Letter to residents, who commented formally to the Planning Application for land adj. 44 Worsley Road.

Dear

TCP30990/A-P/01505/12 land at & rear of 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard, Isle Of Wight. Demolition of dwelling and stables; residential development comprising 21 dwellings with associated parking and landscaping (revised scheme) (revised plans received showing amended layout) (further readvertised application).

Thank you for commenting on the above Planning Application.

I am writing to advise you that the Planning Committee hearing for this application is due to take place from 4pm, Tuesday 24^th September at County Hall.  This meeting is open for local residents to attend.

Planning Officers are recommending that this application is approved (with conditions) by the Committee.  The full report will be available from the IW Council’s website iwight.com from Tuesday 17^th September, whilst Planning Committee members are due to attend a site visit scheduled for 9:45am, Friday 20^th September. (The Planning Department advises that Councillors not to enter dialogue with residents during site visits!)

As you may be aware this application was due to be considered in July but was delayed following analysis of this year’s Housing Needs Survey.

A number of residents have asked me for me to relay an updated list of names of those Councillors who serve on the Planning Committee.  These members are as follows:

Cllr Julia Baker-Smith, Cllr Reg Barry, Cllr Raymond Bloomfield, Cllr Charles Chapman (Chairman), Cllr David Eccles, Cllr John Hobart, Cllr Richard Hollis, Cllr John Howe, Cllr John Nicholson and Cllr Roger Whitby-Smith.

Although I am also a member of the Planning Committee, I’m unable to vote due to being local councillor. However, I am permitted to speak and represent the views of local residents for 5 minutes, which I intend doing next Tuesday.  Objectors are also given an opportunity to speak for 3 minutes, as are supporters, whilst the local Parish Council (or their advocate) are also given an opportunity to reflect their views to the Planning Committee.

If you wish to speak to me between now and next Tuesday, I will be at home from 5:30pm Thursday evening and will be in attendance at the Village Harvest Festival Celebration from 2pm until 5pm on Saturday 21^st September in Spencer’s Field, Tuttons Hill, and as always will welcome your views!

Should you wish to formally add comments to your original representation, these can still be emailed to the Planning Department until next Tuesday, however should you wish to consider this, I advise this is undertaken at the earliest opportunity so these can be relayed to the Planning Committee as ‘late representations’.

If you are unable to attend next Tuesday’s meeting, I will post the Planning Committee’s decision on my Blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com, following the meeting.

I hope this information is helpful, and pre-empts questions you may have.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Fuller JP,CC

Independent IW Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard. 

16th September 2013. 

IW Councillors Report: September/ October

Surgeries:

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 18^th September, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 26^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4-4:30pm, Tuesday 1^st October,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 10^th October, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm Wednesday 16^th October, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 23^rd October, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 31^st October, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard

Land Adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

I requested this application was deferred following analysis of Gurnard’s recent Housing Needs Survey.  It is now likely the hearing will be held on Tuesday 24^th September. Once this date has been confirmed, I will notify interested residents.

Highways Issues Surgery.

I am due to hold a themed Open Surgery, with the PFI Contract Manager, Marc Griffin and a representative from Island Roads in attendance.  Marc has been very helpful resolving many of the issues that have been relayed to me so far since the PFI Award began in April.

This Surgery is a joint initiative with John Nicholson, Councillor for Cowes South and Northwood.  This surgery will take place from 5-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October in the Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes, and will enable local residents from Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood  to raise any Highways related issues that are of concern. 

Appointments to Outside Bodies.

At Full Council I was reappointed to the Local Access Forum, (a Statutory Body which oversees use and provision of Rights Of Way on the Island), The AONB Management Committee (which oversees activities and the function of the Isle of Wight’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and after an 11 year break I’ve been reappointed to the Solent Forum (overseeing the balance between the conservation, recreational and economic challenges of the Solent).

Asphalt Plant Update.

During the Summer, Eurovia has formed a joint venture with Blackwater Quarry owner Bardon Vectis, which will now provide Asphalt for upgrading local roads.

Therefore, the proposal to construct the Plant on the bank of the River Medina seems no longer likely to go ahead. 

Beach Huts.

I’ve spoken to a number of Beach Hut owners, who have raised some concern over the timescales involved in redecorating and repairing huts.  I’ve requested the IW Council offers owners a longer timescale earlier in the year, with a view to being introduced from next year.

'Superfast' Broadband 

There has been considerable debate between Councillors regarding the initiative to roll-out superfast broadband across the Island.  Although much of the funding is through a Government Grant (financed via the TV Licence) and commercially by the Broadband Provider, there is a financial commitment required by the IW Council (£3m) 

I’m fully in support of this proposal which will provide a broadband service to 21,000 properties in Rural areas.  BT state they will offer commercially, Superfast Broadband to 50,000 properties in the urban and semi rural areas within the Island.

The vast majority of connections will be via Fibre To The Cabinet, whilst some properties can apply for Fibre Direct to Premises.  Councillors were advised this will offer Broadband Speeds of 24mbs for 97% of  households at peak times (The contract specifies 20mbs for 90% of the population).

Opponents raised concerns over the level of the IW Council’s financial commitment, and whether this offers value for local residents.  I personally believe that it does, and recognise this will become more necessary in coming years.  In addition, I consider it important for the Island Businesses to compete on a level playing field with other areas.  

Cowes Enterprise Update.

Students are due to move into the new college building on 9th September.

Councillors Richard Priest (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education) and Ian Stephens (Leader of the Council) are arranging a Public Meeting (I anticipate in the coming weeks) which will offer an opportunity for Parents and the Wider Community to raise many of the outstanding issues with both the College and the IW Council.

In the meantime, I am working with the College to arrange an ‘open evening’ to enable residents to see for themselves the facilities that are available in the new building.

Parking, Crossfield Avenue: Let me know your thoughts!

With the new college building now open, I am monitoring perceived concerns that parents and residents have shared regarding parking for both Cowes Enterprise College and Cowes Primary School.  In the meantime, please let me know your thoughts!

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel.

As Chairman of the E&E Scrutiny Panel, are there two items of work that I am currently undertaking.

The first is drilling down on the existing Parking Strategy, which is being reviewed.  A Working Party met in July and issues that we have requested further information are as follows:

1. Civil enforcement officers
1. Copy of guidelines for enforcement to demonstrate that there is no target set for the number of PCN’s issued.
2. Implications on level of enforcement through sickness absence.
3. Ability to perform any other duties such as contract monitoring (cleaning of toilets and litter bin emptying)
4. Could they be re-named town wardens and kept in one particular area.

2. Payment on exit – could this be trialled in one town centre car park. Use reserves and balances as a “spend to save” project.

3. Free parking –
1. Currently a free half day at one car park in each town.
2. Could this be changed to a free half hour each day or charging not being operational until 10am each day and or stopping at 4.00pm.

4. Permits –
1. Separate permits for specific site and one for all island.
2. Island residents permit for long stay with one for short stay (up to 4 hours)
3. Better marketing required for visitor permit and review of costs if made Islandwide rather than a specific car park.

5. Coach parking – review where these are located and if layout needs amending due to increased size of these.

6. Charging for parking on esplanades – look at inconsistency

7. General charging policy – review whether this should be consistent across the island or take into account local circumstances.

8. General parking enforcement – members still not fully aware of reporting process if there is a known problem caused by parked vehicles.

I am discussing whether there may be some merit in arranging a formal briefing for IW Councillors and Stakeholders.

The second item of work, which I’m working with officers and Scrutiny Members on is investigating to what extent budgetary savings from 2013/4 have so far been met.  A meeting with the Director will take place in the coming weeks

My Panel meets again on Wednesday 11^th September, where Southern Vectis will be in attendance to provide an overview of their service. This will be scrutinised by the Panel, who will be joined by members of the Youth Council and the IW Bus Users Group. One issue local residents have asked me to raise is the concern of overloaded buses, the availability of seating on the service between Cowes and Newport, and whether additional services/ larger buses can be timetabled.

Leylandii and the Law.

A number of residents contact me about what the law states concerning Leylandii and other evergreen trees.

The current legislation on high hedges comes under Section 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act (2003). This allows councils to take action where the hedge has grown to a height where “the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant’s reasonable enjoyment of their property”.

Key points:

In most cases, you do not need permission to plant a hedge on your property but you are responsible for looking after the hedge.

There are no laws on how high the hedge can be grown but a council can take action if it is affecting someone’s reasonable enjoyment of their property, so maintaining your Leylandii hedge well from the start is recommended.

If part of the Leylandii hedge grows over the boundary (foliage or roots), owners of the neighbouring property have the right to cut it back to the boundary. However, anything you cut remains their property so you should check what the owner wants you to do with the trimmings. It is best not to throw them back over into the your neighbour’s garden but to stack it neatly.

If you have a hedge and part of it breaks or falls, or if it damages your neighbour’s property, you could be liable for any costs for compensation or repairs. This includes pushing over fences.

If a hedge is dangerous or obstructs a public path or pavement, your local council can take action to force you to trim it back.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act (2003) only applies to:

·         hedges of two or more evergreen or mostly evergreen trees, not to individual trees.

·         hedges over two metres tall.

·         hedges affecting domestic property.

In the last month:

·         A meeting between residents of Rew Street, the IW Council and Island Roads was called to agree an action plan to resolves speeding and dangerous driving.  The outcomes are now being finalised with IW Police.

·         The issue of litter on Gurnard Green was tentatively resolved following relocating one of the two wheelie bins.  My grateful thanks to Gurnard Parish Council who funded an extra collection during Dinghy Week.

·         New replacement lighting has now occurred in Woodvale Road and Ward Avenue.

·         I have been in discussion with residents regarding the noise from the Cattle Grid in Westview Road, Gurnard.  I have requested that works are undertaken to further secure this, in the hope that noise can be reduced.

·         I have organised two meetings with Rights of Way to progress the proposed Diversion Order for CS16.  One meeting was held with 3 of the 5 objectors, whilst the second meeting was held with Gurnard Parish Council.

·         I have requested hedges in Cockleton Lane are cut back on cessation of the Nesting Season.

·         I have reported residents concerns over Public Loos, their cleanliness and functionality.

·         The Police and Environmental Officers have visited a resident who regularly has dog muck thrown in their garden. I am ever hopeful the perpetrators will be caught!!

·         I have signed off under delegated powers Planning Applications for Shore Road and Westwood Close.  Following no objections from either the Parish Council or neighbours, Ive discussed potentially supporting an application for extending 28 Solent View Road, Gurnard.

·         I’ve requested the new development south of the Moorings in Egypt Hill is called Admiralty View, Upper Holmwood (the former name for The Moorings), Maws Close (after the chemist/ hydrofoil inventor and former owner of the Holmwood Hotel and The Moorings), Moorings Close or Moorings View- in preference to the developer’s choice of Admiralty Way.

·         I am liaising with Island Roads about a potential parking restriction that may be necessary for Marsh Road, following a request from a local farmer to transport maize between local farms. 

·         I am arranging a meeting with officers to look into Health and Safety Concerns at Blackberry Lane.

·         I am liaising with the Isle of Wight Community Club and its neighbours over various issues.

·         Action has been taken by Environmental Health against a resident from lighting regular bonfires which has impacted upon Queens Road residents.

Surgery: Woodvale, 6pm, Thursday 12th September CANCELLED!

Due to a number of commitments that have arisen at the same time on Thursday 12th September (Cowes Enterprise College Governors, The Local Access Forum and Overview and Scrutiny Committee all clash!) , it is regrettably necessary for this surgery to be cancelled.

The following week, I am holding two surgeries at 12:45pm, Wednesday 18th September at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard and my first ever surgery (Fingers crossed!) 3pm at the new building of Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes!  

IW Councillors Report: August & September

Surgeries.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday 27th August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd September,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd September, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 18^th September, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 18^th September, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 26^th September, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 1^st October,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 1^st October, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Coastal Path (CS16 and CS17)  Diversion Order update.

In June myself, Gurnard Parish Council and the IW Ramblers Association were consulted by the IW Council regarding a proposal to divert a section of the coastal path which starts at Gurnard Luck and heads towards Thorness.

This suggestion came about following discussions between the landowner and Rights of Way with respect to the long term future of the existing path.

The proposals set out the following:

·  To replace the footpath north of the chalets facing the Gurnard Luck, with a new footpath south of the chalets.  This would result in the loss of approximately 60m of footpath on the seaward side of the chalets.

·  To create a new public footpath to Cooks Bay to be recorded on the definitive map.

·  To retain a public footpath in front of the chalets facing the Luck to enable public access to the Luck to continue.

·  To create a safe off road entrance from Rew Street with access via kissing gates.

Following the consultation, a number of concerns were raised by objectors, these were:

·  Loss of what many consider is the most scenic aspect of the footpath.

·  The loss of path is unnecessary given it is perceived to be in 'good' condition, and not subject to coastal erosion.

·  Concerns regarding access from Rew Street.

· No action should be taken until further consultation has taken place.

Due to the objections that have been raised, this leaves the IW Council with two options, these are:

Option 1: Take no further action, and retain the existing footpath for as long as possible. (Should the existing path be lost to erosion the diverted Coastal Path would involve approximately 1 mile of road walking along Rew Street to join CS3 to Sticelett, the public footpath south of Sunnycott Caravan Park).

Option 2: Proceed to make the Order which would involve further statutory consultation including the posting of notices on the path and publication in the County Press. Depending on the nature of the feedback, the Diversion Order would either be confirmed (brought into force), withdrawn or referred to the Secretary of State for decision.

Details of this proposal features within the ‘Documents’ section of Gurnard Parish Council’s website. 

Coastal Protection Issues.

I received several calls from Gurnard residents following works being carried out on the beach adjoining the Marsh. 

This month, hopefully with Gurnard Parish Council I’m looking forward to arranging a meeting with residents, landowners and interested parties to outline what activities can and cannot be carried out.

Land Adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

I requested this application was deferred following analysis of Gurnard’s recent Housing Needs Survey.  It is now likely the hearing will be held on Tuesday 24^th September.

Once a date is confirmed, I intend letting the 100 or so residents who made representations know!

Street Lights.

I know that a large number of residents have contacted both me, The IW Council  and Island Roads concerning new street lights remaining on after installation.

I am advised that they will normally be illuminated for 24 hours- or until they are recognised by Island Road’s system.   In some instances it can take several weeks to configure to the topography of the local area.   

Highways Issues Surgery.

Next month, I am ever hopeful of holding a themed Surgery, with the PFI Contract Manager, Marc Griffin.  Marc has been very helpful resolving many of the issues that have been relayed to me so far since the PFI Award began in April.

This Surgery will also be jointly held with my colleague, Cllr. John Nicholson who represents Cowes South and Northwood.  It is anticipated that this surgery will take place early October.  Please let me know if there are issues you wish to discuss with John, Marc or myself and hopefully I can confirm with you the date when arranged!

Fireworks!

I am advised with the exception of New Year’s Day, Guy Fawkes Night (Diwali and Chinese New Year) it is illegal to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am.

During the summer, I received further complaints regarding private fireworks upsetting residents and their pets between 10pm and 11pm.

Please let me know if you have had problems, as I am keeping a database of residents, who I’m happy to call should an event is due to happen!

Please, if you are planning to hold such events let me know and I can warn those residents who feature on my database.  In the meantime, I have contacted all Firework Professionals holding these events requesting they too let me know when these are likely to happen.

In discussions, I’ve had with residents they have requested if a party is due to occur, please let your neighbours know!

Fracking.

A concerned resident notified me regarding their concerns over the potential for Fracking. I understand the new administration will not be encouraging any investigations- particularly given the sensitivity of any of the geological sites and land designations.

Beach Huts.

I’ve spoken to a number of Beach Hut owners, who have raised some concern over the timescales involved in redecorating and repairing huts.  I’ve requested the IW Council offers owners a longer timescale earlier in the year. 

Gurnard School Playing Field and Orchard Site.

Before the summer, the IW Council set about marketing the old school site for housing.  A Planning Application for 7 homes has already been approved for the site of the former school buildings and playground.  Following this the former School Playing Field and Orchard Site is due to transferred for Community Use.  The IW Council remains anxious to retain ownership of this- however wish to lease the grounds to a local group (such as Gurnard Parish Council) for this purpose. This is due to be discussed by Cabinet in October.  

IW Cllrs Report: July & August 2013

Surgeries:

6-6:30pm, Thursday 11^th July, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Tuesday 16^th July, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

5:30- 6pm, Thursday 25^th July, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

12:45-1:15pm Wednesday 31^st  July, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

1:30-2pm,  Monday 12^th August,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

12:45-1:15pm Tuesday 27^th August, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 3^rd September,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd September, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Land adjacent to 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard.

The Planning hearing for 21 dwellings in Worsley Road, Gurnard  is due to be held on the 30^th July.  I’m advised that the likely confirmation of officers recommendation for approval will be formally made on 17^th July, with the report available from 23^rd July.

In the meantime, I’m seeking clarification on the current status of the settlement boundary, following representations being made by myself and Gurnard Parish Council earlier this year citing its removal. I’ve also requested what status the village’s emerging Neighbourhood Plan and Housing Needs Survey is likely to have upon this important application.

There has been a great deal of local interest on this particular SHLAA, which resulted in around 100 objections to this application with a clear consensus from residents in Cowes and Gurnard to see the Jordan Valley (above) protected and preserved as  a strategic ‘Green Gap’ in order to prevent settlement coalescence between both communities.

Within the representations to the current proposal, many comments have been raised stating that this application is premature in light of it being a SHLAA site, and by the fact that the recent Housing Needs Survey (which had gained a 60% response rate from residents) is in the process of analysis.

UPDATE:  Following requests made to consider the recently completed Housing Needs Survey- and for these views to be properly analysed, I've persuaded Highways Officers with support from the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services to defer taking this matter to Committee.

Officers will also be looking into policies regarding Settlement Coalescence and views regarding Gurnard's Settlement Boundary.

It is anticipated that the Hearing will take place on 27th August or 24th September. 

Isle of Wight Budget 2013/4: Overview & Scrutiny Presentation.

One of the biggest challenges facing local Council’s in the coming years, is that Council’s will be forced to cut their cloth accordingly, following directives from Government.

At present Councils are financially rewarded to freeze Council Tax (equating to the same as a 1% increase).  Should they consider raising Council Tax above 2%, legislation stipulates that this must first be subject to a local referendum.

With costs (esp. in adult care) increasing, and income reducing, with a further 10% cut planned by Government, this is making next year’s budget setting very challenging. One poignant comment made by the Council’s Managing Director, was that if the Council cut all its discretionary services, there still may not be enough resources available in future years.

Areas that Local Authorities will be reviewing are those where there are income streams, namely Car Parking and Bereavement Services. Inevitably there will be much closer co-operation with Local Town and Parish Councils and a need for neighbouring authorities to share resources. In the meantime, the new Council are investigating further funding opportunities through European Assisted Area Status Grants and funding to help regenerate our local economy. The IW Council are working closely with neighbouring authorities who have supported the IW Council’s bid.

Andrew Turner, MP- Summer Surgeries Monday 12^th August.

Andrew Turner MP, is holding his summer surgeries this year from 11:45-12:05pm at the Village Clock, Worsley Road, Gurnard and from 12:15-12:45pm at Cowes Co-Op, Carvel Lane and I know will look forward to listening and acting upon residents concerns.

As with previous years I look forward to accompanying and supporting Andrew during his visits.

Grass Verges:  Please let me know your thoughts!!

Since Island Roads took over the Grass Cutting contract, I’ve received a handful of complaints regarding grass verges that have not been cut by contractors.

Following representations made to the IW Council, (with evidence supporting ownership by the IW Council) contracts have been altered accordingly to include these areas.

In Cowes West and Gurnard this includes verges in Cliff Road and Place Road.  Please let me know if there are other areas that have not been cut, which the Council previously took responsibility for!

Other Highways Issues.

Following being re-elected, and knowing of difficulties in promptly resolving highway’s matters, I am now regularly (every 4-6 weeks) meeting with officers to report monitor complaints brought to my attention.

Issues which I’ve taken up most recently include overgrown hedges in Baring Road, Cockleton Lane and Place Road, ambiguous signage on Queens Road, requests to see the Event Management Plants for events where vehicles block Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade, glazing replacement at bus shelters and enactment of Cowes’ most recent traffic regulation order.

I am advised that due to hedgerows not being able to be cut at this time of year due to nesting birds, brambles have been cut back to make it safer for pedestrians (particularly children walking to/from school in Baring Road.

Surplus signage: Please tell me your thoughts!!

I have one or two residents who frequently advises me of surplus signage, from redundant bus stops, signage etc. 

I am currently in the process of collating a list for Island Roads to deal with removal of such street furniture.

Please let me know of signage which duplicates notices  and signs which you consider surplus, and in turn I will find out whether this is either necessary, appropriate or worthy of removal.

Gurnard Coastal Path (CS16) Modification.

An opportunity has arisen for the IW Council to modify the coastal path, which currently begins between Cliff Cottage and chalets to the North West of the Luck Bridge.  Rights Of Way considers this is necessary due to coastal erosion. Proposals feature overleaf.

The proposal which will be formally consulted upon moves the entrance south of the chalets and will reconnect to the existing path, whilst providing an opportunity to resurrect a path leading down to Cook’s Bay and the beach below.

At present, I support this modification on the proviso the existing footpath can continue to be used.  For this reason before.  In addition to this modification, Rights Of Way are proposing to move the move the path between Gurnard and Thorness slightly inland due to coastal erosion.

Because of the importance of this order, I have requested that Gurnard Parish Council are consulted.  In the mean time, details of these proposals can be found on Gurnard Parish Council’s websites within the ‘documents’ section.  If you have views, or wish to know more please let me know (The deadline, I’ve been given to respond is 31^st July!)   

Cowes Enterprise College Update.

I attended a site meeting to look around the new College building this month.  It is hoped that before the new school is opened (still on course for September!!) Parents will be invited to see all that the college offers, whilst I am supporting efforts to see the local community have greater involvement. This follows staff and students, familiarising themselves with the new building.

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel Update.

The Isle of Wight Council are investigating options for a future parking strategy which is currently underway.

Members requested further investigation was considered on the following matters:

·         Good Practice elsewhere.

·         Car Parking Permits.

·         Review of long and short term car parks.

·         Payment on exit.

·         Co-operation with local businesses and retailers.

·         Free Short Term Parking.

·         Residents Parking Zones.

·         Parking Enforcement.

·         Disabled Parking.

I have since met with Cllr. Jon Gilbey, Cabinet Member for Assets who has also raised a number of issues which he is investigating further these also include uniformity of parking charges; coach parking; closer co-operation with businesses and parish/town councils; Tourist Permits and the potential for 'Smart' Ticketing.

There were three areas where member involvement and further research would aid the formulation of any future strategy.  These were as follows:

1. Free Short Term Parking.  Would it be financially viable to offer free parking for 30 minutes and can local businesses/ Parish Councils become involved?  What good practice was in place elsewhere?

2.   Payment on exit ticketing. Further research?

3.   Are the current Long and Term Bay Car Parks in the right location, do these need to be revised?

4.   Other issues considered necessary during the Informal Meeting?

Albert Road/ Solent View Road Parking Issues.

Many thanks to those residents who contacted me concerning parking in Albert Road.  Following last months report in Gurnard News 3 residents have supported removing double yellow lines, whilst 3 have objected to this.

The IW Council are unlikely to consider modifying the existing order, unless it is supported by both the Emergency Services and the overwhelming majority of residents.   

In the meantime a resident has asked me to remind neighbours to be cautious when parking in Albert Road, particularly where there are dropped kerbs as this has and continues to cause an obstruction to residents accessing their driveways.

In the meantime, I continue to welcome comments on Albert Road.

Summer Events.

For children’s events, this summer please visit www.wightchyps.org.uk

For general events this summer, please visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk. The Island’s Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also celebrating it’s 50^th year, this year and there is a large programme of on-going events commemorating this anniversary.

For everything you need to know about this years’ Cowes Week Event, please visit:                      www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

Discretionary Housing Payments Consultation.

The council’s Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) policy is to be formalised and will operate from the 2013/14 financial year, subject to a period of consultation with relevant organisations and key stakeholders.

In some circumstances, people in receipt of housing benefit find themselves in a situation where the benefit they receive does not cover the amount of rent they are due to pay.

The policy provides extra support to cover these shortfalls usually on a short-term basis where a claim is made for additional financial support and the applicant is receiving at least the minimum amount of housing benefit. It does not cover shortfalls in the amount of council tax due to be paid.

The policy has been developed to give a consistent and fair approach to providing assistance for vulnerable Island residents in genuine hardship (while they review their situation following the Government’s welfare reforms).

The Isle of Wight Council would value your views and comments on the policy and on our assessment of its likely impact.  You are welcome to do this either as an individual or on behalf of your organisation. To read the policy please visit www.iwight.com/dhp.  This consultation ends on Friday 2^nd August.

You can send comments by email to: customer.services@iow.gov.uk clearly marking it as ‘DHP feedback’ in the subject heading. You can write to the IW Council to request a paper copy of the policy or express views to: Discretionary Housing Payments, Isle of Wight Council Offices, Broadway, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 9EA

In the Past Month,

·         I’ve received further complaints of dog mess in Baring Road.  I’ve requested that local residents copy me into complaints made to Island Roads.  In the meantime, Island Roads also operate a 24hr hotline on 822440!

·         A meeting has been set up to tackle traffic incidents in Rew Street.  This follows further damage caused by traffic last month!  This meeting will be attended by myself, local residents, Highways Officers and the Police.

·         A planning application receiving in excess of 20 comments in Shore Road, has been recommended for Refusal by Officers.  I’ve supported refusal, and am remain grateful to those taking the time to comment!

·         I’ve requested planning enforcement at Cowes Enterprise College, Shore Road and within a Cowes listed building

·         Flytipping occurred on Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.  Action was taken promptly to remove this!

·         I’m seeking to call a meeting with the police to discuss/ review gatherings on Gurnard Beach.  As yet, I’m still awaiting a response from residents on whether they are interested in attending! 

·         I’ve been asked to support local blood doners, following cessation of blood donations in Cowes.

·         Overflowing litter bins and discarded rubbish and barbecues continue to be a problem in Gurnard.  This continues to be monitored and will be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council this month.

·         Gurnard’s former school site is due to be marketed by the IW Council following July’s Cabinet meeting.  A meeting has been arranged to discuss disposal of the Playing Field/ Orchard site.

·         I’ve requested the replacement of ambiguous and weathered signage in Queens Road.

·         New street lamps have been installed in Crossfield Avenue, Parklands Avenue, Worsley Road and Tuttons Hill.

·         I’m supporting a resident’s complaint regarding the discharge of waste from living accommodation from boats moored on the River Medina.

·         At Full Council members voted to continue prayers at the start of meetings (As an atheist, I’m happy to support any form of faith, that fully prepares Councillors for the ordeal of Full Council!!

·         There was conflict upon members on whether or not the Town and Parish Representative on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be offered full voting rights.  Because ‘local’ Councils have much greater opportunities to run public services than local authorities, I very much support voting rights…

·         Last month I also attended two Licensing Committee meetings, two Children & Young People Panel, A Planning Committee (and site visit), a transport Appeal, An Economy & Environment Panel and have just joined the Council’s Audit Committee…