IW Councillors Report: January 2014

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7^th January,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 15^th January, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 30^th January, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.
5-6pm, Monday 3rd February, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes. (BUDGET)

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

IW Council Budget 2014-2015.

The IW Council is currently facing the challenge of setting a budget for the coming financial year.

Savings being considered include reducing non-statutory services, reviewing staffing/ sharing resources with other local authorities and/or town/parish councils and raising revenue from fees and charges.

Because of austerity measures, and future cuts in Government Grants it seems increasingly likely that smaller authorities will find it more difficult to retain non-statutory functions. 

For the IW Council this will continue to be extremely challenging, particularly in light of a growing aging population and the statutory requirement the local authority has to support this need.

One of the issues, locally which will be of concern is the prospect of increasing Cowes Floating Bridge charges. This may be necessary due to the need to replace the ferry in the next 3-5 years. Car Parking will be another aspect of significant interest.  I will be holding a special budget surgery from 5-6pm, Tuesday 4^th February at the IW Community Club to listen to residents suggestions.

Meeting with Ferry Users and Operators.

The first meeting with Ferry Users took place last month.

Regretfully there was no representative of Red Funnel users. This in itself could be perceived as positive!

Of surprise was the fact that the two other user groups had differing relationships with ferry operators.  The representative of travellers using Hovertravel seemed positive about their relationship, whilst Wightlink users seemed less so.

There was no evidence to suggest that visitors to the Island considered the ferry crossing cost was a disincentive for coming to the Island. In a recent Survey the Isle of Wight was considered the 3^rd best value holiday destination in the UK.  

Other issues discussed and considered was the need for Ferry operators to properly service their debts; why Government considered the Solent to be an ‘Estuary’, and by so doing restricted the Island Ferry Services being financially supported in the same way as other off shore Islands; and finally could small local Island businesses take advantage of special deals as larger businesses? 

The next meeting will take place with Ferry Operators on 6pm, Thursday 23^rd January at County Hall.

Safe Routes To School, Baring Road: Update.

A Public Information Evening was held on 2^nd December, to discuss proposals to increase traffic restrictions in Baring Road and Woodvale Road.  This meeting was advertised by way of a letterdrop to 100 homes nearby, and for two weeks through Gurnard Primary School’s newsletter.  In summary the proposals included the following:

·         A parking restriction on the length of the cycle lane in Baring Road

·         Additional parking restrictions in Baring Road opposite the pavement (eastern side), between the school and Battery Road, with passing places.

·         Additional parking restrictions at the top section of Woodvale Road on both sides of the road.

·         Retention of the parking restrictions on the pavement side (western side) of Baring Road.

During the meeting (which was attended by 12 residents and 6 parents there was a general agreement that proposals would make it safer for children, however concerns were raised over the loss of parking.  In respect of this, every aspect of the proposal was opposed and therefore it seems unlikely the Traffic Order will be advertised in its current form. 

Following further complaints from parents over child safety outside the school a meeting has been arranged early January with the school to agree a way forward.  In the meantime, I have requested that parking enforcement is improved.

Adverse weather.

Throughout late December and early January Flood Alerts remained in place for Gurnard Marsh following the threat from stormy weather, high tides and rainwater impacting upon the Gurnard Luck.

Elsewhere, Princes Esplanade and Egypt Esplanade flooded which resulted in bus services being diverted, whilst Cockleton Lane avoided the usual severity of flooding following a request made to clear storm water drains prior to Christmas.  

Gurnard Primary School remained closed until 10:30am on Monday morning due to a fallen tree whilst parts of Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood have continued to experience power cuts.

I am advised that the service have attended over 100 flood related incidents since Christmas and am aware the Council, fire and rescue service and Island Roads continue to monitor the weather forecasts and respond to weather-related incidents.

 

Defra announces a second consultation for Isle of Wight Coastal Path.

Defra announced a new consultation which runs to 24^th January 2014.

The purpose of this consultation is to give a second opportunity for people to state (or re-state) their views on whether or not the Government should make an order to ensure the Isle of Wight is included within the Maritime and Coastal Access Act.

The consultation particularly invites views on the degree of priority that should be accorded to the making of an order, and the implementation of any coastal access proposals for the Isle of Wight as against the rest of the coastal access programme, given limited funds for the overall programme.

Comments can be made via the following link:

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/landscape-outdoor-recreation-and-forestry/isle-of-wight-coastal-access

Planning Applications.

Over the Christmas Break, I’ve received comments on ‘minor’ Planning Applications for Princes Esplanade and Rew Street, Gurnard and Churchill Close, Cowes and have sought conditions to overcome some of the objections raised.

The proposed roof terrace for 23-29 Cliff Road will be determined this month, and a site visit for Planning Officers to visit Egypt Reach, Baring Road has been arranged prior to this being considered by Committee.

With respect to The Range retail unit proposed for Place Road negotiations remain ongoing, whilst Officers are aiming for decision to be taken on the 99 dwellings between Place Road and Tuttons Hill in February. This date is aspirational at present with further information being gathered in the meantime.  Until this information is gathered, it remains difficult to predict what recommendation Planning Officers will be making to the Planning Committee.

Microchip your dog for Free.

Did you  know all dogs legally have be microchipped by 6th April 2016.  The IW Council in partnership with the Dogs Trust will be holding a free microchipping event at the following times and locations:

Saturday 18th January 2014

10am - 1pm at St Georges Park, (Newport Football Club), Newport.

Saturday 15th March 2014

10am - 1pm at Avenue Road Car Park, Freshwater.

Sunday 16th March 2014

12 - 3pm at Vectis Road, East Cowes (Opp. the Pavillion).

In the Last Month:

·         Rights of Way, and the IW Council’s Cabinet Member Cllr. Shirley Smart has given a high priority making ‘dangerous crossing points’ safer for riders and ramblers crossing busy roads following pressure by the Local Access Forum.  Visibility Splays at perceived dangerous locations have been cut back.

·         As a member of the Licensing Committee which determined the most recent application for the Quay Arts Centre, local residents were successful in requesting hours were curtailed.

·         The AONB Partnership supported awarding grant funding the Vectis Astronomical Society who are monitoring light pollution/ darker skies.  The grant was supported due to other areas such as Kilder Forest benefitting economically through tourism for darker skies…

·         I attended a Village Green Appeal, which rejected a proposal in Puckpool.  Because the area remained in ownership and use by Harcourt Sands until 2006 and by the fact the area was patrolled by security guards and was fenced off between the 20 year period 1991-2001 demonstrated the land could not be used ‘as a right’.

·         At Planning Committee, I supported plans to build an Anaerobic Digestion Plant in Arreton.  This application was supported by the Island’s Farming Community and would provide gas for between 4000 and 50000 homes. 

Surgery: 5-5:30pm Tuesday 7th January CANCELLED.

This Surgery has been cancelled due to an Overview & Scrutiny Committee being called this evening to assess the budget report for next Thursday's Cabinet.

If you are unable to attend my 4:30pm Surgery at Cowes Library today, my next scheduled surgery will be held at 3pm, Wednesday 15th January at Cowes Enterprise College.

If this is not convenient, please call me and I'm more than happy to visit you!

In the meantime my January Councillors Report will be posted on this site on Wednesday 8th January.

IW Councillors Report: December 2013.

Surgeries:

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

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

6-6:30pm, Thursday 12^th December, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 7^th January 2014,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 7^th January, Sports Bar, Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

Planning Update: 23,25,27,29 Cliff Road, Cowes.

This month, I received an 11^th hour request to call in the decision to conditionally approve the proposal to allow a roof terrace on properties in Cliff Road.

I’ve requested for this application to be heard by the Planning Committee, and if my request is granted this is likely to take place in January.

I’ve requested consideration is given to the impact upon Egypt Reach (incl. Loss of Amenity, light & outlook) and design. I’ve suggested Planning Committee members visit Egypt Reach, to consider representations made by the Inspector with regard to overdominance when considering the appeal decision for 23-29 Cliff Road in 2007.

Planning Update: Planning Application for 99 new homes Place Road.

To date, 272 residents have commented on the proposal to develop 99 homes on land between Tuttons Hill & Place Road 

With representatives from Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan’s Steering Committee, I met with Planning Officers and the Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr. Jonathan Bacon.  This meeting gave the opportunity to understand precisely how extensive pre-application discussions were between the applicant and planners, whilst an opportunity arose to challenge why the settlement boundary hadn’t been removed from Gurnard.

If you have been unable to comment, and wish to do so the planning office will continue to accept reps. until determination.

Planning Update: The Range, Place Road, Cowes.

Planning Officers are still in the process of determining the new Range store proposed for the former Reader’s site in Place Road opposite the junction for Three Gates Road.

The delay is due to an agent acting on behalf of a third party. These concerns relate to the consideration of alterative locations, closer to the town centres of Cowes and Newport.

Safe Routes To School, Baring Road.

A Public Information Evening was held on Monday 2^nd December, to discuss proposals to increase traffic restrictions in Baring Road and Woodvale Road.  This meeting was advertised by way of a letterdrop to 100 homes nearby, and for two weeks through Gurnard Primary School’s newsletter.  In summary the proposals included the following:

·         A parking restriction on the length of the cycle lane in Baring Road

·         Additional parking restrictions in Baring Road opposite the pavement (eastern side), between the school and Battery Road, with passing places.

·         Additional parking restrictions at the top section of Woodvale Road on both sides of the road.

·         Retention of the parking restrictions on the pavement side (western side) of Baring Road.

During the meeting (which was attended by 12 residents and 6 parents there was a general agreement that proposals would make it safer for children, however concerns were raised over the loss of parking.  In respect of this, every element of the proposal was opposed and therefore it seems unlikely the Traffic Order will be advertised in its current form. 

Before making a final decision this will be considered by Governors in liaison with the school’s Parents Forum.  In the meantime, I will be asking that parking enforcement is improved.

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel.

At the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel, it seems likely the the IW Council will reveal proposals for its Car Parking Strategy early next year following assessment of the Local Government Finance Settlement.  Prior to any decision, I have asked for adequate time is offered to Town and Parish Council’s for feedback.

In addition to this, at E&E Scrutiny, following some concerns over perceived PFI progress, I have requested 6 month progress reports be shared with Councillors.

This week, I will be jointly chairing the Cross Solent Services Scrutiny Task & Finish Group with Cllr Geoff Lumley.  The purpose of this group is to enable dialogue between ferry operators and their customers and will take evidence from User Groups, The Island MP, Representatives of relevant Island Business (including the Chamber Of Commerce, the IW Federation of Small Businesses, Visit Wight, the IW Trades Council and the Quality Transport Partnership.

Representatives of Town/Parish Councils and Young People will also be offered the opportunity to input.

Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel.

Tackling absenteeism, is a priority for the IW Council following School Attendance rates being the lowest in the country.

Members heard that overall attendance rates since September has increased by 2%, and schools alongside extra Education Welfare Officers have been appointed and continue to visit the homes of ‘ill’ children.  

It was reported that of all Island Secondary Schools, Cowes Enterprise Colleges attendance was the best with attendance for this week ending ranging from 95-97% (exceeding the national average rate of 94.7%)

I have also raised questions regarding the cost of mainland placements for local children with learning difficulties.

Planning.

Within the Planning Committee, I proposed refusal for the 900+ new homes at Pennyfeathers, Ryde. (This was in accordance with Planning Officers recommendation)

Of concern was the fact that little consultation had been undertaken with respect to the local community over many aspects regarding this proposal.  There were also issues relating to the loss of ancient hedgerow, a lack of assessment regarding the highways assessment, Environmental Issues and little evidence with respect to a housing need within Ryde.

The Proposed redevelopment of the National Grid Site, Ryde, a hydrogen refuelling facility, Ventnor; the Studio School application, East Cowes and a proposal to redevelop land for housing adjacent to Medina House, Newport were all approved in accordance with the officers recommendation.

The only application that deviated from officers recommendation was the proposed conversion of a new constructed stable (in 2011) to holiday use which was refused by Committee.

Isle of Wight Health Profile 2013: At a glance.

·         The health of people in the Isle of Wight is varied compared with the England average.

·         Deprivation is lower than average, however about 4,900 children live in poverty.

·         Life expectancy for women is higher than the England average.

·         Life expectancy is 4.9 years lower for men and 3.9 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of the Isle of Wight than in the least deprived areas.

·         Over the last 10 years, all cause mortality rates have fallen. Early death rates from cancer and from heart disease and stroke have also fallen and are similar to the England average.

·         In Year 6, 18.0% of children are classified as obese. Levels of GCSE attainment, alcohol-specific hospital are worse than the England average.

·         The level of stays among those under 18 and smoking in pregnancy breast feeding is better than the England average.

·         The estimated level of adult obesity is worse than the England average.

·         The rate of road injuries and deaths is worse than the England average.

·         Rates of sexually transmitted infections, smoking related deaths and hospital stays for alcohol related harm are better than the England average.

·         Priorities in the Isle of Wight include smoking cessation in high prevalence groups; active, safe, lifestyles and alcohol harm reduction.

Southen Vectis consulting on Cowes to Newport Bus.

Southern Vectis’ has advised me that they are consulting on Service 1, with a view to improving the service from next March.  To get involved, please use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TTB3R6V

Audit Committee.

I was recently appointed to the Audit Committee, which assesses the IW Councils Risks and how these are managed.

Last month I undertook training in Southampton, and at the most recent Committee meeting members received a presentation from Hampshire County Council who raised concerns over the low aspirations of Island adults, and how these may adversely impact upon Educational standards on the Island.

I also requested further feedback on Data Protection breaches, which could have cost implications on the Local Authority.

Christmas/ New Year Refuse Collection Arrangements 2013/2014.

There will be some changes to refuse collections this year. Below are details of the changes:

Waste normally collected on:              Will instead be collected on:

Monday 23 December                        Saturday 21 December

Tuesday 24 December                       Monday 23 December

Wednesday 25 December                 Tuesday 24 December

Thursday 26 December                     Friday 27 December

Friday 27 December                           Saturday 28 December

Monday 30 December                         NO CHANGE

Tuesday 31 December                       NO CHANGE

Wednesday 1 January                       Thursday 2 January

Thursday 2 January                           Friday 3 January

Friday 3 January                                Saturday 4 January

Waste collections will resume as normal from Monday 6 January.

Christmas tree skips will also be available in the following locations between Saturday 4 January until Sunday 12 January. Any trees collected in the skips are chipped and used for green projects. Artificial trees cannot be recycled and should not be included at these sites. People should not leave Christmas trees in car parks that do not have tree skips.

Brighstone village car park.  East Cowes Esplanade car park. Lake, New Road car park.

Ryde, Waltzing Waters car park. Somerton, Park and Ride.  Ventnor Botanic Garden car park.

Christmas trees can also be placed with garden waste at all household waste recycling centres. These can be found at Lynnbottom near Newport, Forest Road in Newport and Afton in Freshwater.

People should hold on to their Christmas cards and recycle them in their wheelie bins.

Throughout the festive period, the civic amenity site at Lynnbottom will be open as usual from 7am to 7pm apart from Christmas Day when it is closed all day.

Forest Road household waste recycling centre will be open every Sunday in December between 9.30am and 4.30pm but will be closed every Saturday. Afton household waste recycling centre will be open every Saturday and Sunday between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Both sites are closed on weekdays as normal.

More information on waste collections can be found by logging on to www.iwight.com/waste

In the last month:

·         I attended Remembrance Day Services, and was honoured to lay wreaths on behalf of the IW Council’s Chairman at Cowes and Gurnard.

·         I approached Planning Compliance, following the placement of a structure (thought by residents to be a ‘sales office’), on land in Place Road. It was later revealed that a Place Road resident had permission to locate the structure in their back garden.

·         I have assisted in progressing the disposal of the former Gurnard School playing field and orchard site. This followed reservations from Council Officers over DFE restrictions over future use of the orchard for ‘allotments’.

·         At Full Council, I supported the IW Council adopting a ‘hybrid’ Committee system within its constitutional review.  This I believe will make the Councillors more accountable to decisions taken.  In fairness, I could have supported all three options!  

·         Cowes Enterprise College received a monitoring visit from OFSTED.  The findings will be made available the first week of December.

·         I have supported two residents with queries regarding Council Tax reminders.

·         I requested the support of parking services over vehicles parked on double yellow lines, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

·         I received a request to see street light improved for residents set back from the road at Mountbatten Avenue.

·         I requested street nameplates to be replaced in Guppy Close and Magdalen Crescent, Cowes

·         Belated repairs took place to Ward Avenue, following vehicles eventually being moved by mainland commuters.

·         The Licensing Committee froze Taxi Fares at its meeting last month.  In addition I served on a sub-committee which approved a licence for Ventnor Botanic Gardens and two street trading applications for Ryde Esplanade.

Thankyou, as always for reading my report!  If you require updates or further details please visit my blog: paulfullercc.blogspot.com

In the meantime, I wish all residents and their families a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous Christmas and New Year!

IW Councillors Report: November 2013

Surgeries:

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 5^th November,  Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 5^th November, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Rd, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 14^th November, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm Wednesday 20^th November, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 20^th November, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, Thursday 28^th November, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

5:30-6pm, Tuesday 3^rd December, Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Rd, Cowes

Proposal to develop 99 dwellings on land between Place Road and Tuttons Hill, Gurnard/Cowes.

A proposal was received to develop 99 dwellings on land to the rear or Place Road. 

The deadline for comments for this application is Friday 15^th November.

Both, myself and Cllr. John Nicholson have worked closely together ensuring residents living adjacent to this application are notified. Two public information events have been organised by us both where residents have been given the opportunity to see the plans, read reports and speak to us both.

At the event held in the IW Community Club around 40 residents attended, whilst at the Portland Inn 20 residents attended.

Most residents were opposed to the proposals, expressing concerns over the potential loss of the Green Gap between Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood; issues relating to whether there was actually a housing need, within this green field site; whether Place Road could cope with any extra traffic; issues relating to the ecology of the area and concerns over the proximity of the Gas/ Water mains.

Two residents, were in support of the need for housing- expressing a concern over availability of housing for local people.  However, there was general agreement that the proposals were excessive given the site and its location.

Since the application has been lodged, I’ve continued to receive calls from residents, enquiries of the location of a mobile dwelling arriving on site plus a request from one of the developers has been made to meet.  I have advised for this to happen alongside the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, who have been attempting to facilitate such a meeting.

Many thanks to The Portland Inn and the Isle Of Wight Community Club who offered free use of their venues. Their support is greatly appreciated! 

Ferry Operators Scrutiny.

At Full Council, an overwhelming majority of Councillors across the chamber agreed that Ferry Operators are challenged by members of the overarching Overview & Scrutiny Committee, alongside my Economy & Environment Scrutiny Panel.

This follows concerns expressed by residents over costs, timings and customer feedback.

It seems likely there will be three meetings.  The first scheduled for the end of the year with ferry users, the second with operators Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink, whilst the third will to draw conclusions and if appropriate make recommendations to the Isle of Wight Council. It is hoped that the Scrutiny Committees can build upon efforts of our MP and Business leaders in ensuring the companies address local need.  

Proposed Traffic Regulation Order, Baring Road.

Following consultation with the school and with local residents, Island Roads have drafted proposals for a new traffic order for Baring Road.  This order proposes No waiting, At Any Time parking restrictions in the following locations:

·      On the entire section of the Cycle Lane between Baring Road and Crossfield Avenue.

·        On the south eastern section of Baring Road opposite the entrances to Gurnard Primary School and Curtlemead in addition to where the road widens between 99 and 95 Baring Road

·      On the southern section opposite Tinkers Barn, the junction to Battery Road/ Brambles Lane to Blessings Lodge.

·        On both sides of Woodvale Road between the junction with Baring Road, to immediately after the bend in the road leading down to The Kennels and Stables.

It should be noted parking on the North Western side of Baring Road is not proposed for removal, at this point.  Before being formally advertised, I’ve asked for further consultation is taken with residents, parents and the school.

Cowes Enterprise College.

The meeting arranged with Highways Officers to make assessments on Traffic Issues in Crossfield Avenue was cancelled following the non-availability of officers.  In the meantime, I have received representations from School Governors requesting the availability of further car parking for staff on site.

The IW Council has responded by highlighting that car parking availability exceeds the ‘minimum criteria’ for one staff parking space per two employees…This is an issue, which needs to be discussed in greater depth with officers, and I’m looking forward to meeting with the other three IW Councillors for Cowes to discuss options.

Since being appointed as Governor, I’ve attended two meetings.  One which is looking into Community Cohesion issues (esp. Parental complaints), the other focused on curriculum matters.  I also spent a morning speaking to staff and students, and seeing for myself the College in use.

Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel.

The next meeting of the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panel will take place on Wednesday 13^th November.  Within the Parking Strategy due to be considered, I’ve highlighted the need to gather views from Business Groups, Town and Parish Councils and residents in helping formulate a strategy where Town Centres are made sustainable.

The other item, which I originally requested members are updated upon is progress of the PFI and its progress.  Members will have an opportunity at Wednesday’s meeting to review this within the Quarterly Programme.

Gurnard Luck Update.

Further to works undertaken during the Summer and September’s meeting of Gurnard’s Parish Council, I have been in discussion with Rachel Wylde from Chesterton Humberts, the Land Agent charged with overseeing the management of Crown Estate property who are based in Southampton. It remains my intention to meet with these ‘custodians’ for the crown estate should this not be satisfactorily resolved.  

I understand that Ms Wylde was due to discuss the sites history and relevant action with both her predecessor and the Marine Management Organisation. She has requested that she is given some time to evaluate the works and will report back to me at the end of this month on what action is likely to be taken.

CS16 Footpath Update.

I’ve received an email from one of the chalet/ landowners adjacent to footpath CS16 which both myself and Gurnard Parish Council following feedback agreed to recommend to Rights Of Way not to divert.

These residents have been advised by the IW Council’s Coastal Protection Officer that coastal erosion on this section of cliff is predicted at a rate of 100-300mm per year.  In response, signage warning people of cliff erosion will be erected, further to the explicit instructions received from the legal department of the landowners insurers.

Marine Management Organisation, South Marine Plan Workshop

I attended the Marine Management Organisation’s workshop and requested that Island seaside resorts such as Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor were acknowledged; I also raised concerns over the Shingles Bank potentially being earmarked for aggregate dredging sites.

Other issues which were discussed included the requirement to assess the needs all of the Island’s fishing communities, rather than the generic needs and resilience to Climate Change.

Three of the main priorities that came out of discussions were:

·         Ensuring the Solent’s Economy is enabled to grow sustainably.

·         Improving Public Access to the Isle of Wight’s Coastal fringes, and to ensure this is enabled and protected.

·         Allowing that future policy is flexible and able to adapt to environmental and economic pressures.

Planning Committee.

With the exception of 44 Worsley Road, Gurnard it has been a very quiet couple of months.  To make up for this the Planning Committee had to determine a bumper 7 Planning Applications in October.

Redevelopment of the Grand Hotel site at Yaverland was refused in accordance to the Officers recommendation.  I supported this, due to the proposal being welcomed by the Local IW Councillor and Sandown Town Council’s view that economic regeneration was much needed in their town.

Locally, I supported refusal for a new housing development for 86 Victoria Road, Cowes and supported very much the points made by Cowes Town Council and local residents.  Regrettably, I was the only Planning Committee member to vote against this!

Cowes Community Bus.

Last month, charges were implemented on Service 32 which runs between Cowes, Gurnard and Northwood. Regrettably, this was not advised to myself, the local bus forum or local councils who knew little about this new legislation!

Charges only apply to customers who do not carry a Concessionary Pass, Rover Tickets, and those under 18. Subsequently, I’ve negotiated the fare to be reduced from £2 each way to £2 for a return trip! 

We remain hopeful, that the current service will soon be diverted via Aldi in Three Gates Road. Providing the Traffic Commissioners do not object this is likely to commence at the end of November.

In the meantime in the past couple of weeks, I’m advised that given high tides compounded with stormy conditions it has been necessary to divert the service away from Egypt Esplanade, Princes Esplanade and Woodvale Road given the bus not being able to access the seafront.

Giving Blood.

Following representations received, I’m now able to confirm that Blood Donors will once again be able to donate at Cowes Yacht Haven.  The next session at the Yacht Haven will take place on Tuesday 7^th January 2014.  For further information, please call 0300 123 23 23.

In the Last Month:

·         Most of this month has been taken up responding to the Planning Application submitted for Place Road.  Between letterdrops, and Organising/Attending Information evenings, I’ve spent a great deal of time answering enquiries over the phone and supporting residents who have never before commented to Planning Proposals.

·         I’ve also dealt with Planning enquiries relating to proposals in Church Road, Rew Street, Solent View Road, responded to Wind Turbine Enquiries, and attended an open day with residents to promote a pending future planning application for Shore Road.

·         I’ve received a Park Road resident’s request for neighbours to remove conifers impeding amenities.

·         I’ve liaised with Island Roads, attempting to retrieve planings for Harness Lane & Debourne Manor Drive.

·         Pot Holes at the hammerhead of Debourne Close have been filled.

·         I’m undertaking investigations concerning seeking alternatives to very Special Needs Placements off-Island and am requesting information regarding the Island’s Childrens Home shortfall.

·          Supported the views of Gurnard Parish Council regarding the common law designation of the footpath to the rear of Gurnard Heights.

·          Gurnard’s Sea Wall adjacent to the Beach Huts was storm damaged. Quotes are being sought for repairs.

PLANNING APPLICATIION: Outline Proposal for 99 dwellings to the side and rear of Place Road and Tuttons Hill

25^th October 2013

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Outline for 99 dwellings, formation of vehicular access and associated works off Place Road. Land fronting Place Road including land to the side and rear of 47-11A Place Road and to the rear of The Heritage to Shepards Hay Tuttons Hill and access off Place Road Cowes Isle Of Wight PO31

We are writing to advise of the application which is proposed for the above site.

We have for information purposes copied the layout of the plans overleaf and advise the full application is available on the Isle of Wight Council’s website, iwight.com, or can be viewed at the Planning Offices, at the address below.

In addition, to this we have arranged two public information meetings, which will be held:

5pm-7pm, Wednesday 30^th October 2013 at the Isle of Wight Community Club, Park Road, Cowes and 4pm-6pm, Thursday 31^st October at the Portland Inn, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

Gurnard Parish Council will also be considering their response to this application from 7pm on Thursday 31^st October at Gurnard Village Hall (The plans will be available again prior to this meeting)

These meetings, will offer residents to see the proposals and speak to us both, and other interested parties.  Should these dates be inconvenient, or you do not have access to these proposals please let Paul know on 289595 who will retain the plans for information, for any resident wishing to see these at their convenience.    

Should you wish to make representations, these can be made again via the Isle of Wight Council’s website, or alternatively in writing to Isle of Wight Planning Services, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, NEWPORT, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QS by Friday 15^th November 2013.

If we can be of further assistance on this, or any other matter please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours,

Paul Fuller, Independent Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

John Nicholson, Conservative Councillor for Cowes South and Northwood.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 24th OCTOBER:

Residents from Place Road first notified me on Tuesday, following letters being circulated by the applicant.

With a proposal of this size and scale, I would expect prior pre-application discussions to be undertaken with residents, local councils, ward members and those involved in ongoing efforts drafting local neighbourhood plans.  In this case, this has not happened and many residents are understandingly very anxious and upset. This heavy handed attitude to our local community is unforgivable.

Once details are made available, I will be ensuring letters are circulated to adjacent residents regarding these plans- whilst myself and Cllr. John Nicholson have arranged for 'information' evenings to view plans which takes place from 5pm-7pm Wednesday 30th October at the IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes and from 4pm-6pm Thursday 31st October at the Portland Inn, Worsley Road.

The plans are also scheduled to be discussed by Gurnard Parish Council at its meeting from 7pm on Thursday at Gurnard Village Hall.

PAUL FULLER JP,CC.

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.