.

·         In light of poor take-up, reassessment of criteria for the IW Council’s Hardship Fund for those on low incomes.

·         Soft market testing for advertising

·         Soft market testing for leisure centres. 

·         Creating a ‘Pay As You Use’ Garden Waste Collection Service

·         Franchising Catering Facilities for Leisure Centres, Libraries and Corporate Buildings.

Unfortunately, alternative proposals were voted down, in favour of the ruling Conservative proposals which can be found here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/mod-council/26-2-20/PAPER%20D-AppendixC.pdf  (revenue) and here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Meetings/committees/cabinet/13-2-20/PAPERC-AppendixD-NewCapitalSchemesStartingin2020-21.pdf (capital).

Cowes Enterprise College 3G Sports Pitch.

I met with a number of residents who over the past few months contacted me over concerns they have with the new 3G pitch at the college.  Following the Colleges intervention with consultants, there remains concerns over:

·         Lighting

·         Noise.

·         Loss of Amenity and Privacy.

In response to all of these issues, I have arranged a meeting between residents and Environmental Health.  This meeting will discuss areas of  these concerns and questions as to why all pitches are lit when not in use, and could the money saved not be invested in the tree planting scheme which was approved as a condition by planners.  

Although the facility is a fantastic asset for both the college and Cowes, when it starts to impact upon resident’s enjoyment of their homes, their health and well-being this is a real concern that does need to be addressed.

Also this month.

·         Exposed manhole covers were repaired in Baring Road.

·         The tree lost on the grass verge opposite Deauville Drive is scheduled to be replaced this month.

·         A resident has contacted me raising concerns over a further fast food outlet proposed outside Newport.

·         I continue to chase up repairs to deteriorated carriageway works in Park Road.

·         I have requested the timeframe to make-good a retaining wall in Crossfield Avenue.

·         At the AONB Partnership, I suggested the need for the Partnership to attend a face to face meeting with Island Roads and IWC Highway Contract Team to attempt to get back on course the Dark Skies Park which was tentatively refused due to the extent and potency of street lights in the area. 

·         Outline proposals for a new bus route serving Havenstreet and Brighstone has received tentative support from Southern Vectis and Councillors. It is likely that finer tuning will be needed to allow my suggestion to work.

·         I have received a call concerning a Scam call made allegedly by the Tax Office for accrued tax.  This is a scam.  For updates on scams circulating, visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/IWASP/Current-Scams

·         A number of residents have contacted me concerning stormboards, and their ability to prevent flood waters entering Egypt and Princes Esplanades. On this, I have relayed these concerns on to Coastal Protection Officers