IW Councillor's Report, April 2024

 

Surgeries.

 

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

10:30-11am, Thursday 4^th April, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday, 10^th April. The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 17^th April, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 17^th April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 24^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 25^th April, Coffee & Chat, All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11-11:30pm, Thursday 25^th April, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

4:30-5pm, Monday 29^th April, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

 

Street Trading License, Princes Esplanade: Salty Siren Approved.

 

Following the initial licensing hearing being postponed (due to the sub-committee being inquorate), it was agreed to allow the Salty Siren to operate from two alternative locations on Princes Esplanade.

 

The main concern raised was the matter of a generator being heard from the applicants preferred location 50 metres from Solent Shores. Environmental Health considered this was unlikely to be an issue for residents who expressed concern over any humming sound. Following this, Environmental Health would take action should a problem materialise. In response I’ve suggested that residents to keep a log of when instances of noise becomes an issue.

 

Before the hearing the applicant highlighted rather than using a converted horsebox, she would instead use a catering pod. Assurance was given the pod would be removed each afternoon. The pod will be in place from May.

 

Place Road Hybrid Application. Approved by Planning Committee.

 

Plans to extend the Meadow View development in principle by up to 117 units and create a Green Space was approved by Planning Committee who supported proposals with 6 in favour and 2 against. This was despite myself, Cowes Town Council and residents making robust points against proposals and particularly the developed aspect of the proposal.

 

Because there is no up to date Island Development plan in place which challenges the principle to develop ‘adjacent to the settlement boundary’ alongside the annual current housing figure of 730, this considerably weakened the Local Planning authority as well as the Planning Committee’s position to refuse proposals.  

 

Consequently, full details of the housing element of the proposal will follow.

 

Draft Island Planning Strategy.

 

Progress on the Plan was again delayed at Full Council following the request made for an alteration.  Because of these delays data being used to make the plan sound is due to expire in the coming weeks, so the Full Council’s hand is likely to be forced to either accept the current plan or to reject this out of hand before starting consultation again for a new plan.

 

Since the Island’s planning bible started in 2017 it has cost around £660,000.   

 

Cockleton Lane.

 

Last month Cockleton Lane was closed for 17 weeks until mid-July, to allow Southern Gas the opportunity to complete urgent work on the Island Gas Main, which crosses the lane at the junction leading to Gurnard Pines.

 

Since then complaints were made to Island Roads and the Police concerning motorists removing barriers to exit Cockleton Lane from the Four Cross junction (you would think using the diversion might be quicker!. To note, the barriers are put there for a good reason and when they are removed this can be dangerous for other road users!  

 

Rose Garden, Park Road.

 

I have received a call from residents concerned with the unkempt condition of the Covid Memorial Rose Garden in Park Road.  Could it look better and be a better feature for the town?  Please let me know your thoughts!

 

Environmental Health Concerns.

 

·         Gulls.

I have received a number of calls over the past few months regarding the damage being caused by neighbours feeding of birds..  Unfortunately, this causes concerns on washing day and when cars act as target practice for our feathered friends. If you wish to help please use feeders, as this supports the number of smaller birds that are adversely impacted by the growing numbers of exploitative herring gulls- that now seems all the rage for gardens!

 

·         Tree Blossom.

Apologies this month for feeding back some many complaints!  I have today received a complaint concerning tree blossom, which is causing issues for residents.

 

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, overhanging branches and windfall fruit remains within the ownership of neighbours.  However, blossom and leaf fall is a civil matter and the IW Council has no jurisdiction to act. 

 

On these matters, please be aware of the impact that your choices has upon neighbours.  In the meantime, if you’re affected by similar issues, please contact Environmental Health direct on 01983 823000. Please note, officers prefer to speak to residents direct rather than me, as often they will have questions that I am not in a position to answer.

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Elections, Thursday 2^nd May 2024.

 

The last date to apply to Register to Vote in this election is Tuesday 16^th April 2024. The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the elections on Thursday 2 May is 5pm on Wednesday 24^th April.

 

Voters in England need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This applies to:

 

·         UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions

·         Local elections and by-elections

·         Police and Crime Commissioner elections

 

For details of accepted photo id visit:  https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/accepted-forms-photo-id

 

If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate please visit: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-elections/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate. The deadline to apply for free voter ID certificate for the elections on Thursday 2^nd May is 5pm, Wednesday 24^th April.

 

Details of candidates can be found from the https://www.choosemypcc.org.uk from 10^th April.

 

Cowes Coastal Protection priorities.

 

The undermined sea wall on Queens Road, Cowes is due to be repaired in the coming months.  At a cost of £24,000, this remains a priority for the IW Council.  In addition the Gurnard groyne which has collapsed, resulting in lost beach materials is also due to be repaired at an estimated cost of £30,000 later this year. 

 

Isle of Wight Council to agree Future Governance. Cabinet v Committee.

 

At last month’s Full Council, the potential move to a Committee system on making decisions got one step closer.

 

From my perspective, with Committees making decisions, this will require more involvement from Councillors, and will hopefully result in all County Councillors stepping up to be involved in the decision making process.  At the moment the eight strong cabinet (which I am fortunate to be one) makes most of the decisions for the authority.

 

Although a supporter of the Committee system being introduced, concerns were raised with respect to the pace of implementation, as present costs to run the Council this way are unknown. I also share concerns echoed regarding the lack of consultation. Suggestions currently being considered stipulates there will be four committees (Children’s Services; Adult Social Care, Public Health & Housing; Economy, Infrastructure & Transport and Environment & Community Protection). These will meet four times a year.  In addition there will be a Policy, Resources & Finance Committee overseeing the work of the Council meeting each month- on the face of it not dissimilar to the Cabinet in my opinion. In May Full Council will be asked whether it supports adopting a Committee System and if so when?

 

To be effective, in my opinion with my experience being the only IW Councillor to have worked within a Committee system (from 1995-2001) there should be more Committees with more power, meeting on a more regular basis. 

 

Trees.

 

Last month, I asked to extend protected woodland between Cowes and Gurnard. This will give greater protection to tree loss, and will ensure that where woodland exist, this can be properly managed for future generations. I am seeking Nature Recovery and Carbon Credits to do this.  In addition I am taking up concerns over the management of another TPO’d Woodland following concerns raised over increased subsidence risks.

 

Parish Council Precepts.

 

I was criticised for not mentioning about the Cowes precept. (I mentioned Gurnard’s, freeze as Chairman of the Parish Council. To note, because of the household growth for Gurnard in real terms the precept fell by 0.5%). Gurnard will be engaging on projects for next year, at its Consultation which takes place

 

This year, Cowes Town Council agreed to increase its precept by 4.8%. This equates to £5.05 per household.  Some of the headlines within Cowes’ precept includes more support for our Environment Officer, Dog and Litter Bin emptying, support for Cowes Library, Remembrance Day and Charity Events and an increase in administrative costs.  Costs earmarked for marketing within the Cowes and Northwood Place Plan were reduced.

 

Northwood Parish Councils precept increased by 8%. However, Northwood’s overall precept is much lower than that for Cowes and Gurnard. Visit: https://iwc.iow.gov.uk/documentlibrary/view/council-tax-town-and-parish-council-precepts-2017-18

 

Overpaid Council Tax.

 

There are a number of reasons why households may be owed cash from their council, but the most common one is where you've moved out of an area after already paying some or all of your council tax in advance.

 

Crucially, this can happen even if you didn't pay the whole bill in one go. That's because council tax is charged annually – from April to April – but it often tends to be paid in 10 instalments from April to January.

 

This set-up means you end up paying some of your council tax in advance. For example, once you pay your tenth and final instalment in January, you've already paid for the last two months – February and March – in advance. So if you move out in mid-February, you've overpaid by a month and a half.

 

There are various other reasons why you may have overpaid your council tax, such as:

 

·         You had a retrospective discount applied. For example, if you move out and the next resident successfully applies to get the property band lowered, this means that you previously overpaid and are owed a refund.

·         You forgot to cancel a payment, meaning that you kept paying when you no longer lived in the property.

 

For further details visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/how-to-reclaim-council-tax-credit/

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank, Love Lane, Cowes.

 

This month the foodbank are requesting Squash, Tinned Spaghetti, Sponge Puddings, Rice and Tinned Veg.

 

Isle of Wight Ferries.

 

I am regularly being contacted concerning the reliability and cost of ferries to and from the mainland.

 

Following calls from residents I continue to contact Red Funnel, particularly on cancelled journeys. Sadly the responses that I receive are unapologetic and non-committal.  I am in contact with others who share my frustration. In the coming months we intend to discuss action points we would like to see from the ferry providers.  In the meantime, please let me know your views and your thoughts on how providers can improve services. 

 

Boots Chemist closure: News from Cowes Medical Centre.

 

Boots closed their pharmacy at the medical centre Friday, 8 March 2024.  They have sold their business to Jhoots pharmacy who are still to confirm when they will be open.  

 

To ensure patients who have nominated Boots-Cowes as their preferred pharmacy can get their medication during this transition, Cowes Medical Centre will send prescriptions to the 'cloud'.  Having your prescription sent to the 'cloud' means you can go into any pharmacy and ask them to ‘download your prescription’ and fill it.  You will need to have your NHS number with you to do this.

 

Boots will transfer any patients who have nominated Boots Cowes as their preferred pharmacy to Jhoots Cowes.  You can of course decide to change your preferred pharmacy.

 

Cowes Library.

 

Following years of perseverance, Cowes (and Ryde) Library has been successful in its bid to improve access.

 

At Cowes this will mean that there is to be a wider door opening for wheelchairs an mobility scooters, as well as access to the toilet and kitchen area.  Congratulations to Staff and Volunteers!  Work is due to start in September.

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Early Spring warmth begins to bring some hedgehogs out of hibernation. Those that successfully hibernated will be thin and extremely hungry and thirsty! A shallow dish of chicken-based cat/dog food, along with a shallow dish of water, put out each night will help them enormously.

Gardeners beginning to tidy up, please stay cautious when using mowers, shears and strimmers!

 

Gurnard Parish Council: Chairmans Report.

 

·         I reflected views expressed by the Parish Council at hearings for both the Place Road Planning Application and for the Salty Siren Street Trading License.

·         Work continues to iron out matters concerning the future of Gurnard Village Hall, and how this is managed moving forward with volunteers.

·         With Gurnard Parish Council are holding an ‘open weekend’ at the Village Hall on 20-21^st April.  If I can find a costume big enough, I am looking forward to dressing up as a giant hedgehog!

·         I’ve spoken to the retailer at the Watersedge kiosk which opened last month. I am advised that the kiosk will continue trading until such time as the site is sold. Together we discussed the upkeep of Rosie’s bench to make sure that this continues to be looked after and old flowers/ paraphernalia are taken away and not left unsightly. 

 

Planning, Coastal Protection and Flooding: Cabinet Member Report.

 

·         Work continues to attempt to iron out policy matters within the draft Island Planning Strategy.  With the deadline nearing its conclusion myself and officers continue to attempt to resolve outstanding issues with Councillors.

·         I have offered support to residents of Bembridge who reported unauthorised tree work.

·         I attended one of the best attended public meetings called to address Coastal Protection matters in Ventnor.  Of concern to residents were the uncertainty of re-opening roads.

·         I am due to meet with residents affected by the most recent landslip in St Lawrence. Officers are currently on-call

·         I am due to meet with residents of Gunville following recent flooding. 

·         At the most recent meeting of the Solent Forum. At the meeting held concerns were raised regarding the impact of drones on birds, Nature Recovery in coastal and marine environments, competitive angling as a scientific tool (through fish tagging!) and work underway to protect Hurst Spit from coastal erosion. 

·         At SIFCA’s meeting progress was reported regarding research required by Government on Black Sea Bream.  In addition, it was reported that further delays occurred to introduce SIFCA’s new vessel, Vigilant.  Also it was reported that there has been a severe reduction in Salmon spawning in Hampshire’s chalk streams.

·         IWALC met with Licensing at last month’s Cabinet Meeting.

·         An exhibition is pending to discuss Flood Prevention/ Coastal Protection measures for residents of Sandown and Yaverland.

·         New piles was installed as part of the East Ventnor Coastal Protection Scheme.

 

In a nutshell..

 

·         Support was given via Island Roads in seeking a compromise to maintain a hedgerow on the Crossfield Estate.

·         As the IW Councillor rep. on the IWC Pensions Board, I have been challenging Finance Officers on their support.

·         Supporting residents from Rew Street, I have written to the Planning Inspectorate echoing concerns.

·         I have contacted Island Roads again regarding the deteriorating condition of Worsley Road.

·         Requests for double yellow lines have now been circulated to Island Roads.  These will be considered on health and safety grounds, and will be consulted upon once and if agreed.

·         Myself and new Councillor Siobhan Barney has met with IW Council Officers and Cabinet Members to discuss proposals for the creation of a data centre.

·         I have liaised with individuals eager to ensure that pathways are compliant with safety standards within proposals for the new Green Space (SANG) west of Cockleton Lane.    

·         A further complaint has been made about the potency of street lighting in Worsley Road.  This follows a number of trips which have occurred from residents accessing the Village Hall.

·         Signposting was provided to a resident requiring access to parking adjacent to All Saints Church, Gurnard.

·         I have been appointed to serve on the IW Council’s Future Governance Committee.  This follows me serving as both a lead and opposition Councillor in the 1990’s.

·         I have chased up a Business Rate review for a local resident.

·        If you have not received your water butt visit: https://gurnardparishcouncil.gov.uk/free-water-butt-from-southern-water/

·         An update was shared concerning a planning enforcement request against residential use of an ancillary unit.

·         A further Planning Enforcement request was received regarding perceived residential use within the countryside.

·         A request was made, which I followed up for counting those using the Cowes-Newport cycleway.

·         An update was provided to me on Gurnard’s Community Agriculture Project. Villagers will be attending Gurnard Parish Council’s weekend event on 20/21^st April.

·         I received (as often happens) communication regarding the traffic lights in place on the Cowes Road last month.

·         I am chasing an update from Natural England on the King Charles III Coastal Path.  I am also looking forward to meeting landowners potentially affected.

·         I have received complaints regarding rotting flowers and non-biodegradable plastic left on memorial benches.

·         I have been approached by second home owners who may be impacted by new Council Tax rules in 2025.

·         Work has started on my 2024 Annual Report. This will be available online and from Cowes Library this month-ish.

·         At Full Council, I was the only Isle of Wight Councillor to not accept recommendations to increase Councillors allowances. 

Isle of Wight Councillors Report, March 2024

  

Surgeries.

 

4:30-5pm, Monday 4^th March, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

10:30-11am, Thursday 7^th March, Gurnard Press and Bistro, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 13^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 20^th March, Benches adj. to Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 20^th March, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 27^th March, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

11:30-12pm, Thursday 28^th March, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

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

 

Planning Application and Alternative Natural Greenspace, Place Road Ref: 23/01430 FUL.

 

I have been notified that the outline Planning Application for land between Place Road and Cockleton Lane is due to be considered by the IW Council’s Planning Committee from 4pm, Tuesday 5^th March.  The recommendation being considered by the Committee is that the application is APPROVED.

 

With respect to the application, I’ve so far had success in my request for the Committee to consider the proposals, should officers be mindful of giving this their support. However, without the adoption of the Island Planning Strategy, the need for Island Affordable Housing and current Government Housing targets for the Island being set at 730 the fight against proposals will prove a challenge. That said myself, our local Councils and residents (who I am working alongside with) intend to do our very best to convince Planners to rethink proposals.

**Update: By 6 votes to 2, Outline for the (principle of) development, and details of the SANG was supported by Planning Committee on 5th March. To note, Planning Committee has requested that reserved matters are considered by them in the future. This will agree numbers of dwellings, layout and lanscaping**

 

Salty Siren Street Trading License Application, Princes Esplanade. Ref: 24/00055 STSTAN.

 

The application for the Street Licence for the Salty Siren (intending to sell Ice Cream, Coffee, Slushies etc) is to be heard by the Licensing Sub-Committee from 10:30am, Tuesday 12^th March.

 

Because of concerns raised by Solent Shores residents, Gurnard Parish Council have suggested that should the application be approved and public nuisance matters are resolved the preferred location should be closer to Egypt Esplanade rather than the first choice of the applicant. In addition, I have also requested for the vehicle to be taken away once trading finishes in the afternoon.  I’ll be attending to support addressing issues raised.

 

Double Yellow Lines Suggestions.

 

Requests for double yellow lines have been received for the following locations:

 

·         Lower Horn Hill, South of Permissive Coastal Path. ·         Junction with Glen Place, Worsley Road. ·         Outside and to north Gurnard Press, Worsley Road. ·         Junction with Westbrook Lane, Worsley Road.

·         Junction with Worsley Road, Church Road. ·         Worsley Road, South of Bus Stop. Opp. Portland Inn. ·         Junction with Albert Road, Solent View Road.

 

Amazingly despite requests none were received for Cowes. To note all above proposals will need to be considered by Island Roads on Health and Safety Grounds, before any formal public consultation takes place with residents.  From experience, most are rejected. However, it is noted that the Highway Code advises (i.e non-enforcable!) no  parking 10 metres from junctions..  

 

Sunnycott, Holiday Park, Rew Street.

 

I have written to the Planning Inspectorate who recently approved increasing the number of mobile homes being used at Sunnycott.  With respect to the Appeal there has been a number of factual aspects of the decision, which requires clarity and alteration.  On this, I continue to support residents.

 

Public Access to Planning.

 

A Planning Officer will now man the front desk at Seaclose, Newport from 2-5pm on Wednesday afternoons. Following feedback, this was actioned to raise the officers profile, and to assist residents with any Planning queries.

 

 

Flytipping.

 

Flytipping of garden waste in Cow Lane, Gurnard has been reported. This continues to be monitored, and action will be taken against those responsible.

 

Consultations.

 

·          Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS, helps manage surface water. They copy how rainwater drains in a natural landscape. A new draft supplementary planning document outlines the design principles required to deliver SuDS on the Isle of Wight. It provides advice on including SuDS within new development. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/consultations.  This consultation continues until 8^th March.

 

·         Health Contributions.

For some time now residents have asked for health provisions to be made by developers when considering new planning applications.  By creating a supplementary planning document will offer a mechanism to require developers to act accordingly. For details of the consultation which continues until Tuesday 2^nd April, please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/local-plan/supplementary-planning-document-consultations/

 

Council Tax increase for Empty Homes (2024) and Second Homes (2025).

 

In line with the Levelling Up Act, Cabinet has taken the decision to implement Government Policy to claim increased (100%) Council Tax for owners of Empty Homes and Second Homes.

 

Government has advised Councils that Local Authorities only have an option to do this. However, for the Island there is little choice since requests are regularly made for extra Government funding through an Island Deal. 

 

When I undertook my consultation on this, I received 8 respondents opposed, compared to 17 in support.  Given that during my consultation a number of residents issues will mean that they will be made exempt and others have the ability to appeal should charges be levied, I was happy on balance to accept proposals.

 

Military Road.

 

I attended a public meeting held to discuss the future of the Military Road, following the ongoing landfalls that continue.  From my discussions with residents there is a view that funding should be found to repair (in the short term) and re-route the road slightly inland to mitigate against where the road is close to the cliff edge at Brook.

 

In recent weeks, a section of the coastal path at Afton Down has moved, also bringing the road closer to the cliff edge.  This continues to be monitored, and thankfully this section seems less perilous than the section at Brook and at locations where chines are beginning to form.

 

IW Pension Fund Committee. 

 

My ‘interest’ in the IW Pension Fund has stepped up this month.  As a result of no IW Councillor attending the Local IW Pension Board for almost a year, I have volunteered to join and subsequently have needed to resign my position on the IW Pension Fund Committee who are monitored by the Local Pension Board.  As a result, I will over the coming weeks be undertaking training to fulfil my position.

 

It is noted that the IW Council’s pension fund (and its investments) are worth over £700,000 and has 17,500 residents dependent upon the smooth running of its finances.

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Earlier this year, following the Exceptional Circumstance footnote (pressed for by our MP) for Islands in the Levelling Up Act, the IW Council was asked to approach expert Planning advice on what this meant for the Island and could this really be used as a tool to reduce housing numbers for the Isle of Wight?

 

From the consultants response, the answer received was not as positive as I had hoped, and subsequently factors such as the non-delivery of housing for most years may mean that the Governments Figure for housing might even exceed 730 is worrying using the parameters that are set… On this, some Councillors have advised they remain committed and are seeking a second opinion.

 

In the meantime, with support from others including Counsels advice, I remain committed to supporting ‘Special Circumstances’, for suppressing the housing figure to 453 given that our own methodology can be used, as it has been elsewhere successfully  

 

Cowes Foodbank.

 

This month the foodbank are seeking Long life milk, Tinned Spaghetti, Sponge/ Golden Syrup/ Ginger Cakes, Long life Fruit Juice and Coffee. For details please call 01983 292040 or visit:  https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

IW Council Budget.

 

Councillors are set to determine the IW Council Budget.  Proposals to not extend and freeze Car Parking (for this year) has been widely supported, as has proposals to invest in Affordable Housing. Key headlines are:

 

·         Additional spending of £6.3m in Adult Social Care to cover the National Living wage of 9.8%.

·         Additional spending of £5.0m in Children’s services

·         Creation of a £0.25m Community Capacity and Resilience Fund

·         A Council Tax increase of 5%.This includes 3% for Council Services (inflation peaked at 8.7%, currently 4%).

·         £2.1m for Schools Capital Maintenace

·         £1.8m for adaptations to disabled residents ‘homes to allow them to remain in their own homes.

·         £0.5m for structure and drainage works to replace Osborne Steps, Shanklin.

·         £0.4m for improvements at a facility providing support for older people to return home to live independenty.

·         £0.4m Improvement highway drainage to reduce flooding.

·         £0.4m To renew/ improve the Rights of Way network following recent storm damage.

·         £0.3m for extra Coastal Protection support

·         £0.2m for Place/ Town Initiatives Fund.    

 

Road Closures: Cockleton Lane, Gurnard.

 

Cockleton Lane is due to close for 17 weeks, whilst Southern Gas carries out work on the Island Gas Main in Cockleton Lane. The closure will between the junctions of Pallance Road and Hilton Road, with activities taking place from 8am-6pm weekdays and 8am-1pm if required on Saturday.

 

Phase 1 (Pallance Road to Gurnard Pines) will take place for 10 weeks, whilst Phase 2 (Gurnard Pines to Hilton Road) will take place for 7 weeks. I am advised that Gurnard Pines will be fully accessible throughout these periods.

 

Floating Bridge.

 

I attended a Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting called to discuss the Floating Bridge,.key points raised included:

 

·          There was no data available for FB5.  Therefore comparisons could not be made on chain depth, or tidal issues or berthing.

·         FB6 is too large. This resulted in problems berthing and crossing as it is exposed to tides and winds. FB6 weighs 100 tonnes more than FB5 and its weight (being constructed of steel) is 30% more than an aluminium vessel.

·         The push boat required to help FB6 is expensive (+£600k per year)

·         Concerns were raised by the procurement being too specific concerning FB6’s size and materials.

·         On average there are 3.4 crossings per hour. Consultants suggested this needed to increase to 4-5 to be viable.

·         Although the vessel could continue to be modified, in the long term it would be cost effective to replace FB6. However, No certainty was given that a Push Boat would not be required.

 

Hedgehog Corner.

 

Good news. It is now official that in urban areas, hedgehog numbers are on the rise.  That said, numbers remain at a precarious level.  Particularly in the Countryside!

 

Although the hedgehog is in decline and receives some protection from the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, it is not officially a threatened species. Thousands of hedgehogs die every year for a variety of reasons, most of them caused by humans. Here are some hazards faced by hedgehogs:

 

·         Road traffic; this is probably the biggest danger during the spring and summer. Since hedgehogs roll up when threatened with danger they are easily squashed by cars when trying to cross the road. As the numbers of cars increase, more and more hedgehogs are killed.

·         Habitat loss; The growth in intensive farming since the 1940s has removed many of the hedges, woods and small fields in which hedgehogs thrive.  The trend for tidy gardens and lots of decking and paving have also reduced the ‘messy’ habitats of mixed vegetation and fallen leaves that hedgehogs love.

·         Chemicals; the use of garden chemicals such as insecticides and slug pellets is a threat. They reduce the natural food available. Also, tiny quantities of chemicals are present in slugs, beetles etc. and as hedgehogs may eat hundreds of these every month they can soon accumulate enough poison to affect their health.

·         Drowning; if a hedgehog falls into a swimming pool or steep-sided pond, it often drowns because it cannot climb up the smooth sides. A strip of wire netting fixed to the side, or a pile of stones at the edge will let the hedgehog escape.

·         Cattle grids; hedgehogs often fall through these and cannot climb out so they starve to death. Ramps or tunnels are now usually built inside the pit to let the hedgehog escape.

·         Hibernation; more than half of all hedgehogs die during hibernation due to cold, fire, flood or someone wrecking their nest.

·         Garden machinery; always worth check long grass for hedgehogs before using a strimmer or a mower.  Hedgehogs can be seriously injured or killed accidentally by gardeners using these kinds of tools.

  

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

 

·          As referenced earlier in this report, as Cabinet Member I am overseeing Consultations for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Health Contributions from Developer Contributions within Planning.

·          An IWALC Meeting was hosted to respond to Housing questions put local Parish Councils.

·          I have met with Ventnor residents impacted by recent coastal protection/ landslip concerns.

·          As referenced earlier, I met with residents at a public meeting facilitated by local Councillor Nick Stuart to discuss Military Road.

·          Meetings are taking place both with the MP and with Councillors to address the pursuance of the Exceptional Circumstances offer made by Government.

·          To address perceived blockages to the creation of local affordable housing, I hosted a meeting with Planners, Housing and Property Service Officers.   

·          With members of the Planning Committee I attended the most recent meeting of the Council’s Planning Workshop.  Items discussed included Nitrates Neutrality, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS), The Health Contributions SPD and Social Housing.

·          I hosted a (very short) Coastal Councils meeting to discuss costal protection. The meeting took place to share feedback with local Councillors on action points following the large number of recent landslips across the Island.

·          I was asked to intervene in an incident concerning the removal of protected trees in Bembridge.

 

Report from Chairman of Gurnard Parish Council.

 

·         Following an extra hard push from the Parish Council (especially Clerk, Richard Shaul and Cllr Terry Nolan), the former Putting  area of Gurnard Green has now been formally adopted as having Village Green Status.

·         Gurnard Parish Councillors agreed to freeze the parish precept for a second year.  The reason for doing this is due to the fact Councillors believe that future projects can be funded without raising Tax further.   

·         A request has been made for bollards to be installed, due to the grass verge getting churned up by parents collecting and dropping off children at Gurnard Playgroup and Gurnard School.

·         The Tap located on the revetment adjacent to the Watersedge Kiosk has been repaired.

·         A request has been made to increase Tree Wardens, in light of ongoing concerns being expressed regarding the welfare of trees and woodland in Gurnard.

·         With Cllr Acton, I attended a meeting with residents hopeful of setting up a Community Agriculture Group.

 

Also this month In a nutshell.

 

·         I’ve off loaded all No Cold Caller stickers to Cowes Library. Since reporting Wightfibre to Trading Standards, I have received no feedback from residents complaining.

·         A big thank you to the developers at Place Road for trimming hedges and for replacing the Deauville Avenue street sign damaged following a traffic incident at the end of last year.

·         I have requested additional Tree Preservation Orders to protect Woodland and Trees

·         I have referred a residents complaint concerning Neighbourhood noise to Environmental Health. 

·         I look forward to attending (with a local resident) the Planning Office Front Desk to support a resident wishing to make a like for like planning application.

·         A Cowes resident was signposted for support who wished to raise an objection to a planning application.

·         I’ve been appointed to the IW Council’s Future Governance Committee, who are investigating the pros and cons of moving the local authority from a Cabinet system to a model that relies upon Committees to make decisions.  At a recent meeting I attended, a colleague expressed concern of some Councillors availability!

·         I’m supporting a Crossfield Avenue resident approached by a forceful Island Roads requesting shrubbery is cut back. In response, I’ve requested Island Roads speak to the resident, given the impact on the garden involved.

·         I attended a meeting with a resident supportive of doing what they can to reopen the Swimming Pool at Gurnard Pines.  In response to this the owner has been positive in offering assistance.

·         A request has been made to invite Visit Isle of Wight and Island Roads to join the IW Local Access Forum.

·         Support was given to a resident in contact with Planning Enforcement.