IW Councillors Report: June 2015

Surgeries.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd June, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

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

3-3:30pm, Wednesday 17^th June, Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes.

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

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

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

Highways Matters.

·         Road Resurfacing.

Resurfacing Baring Road has been further delayed.  I suggested to Island Roads that Baring Road should be given priority over Newbarn Road, Gatcombe and Old Blackgang Road, Niton, given the higher traffic volume levels experienced. However, I was mindful further delays may arise following my approach to Southern Water to repair a longstanding water leak at the junction with Debourne Manor Drive.  It is intended that resurfacing is now likely to commence from 29^th June.  I’ve requested that Baring Road remains open during the Summer Holidays, given its strategic importance- However, Island Roads can only assure me that the road will not be resurfaced during Cowes Week.

·         Pot Holes.

Since 2009, I’ve received more enquiries regarding the condition of Parklands Avenue than I do other roads.  In the coming weeks, I intend speaking to residents regarding the perceived deteriorating condition of this road.  I noted on Island Roads’ website that Parklands Avenue is not scheduled to be resurfaced until 2017/8 (originally this was programmed for this financial year). For me this is not acceptable, and in the coming weeks I will be enlisting residents support in attempting to persuade Island Roads to give this particular road much higher priority.

Another road which is also causing me considerable concern is the quilt-like Shore Road. Shore Road ‘is scheduled’ to be resurfaced this financial year.  In the meantime, I’ve also requested that Pine Tree Close also receives an inspection, due its recent deterioration occurring.

In the meantime I am grateful to the many residents who keep reporting pot-holes to Island Roads.

·         Grass Verges.

Overgrown grass verges have now been cut in Worsley Road, Solent View Road and The Avenue in Gurnard.  I am none the wiser, despite a thorough response from Island Roads as to why some grass verges (with daffodils!) were cut this spring, whilst others were left…

Elsewhere, In Cowes a grass verge at the top of Battery Road has been added to the programme, whilst the flowerbeds in Queens Road are now planted up for the summer season.  In the meantime, I am talking to colleagues on Cowes Town Council about the prospect of transferring the winter/ spring planting. 

·         Speeding.

I have been approached by a resident of Tuttons Hill requesting me to ask the police to take enforcement action against residents who break the speed limit in this road.  Within Tuttons Hill, I am aware that Gurnard Parish Council requested Island Roads to repair the seemingly very heavily used ‘speed indicator device’ on the approach to the Church.

In Hilton Road, I received an enquiry from a local resident about the damage caused by vehicles (particularly large delivery vehicles) travelling at speed causing stones to rebound and chip windscreens, scratch cars etc. Although, there is little action that can be taken (other than permanently blocking one of the accesses!), could I please request that motorists using Hilton Road are made aware of this and drive with caution.    

·         Traffic Orders.

I’ve received requests for Double Yellow Lines.  These are suggested for the top of Church Road, Egypt Esplanade (adjacent to The Hawkins, Briary Court) and in Baring Road and Woodvale Road (adjacent to Gurnard Primary School).  Should these be deemed appropriate on Health & Safety grounds further pre-consultation and consultation will take place.

In the meantime, I have also received requests for disabled parking bays. If you wish to apply, please call Island Roads on 01983 822440, or you can visit: http://www.islandroads.com/index.php?p=60 for details.

Despite my moans and groans this month regarding Island Roads, I do want to place on record my grateful appreciation to contractors who helped ensure Gurnard’s Polling Station was accessible to vehicular traffic following my complaints.  Furthermore, following initial concerns by Albert Road residents, I know Island Roads continued to monitor the situation for which I am grateful!

Cowes Post Office.

Thank you to the residents who have raised concerns over the Post Office provision in Cowes.  Cowes Town Council are talking to the Post Office, to ensure that provision is maintained within a central and accessible location within the Town.

Readers Site, Place Road.

On Polling Day last month, at both polling stations I received a number of enquiries from residents as to what progress has been made to redevelop the above site for ‘The Range’. Subsequently, I contacted the agent and received the following seemingly positive response

'Works are very likely to start any day and it has been a little slow with our PM managing to sort construction candidates and deal with conditions . We expect the contractor to be ready to deliver just after the summer period so as planned it is still very much moving ahead.'

Following receipt of this email, I’ve requested a Public Information Evening takes place to appraise local residents prior to commencement.  Once I know more, (hopefully, with the support of Cllr Nicholson) I will update residents.

Affordable Housing, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

As residents should be aware there is a local lettings condition which was put in place for the current development next to Gurnard Village Hall in Worsley Road.  This ensures that priority should be offered to local residents seeking housing.

For residents wishing to apply, this accommodation which is being overseen by Southern Housing should be applied for by via the Island HomeFinder website: https://www.islandhomefinder.org.uk

Gurnard Open Space Project.

Solicitors acting on behalf of Gurnard Parish Council are negotiating the terms of the lease with the IW Council.  In the meantime, I have requested access to the site to allow for the ragwort within the site to be uprooted before the flowers seed.

CS16/17 Update.

Earlier this year Rights Of Way were positive about reopening the Gurnard to Thorness footpath this summer, following informal discussions that took place between themselves and landowners.  Subsequently, formal proposals were put to landowners in February and a suggestion made that legal advice was sought.

Because no progress occurred since then, I arranged an informal meeting took place with Rights Of Way to explore how best we proceed.  Knowing that Parish Councillors had questions put to them by residents, I requested if Councillors could not attend, these were tabled to me in advance of the meeting.

The key question put, and the response given is taken from my notes:

What powers do Rights of Way have, and why is it taking so long to reopen the footpath?

At present the IW Council has very limited legal powers to reopen footpaths lost to coastal erosion.  Within the Isle of Wight there is a tradition of working in partnership with landowners to reopen paths lost to erosion, for example moving back fences. However this can only occur following negotiations and with the good will of landowners affected.  When this does not occur further action can be lengthy, costly and non-conclusive.

In the past year, I've sought the advice of Rights Of Way, the Local Access Forum, representatives of the IW Ramblers Association and residents on this subject, who tend to share the view that positive negotiation is the only way of reopening the coastal path in the short term.

During the last parish council meeting, it was agreed that I would speak with the land owner to request whether there were any issues/ problems, and whether any further action needed. On speaking with the landowner a meeting was called with relevant officers from the Isle of Wight Council to try to find a way forward.

Planning Issues.

·         Planning Applications.

I have signed off three conditional approvals planning applications this month.  These relate to a contemporary redevelopment within Crossfield Avenue. Though objected to by Cowes Town Council, there were no objections from neighbours.  Elsewhere developments were also approved at Worsley Road and Rew Street.  In both cases and through discussions with Planning Officers, additional conditions were added to protect the privacy and amenities of neighbours.

·         Place Road Planning Appeal.

The Site Visit took place at Place Road.  The visit itself was thorough and was attended by the Inspector, myself, Cllr Nolan (from Gurnard Parish Council), Karen Knight (from the Planning Department) and David Long (Planning Agent)

Permitted Development Rights.

Islandwide, I continue to receive a large number of enquiries concerning what is allowed in respect to Permitted Developments.  In recent years government has streamlined, and relaxed what householders and businesses can do without acquiring planning permission.  Although this can be very positive, I do receive emails from neighbours who consider that they are adversely affected. For details please visit: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/responsibilities/planningpermission/permitted

Cowes Week Fireworks.

There remains a shortfall to fund this year’s Cowes Week Firework Event, this follows reduced contributions from donations.  Although this year’s event will take place, any donations or sponsorship would be very much appreciated!  To contribute please visit: http://www.aamcowesweek.co.uk/web/code/php/main_c.php?map=cw15&ui=cw1&style=std&override=&section=fireworks

Consultation on Wightcare charges

A two-month consultation on plans to increase the amount the council charges service users for the Wightcare community alarm and telecare service, has been launched. The council has not increased its charges for five years, which has resulted in a gap between the cost of delivering the service and recovering income.

The consultation details options to raise charges by £4 a week (including an option to do so on a staggered basis over a 2 year period). Currently Wightcare provides three levels of service, ranging from £2.65 to £7 per week, dependent on support required

The online version of the consultation can be found at: www.iwight.com/consultations.  All service users have been written to offering options on how they can complete the questionnaire, as well as support to help them.

Wightcare provides a 24-hours a day, 365-days a year emergency support service to approximately 2,300 vulnerable residents on the Island. It enables residents to maintain their independence through the community alarm/telecare service – with a call monitoring and mobile response service for emergencies also available. The organisation also operates the call answering service for the council’s out-of-hours provision for adult social care, housing and some other services – as well as call answering for various partner agencies.

Factors which have led to the increased cost of running the service, include fuel costs, equipment, insurance, maintenance costs and inflation. Because some residents require significant levels of mobile response support due to their complex care needs, this has meant that these cases are more cost intensive.

As part of the consultation all current subscribers have been written to this week and offered the chance to complete the survey either online or using a paper copy. Support is available to assist with the consultation, and for those with visual impairment or a learning disability.  Stakeholder groups are also being consulted, including People Matter IW.

This consultation continues until Mid July.

Also this month:

·         I have spoken to BT and then WightFibre to request the previously vandalised Cable cabinet is repainted, given this has been an eyesore for Church Road residents for some time.  Wightfibre (the owners!) have promised me this will be repainted.

·         I have offered assistance signposting residents to NHS Dentists.

·         The Planning Application for Hamlet Court, Queens Road has been reconsidered by the Planning Inspectorate, following the decision being called in by the Secretary Of State.  The reconsidered decision has upheld both the Planning Committee and Planning Inspectorates decision to refuse the application.

·         New Street Lighting has been implemented within Queens Road, following requests made to ensure this happened before the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentenary Event, which commences this month.

·         With Council Leader Cllr. Jonathan Bacon, I had the opportunity to visit the very happy, teachers, children and animals(!) of Cowes Primary School.  During the visit, we had the opportunity to find out more about rising standards, Cluster Working, opportunities to improve access to the school.

·         I attended a session where I met and was scrutinised and challenged by students at the Isle of Wight College.

·     Thank you to those who caught up with me at Gurnard Village Hall and the IW Community Club, after casting their vote on Election Day and also, at Gurnard’s May Day Event.  

IW Councillors Report: May 2015

Surgeries.

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

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 13^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

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

1-1:30pm, Wednesday 27^th May, Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Tuesday 2^nd June, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

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

Planning.

·         Place Road Planning Appeal:  I’m informed the Site Visit associated with Planning Appeal lodged against the refusal for 86 dwellings on land between Place Road and Tuttons Hill will be held on Wednesday 13^th May.  On the day the Inspector, David Smith will advise all parties in attendance how he chooses to conduct the visit.  The Inspectors ruling normally takes about 6 weeks from the site visit.

·         The Glen, Worsley Road: This application, for 11 dwellings has been approved under delegated decision processes.  I’ve worked closely with neighbours and Gurnard Parish Council to incorporate conditions to overcome concerns expressed.

·         Dottens Farm, Woodvale Road: Last month the Agent acting on behalf of landowners held a pre-application exhibition at Gurnard Primary School. The agent outlined the intention to build 11 dwellings set back from Baring Road. Following a letterdrop to residents of Baring Road, Woodvale Road, I joined over 30 residents who attended and commented upon the proposals.   It is anticipated that a (slightly modified?) Planning Application will follow in the coming weeks/ months. Once advertised, I will hold a follow-up meeting.

Road Closures.

Thank you to the many residents who have contacted me raising concerns and suggestions following the road closures due to take place this month.  At the time of writing this article, Island Roads are planning to close Queens Road and Baring Road in Cowes and Marsh Road and Cockleton Lane in Gurnard.

The current schedule states when the following resurfacing works are due to take place:

Pallance Road	13-15th May	Queens Road, Cowes	21-22nd May, 26th May
Cockleton Lane	18th May	Baring Road, Cowes	27-29th May, 1st June
Marsh Road	19-20th May

It is anticipated that there will be a marked increase in disruption across the Island with the volume of road closures imminent. 

Southern Water are also due to close Worsley Road in Gurnard in order to undertake water mains connection work.  It is noted that the contractors working on the new development suggested to Island Roads that in their view, it would not be necessary to close Worsley Road whilst this work was being carried out.

Following this closure coinciding with Election Day, I have notified Electoral Services and am advised by Island Roads that vehicular and pedestrian access can be maintained, adequate signage is provided and parking will be made available.

I have asked for fuller details of how traffic including the local bus service will be diverted during these works, as I’m slightly concerned this could prove to be chaotic should this not be properly managed…

Gurnard to Thorness Coastal Path

Questions were tabled to Rights Of Way, when I met with them to be updated on progress reopening the path.

There has been a delay reopening the path, due to landowners considering options following receipt of terms and conditions applied by Rights Of Way.  Subsequently, I hope to discuss options  independently with landowners to ensure progress can be made and to ensure that all parties affected by this can benefit

In the meantime, I'm hoping to secure funding to reinstate this footpaths CS16/ CS17 as well as  CS35 (Gurnard Marsh) to ensure no further delays arise.   

Fixed Link.

Many thanks to residents who contacted me, to express their views on any proposed fixed link. This follows last month’s article on this subject. 

At the moment most residents who have spoken to me on this are in opposition. From my point of view there is a huge amount of information gathering required by both supporters and opponents to enable the community to have any meaningful debate on this subject.

Gurnard Open Space Project. 

Myself and Parish Clerk, Sue Waters met with solicitors to discuss the former school playing field and orchard.  There are still a number of issues within the Terms of the Agreement that requires ironing out before the document can be signed, and I’ve requested support from the IWC on the removal of Ragwort from the site.

Cowes Enterprise College.

The Education Funding Agency has agreed to fund £3.4m for outstanding buildings works at the college. 

I understand that the priorities within the bid include demolishing the old school, landscaping, parking and bus access, roof repairs and improving the building’s acoustics.  

Flowerbeds, Queens Road.

Thank you to those residents who have complained both to myself and the Isle of Wight Council about the very sad looking Flowerbeds on Queens Road.  These have now been weeded and are due to be planted this month.

In the meantime, I’ve suggested to Cowes Town Council to consider funding future winter bedding, which includes bulb planting for Easter.

Car Parking Complaints.

I continue to receive a large number of complaints from residents who receive parking tickets.  Although I am more than happy to advise and have supported a number of residents, there is some very good advice available on-line (Please visit: http://www.patrol-uk.info/)  For residents without access to the internet, I have ensured that Patrols’ leaflets are available alongside my monthly report in Cowes Library and Gurnard Village Hall.

Annual Reports.

These have been delivered to most households. Where addresses and individuals are hard to get to- i.e residents from The Green and Mornington Mews, Sheltered/ Residential Homes and those residents using mainland addresses will have reports mailed out with this month’s monthly report after the General Election.

Please let me know if you do not receive yours!  Alternatively please visit my website for the full text of my report.

Also this month:

·         I received complaints concerning the servicing of the Cowes Floating Bridge during the Easter Holidays.  In response, the Council has advised that this was undertaken during Easter owing to loading figures being traditionally low (given the reduction of people commuting to work, attending school etc).

·         Grass Verges missed by Island Roads on the former Readers Grass Verge, Place Road has been cut!

·         I have met with the Chairman of the IW Community Club’s Milne Board Committee to discuss opportunities to extend the Clubs lease.

·         I’ve received a request from local residents for additional double yellow lines at the top of Church Road, Gurnard.  This request has been forwarded to Island Roads, who will take further action should they be persuaded that a danger exists to road users.

·         I’ve received a complaint regarding for rubbish collection times.  The IW Council has advised me that the contract for waste collection is not time specific and if it was, this could be more costly.

·         Following feedback from consultation, the IW Sustainability Forum has reported their priority is to create a cycle link from Newport to the West Wight.

·         At Full Council, I supported motions protecting public houses, opposing fracking and reducing IW Councillors Allowances by 2.6% 

·         The Planning Committee rejected an application for a service yard for contractors at Brickfields, Binstead.

·         Provided support to a resident with concerns over a neighbouring development in Cowes.
I attended the Gurnard’s May Day Event and manned the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan Stall, and took up a number of issues on behalf of residents.   

Isle of Wight Councillors Annual Report: April 2015

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLORS ANNUAL REPORT APRIL 2015. (No.6)

Paul Fuller

Independent Isle of Wight Councillor for Cowes West and Gurnard.

PUTTING YOUR NEEDS FIRST

Please contact me:

By Post to: 74 Wyatts Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8QA.

Telephone: 01983 289595 (24 hours)/ 07 935 090 835 (Mobile & Text); Email: paulfulleriw@gmail.com

Please visit my website: paulfullercc.blogspot.com

Visits and Surgeries:

Please contact me if you require support. I’m happy to meet at a time and place which suits you, alternatively please visit my surgeries (No appointment is necessary). As a rule of thumb these are held, as follows:

4:30-5pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, 1^st Tuesday of each month at The Sports Bar, IW Community Club, Park Road, Cowes.

6-6:30pm, 2^nd Thursday of each month at The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

1-1:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday of each month at the Little Gloster, Marsh Road, Gurnard. (March-December)

3-3:30pm, 3^rd or 4^th Wednesday of each month at Cowes Enterprise College, Crossfield Avenue, Cowes. (Term time)

6-6:30pm, last Thursday of each month at The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

This is my sixth annual report and summarises my work as your councillor for the past 12 months.

This report is delivered to every household within the ward. If you feel that, having read my report I am not meeting your expectations as local councillor, and if there are issues you consider I should be doing better, please tell me!

Since last year, I have been appointed to the Isle of Wight Council’s Executive and have taken on the portfolio for Planning & Licensing.

If you wish to know more about my work, I write monthly reports. These are available at meetings of Cowes Town Council, Gurnard Parish Council and are available from Cowes Library and Gurnard Village Hall. Reports feature on paulfullercc.blogspot.com, whilst edited versions feature in the Cowes Magazine, Gurnard News and the local Beacon Magazine.

Isle of Wight Council Budget.

The Isle of Wight Council has set its budget and will increase Council Tax by 1.99%. This year the IW Council needs to find £13.8m worth of savings in light of Government’s drive for austerity savings.

In my 12 years as an IW Councillor, this budget has proved to be the most difficult to balance. Although I support the principle of showing caution in the use of public money, in coming years I have real concerns over how resident’s expectations will continue to be met.

This year the IW Council will prioritise funds to keeping children safe, supporting the challenges for our growing elderly population and raising educational standards and outcomes for young people.

The challenge for Councillors is knowing that increasing costs for fulfilling our statutory duties far exceeds government funding, what can be raised through Council Tax, or is available through other sources. Consequently, all services are being restructured or rethought. The IW Council are working with Town and Parish Councils, the Voluntary Sector and other agencies to ensure those that are most valued can be provided in a different way or by other groups.

Ultimately, the model for all local authorities will look very different in future years.

In a Nutshell: Some of the key issues I’ve been pursuing since last year:

For details of these and other issues which I’ve been pursuing, please visit paulfullercc.blogspot.com

April 2014.

·         I passed on complaints received about crowded buses. Southern Vectis assured me, this would be resolved in the long term, following a consultation this year to provide larger buses. This was implemented in March 2015.

·         Coastal Protection work on properties in Solent View Road and Shore Path was proposed following coastal erosion. Rights

      Of Way reported further ground movement was continuing on the footpath between Gurnard and Thorness.

·         The IW Council was successful in its Assisted Area Status bid for part of the Island. With this award local businesses are able to gain grant funding to support growth.

·         A new planning application was received to develop on land between Tuttons Hill and Place Road. Subsequently, over 500 letters would be received by Planners in light of this application.

May

·         Discussions took place between local residents from Marsh Road and the IW Council in bidding for Grant Funding to reinstate the sea wall and footpath CS35 between Gurnard Luck and Solent View Road

·         Consultation took place on the Medina Valley Area Action Plan. Within my comments, I suggested the Settlement Boundary was removed from Gurnard and formal Green Gaps be created between Cowes and Gurnard within the Jordan Valley.

·         In Crossfield Avenue, I was asked to intervene following short notice being given to residents to cut back hedgerows for preparation of a newly resurfaced footway. Island Roads intervened and timescales were extended!

June

·         In Cowes, parking permit entitlement was altered following concerns raised by businesses on the fairness of current policy.

·         Following parental concerns raised by me regarding the use of e-cigarettes on school transport, Southern Vectis rethought its policy and restricted use on all services.

·         A Planning application for a storage facility in Rew Street was received. Following concerns raised this was later withdrawn.

·         I arranged a meeting between Island Roads and the local IW Councillors to help resolve ongoing Highways Issues in Cowes

July

·         Members of the Planning Committee were persuaded to REFUSE the Planning Application for 86 dwellings on land between Place Road and Tuttons Hill. The reasons given related to the loss of the Green Gap between Cowes & Gurnard and concerns regarding settlement coalescence. The fight continues as an Appeal was validated in January 2015.

·         Following representations made by the IW Ramblers Association, which I commented (twice) in support of, DEFRA supported the Isle of Wight being included within the Coastal Access Act. This is due to be implemented on the Island in 2017/8.

·         The Range retail store was approved for the Former Readers site in Place Road.

August

·         A request was received to make Cockleton Lane one way to traffic. Following residents feedback no action was taken.

·         Cowes Enterprise College went from strength to strength and received the best 5 A*-C GCSE results for any Secondary School on the Island. At Cowes 58% of students received 5 A*-C GCSE grades. This compares to the average for the Isle of Wight 45% and 57% National Average. There was also significant improvement to A-Level grades, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, teachers and parents!

September

·         Ward Avenue was resurfaced.

·         I met with Southern Water following complaints being received. Subsequently advice has been provided (in Marsh Road) and work has been undertaken to repair fractured water mains in various locations in Cowes (Crossfield Avenue) and Gurnard (Shore Road). Arrangements were also agreed to repair damage at the Woodvale Pumping Station.

·         I spent a fantastic evening with the volunteers behind Cowes Carnival!

October

·         Following requests, Cowes Medical Centre provided special morning Flu Jab sessions for residents of the Crossfield Estate,

·         Gurnard and Rew Street reliant upon the Community Bus.

·         A meeting took place with Island Roads in Rew Street. The company has offered to improve surface water run-off and drainage in both the short term and long term. Agreement has been met to clear ditches annually.

·         Consultation took place on Gurnard’s Neighbourhood Plan in October. During this consultation attendees provided feedback and volunteered to join a working group to assist management of the Former Playing Field and Orchard site.

·         Following further parking incidents at Gurnard School and the rejection of a zebra crossing for Baring Road, a further meeting took place with Island Roads and parents to relook at improving highway safety outside the school.

November

·         Fast Broadband was provided by BT to local residents in Baring Road following perseverance.

·         Log Cabins were removed from Gurnard Pines. This caused significant disruption and damage to grass verges, as the vehicles did not have escorts. The IW Council, Police and Island Roads were asked to monitor the situation, and ‘eventually’ damage caused was repaired.

·         Following complaints, action was taken to improve the potency of street lighting in Areas within the Crossfield Estate.

December

·         Following complaints received and meetings held during the Autumn, I arranged a meeting with Andrew Turner MP to discuss concerns relating to Bonfires. In the meantime, I’ve gathered all information and advice together, and incorporated this within a leaflet, which was distributed and put online.

·         The Community Buses came under pressure and the Saturday Service was discontinued. Because of budgetary

constraints, it will prove necessary to relook at how this important lifeline to residents can be secured for the long term.

·         Notice was given that an Appeal was pending against refusal of planning permission in Place Road.

January 2015

·         The Royal Mail altered their last collection times to before 10am in Worsley Road and Crossfield Avenue. These complaints were taken to the Royal Mail, and an explanation was offered as to the reasons behind these changes.

·         Christmas Tree ‘recycling’ was extended following feedback from residents.

·         Action was taken following complaints over mud on the highway in Worsley Road.

·         The Government gave notice that Fracking would be banned from areas with AONB’s and SSSI designations. This has been welcomed locally, as within the Isle of Wight most (if not all) areas would be protected under this legislation.

February

·         The IW Council commenced consultation on Secondary School and Post 16 Education. This consultation is necessary, for Government funding to be provided to upgrade, modernise and rebuild school buildings.

·         I met with the Team at Wightfibre, who highlighted to me the alternative and in some cases faster broadband provision they are able to offer residents.

·         A local resident requested intervention to overturn a negative recommendation being tabled by Planning Officers in Marsh Road. Following a rethink by Planners, a compromise was found and a positive outcome was reached.

·         The IW Council’s ‘difficult’ budget was approved, with 31 members supporting, 5 voting against and 1 abstention.

March

·         The IW Council in Partnership with the IWNHS Trust was successful in its bid for Vanguard Funding which would support community health and wellbeing initiatives within the Island. In February, I requested and received the support from Cowes Town Council on this initiative which could provide around £10m funding.

·         A new planning application was submitted to redevelop 11 new dwellings at The Glen in Worsley Road, Gurnard. Letters were circulated to households nearby, with an Information Evening held at the Portland.

·         A Village Green Application for Northwood Park was rejected by the IWC Appeals Panel.

Elsewhere within the Isle of Wight Council.

Last March, I became Chairman of the IW Council’s Planning Committee. Following September’s reshuffle, I was appointed as Executive Member for Planning and Licensing. Since April, I have undertaken the following:

·         Supported a number of Economic Regeneration initiatives. I’ve been involved in discussions to regenerate East Cowes.

·         I’ve supported a number of Tourism related planning applications. These include a new Premier Inn at Lake;

applications for the Royal York, Ryde and a hotel for Newclose Cricket Ground, Newport.

·         Applications were also approved or Asda, whilst controversial applications for Wind Turbines at Parkhurst and large rural housing developments at Arreton and Brighstone was refused.

·         In Sandown, I’ve worked closely with the community to support applications for the Royal Cliff Hotel, Wight City, The Grand Hotel and Savoy Court.

·         I have made it a priority to complete work on the IW Council’s Area Action Plans.

·         I have supported Conservation initiatives and have actively supported The Friends Of Frank James Hospital and the Cowes Hammerhead Trust.

·         Neighbourhood Plans were supported for Bembridge and Brading. Supplementary Planning Policies were supported for Fishbourne.

·         I’m working with IW Councillors and Town/ Parish Council to ensure better liaison between the Planning Department in the allocation for developer (known as Section 106) contributions towards community initiatives which ‘mitigate against the impacts of development’.

·         In Licensing, I met with the Trade to discuss options regarding Entertainment Licenses and overcoming neighbourhood disputes.

·         As Executive Member, I also led in the augmentation of the Highway Permissions Policy. Following feedback from residents and small businesses, I suggested the exclusion of A-Boards and Planters from this policy. Work continues with Newport Parish Council to find an alternative which fits better with their needs.

Representing our Community in County Hall, rather than County Hall in our Community:

As your Councillor, my priority continues to be to serve Cowes and Gurnard residents on a Full-time basis. As Local

Councillor, I have retained my interest across the range of services provided by the Isle of Wight Council. In the last 6 years I have attended more IW Council summoned meetings than any other IW Councillor.

One year in numbers. As your Councillor:

·         I am on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

·         I work full-time as your local Councillor and work between 40 and 65 hours each week

·         I attended 402 meetings associated with my work as an IW Councillor.

·         This includes 29 out of 29 IW Council summoned meetings.

·     I attended 61 further informal/ associated meetings, briefings, exhibitions & site visits connected with this work.

·     I’ve attended 12 out of 12 Cowes Town Council’s monthly meetings and 12 out of 12 Gurnard Parish Council

meetings plus a further 6 meetings associated with Parish/ Town Council activities

·         I attended 55 Surgeries meeting 97 residents in 6 different venues.

·         I’ve called/ liaised 43 meetings in the past year, these include face to face meetings with Council Officers and

meetings called with outside Agencies.

·      I’ve written 12 monthly reports for Parish/ Town Councillors, which are edited and themed for Gurnard News,

the Cowes Magazine and the local Beacon Magazine.

·         I received over 3,000 Council related emails, 900 telephone calls and 33 letters (which I aim to respond to within 3 days- 12 hours for local residents)

·        I’ve leafleted 2,200 Annual Reports and 830 local newsletters/ consultations and updates

·         As a Councillor I visited every household, and in the past year undertook 23 home visits.

I received a Councillors Allowance of £15,733.62 Gross Pay. This has increased given my extra responsibilities.

My expenses for last year, are as follows:

£198.00 Annual Report 2013/2014.

£413.00 Contribution towards Broadband, Telephone, Use Of Home as Office.

£241.78 Office Supplies (ink, paper, stamps etc, Printing newsletters etc.)

£ 50.00 Donations.

£ 39.80 Travel Expenses.

£ 942.58 Total Expenses.

About Me.

I’m an eighth generation Cowes Resident, was raised in Gurnard and have lived locally most of my life. I returned to

Cowes in 1999, wanting to give my family the same opportunities that I had growing up in the town.

I was first elected to serve as an IW Councillor in 1995, where I represented Ryde as an Independent Councillor for 6 years. I’ve served on all three local councils and have continued to be actively involved in projects which support young people, crime prevention, the economy, planning and the environment.

I am married to Karen, and have two children (Caelan,18 and Zara,16)

I have been appointed by the IW Council to serve as a member of the Local Access Forum, the AONB Management Committee and the Solent Forum.

I am a Cowes Town Councillor, a Gurnard Parish Councillor and a Parish Councillor for Northwood. As a Town/ Parish Councillor, I serve on the IW Association of Local Councils, the Cowes Week Firework Committee, I’m a member of the Gurnard Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee and Gurnard’s Open Space Committee. I’m a Trustee for the Friends Of Northwood Cemetery and the Footprint Trust. In addition, I’ve served as a Justice Of The Peace since 2001.

And Finally…

I’m committed to ensure our Council says yes, rather than no, and as long as I remain your Councillor, I’m committed to listen and fight your corner whenever and wherever necessary. In this role, I aim to be an effective, transparent and hardworking councillor doing this without party political restraint. Being part of the Council’s ruling Independent Group, I am committed to putting the needs of local residents first. If the Independent Group gets things wrong, or if I get things wrong- Please let me know, so I can change things.

The reason I do this, is because I thoroughly love it! Because I enjoy my ‘work’, I hope that it shows and I am achieving the right outcomes for our community!

Thank you for reading my report!