IW Councillors Report, May 2022

 Surgeries.

 

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

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

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 11^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Wednesday 18^th May, Benches adj. Watersedge Kiosk, Shore Road, Gurnard.

11-11:30am, Wednesday 18^th May, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

2-3pm, Monday 23^rd May, Cowes Library, Beckford Road, Cowes.

5:30-6pm, Wednesday 25^th May, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard 

10:30-11am, Thursday 26^th May, Coffee & Chat at All Saints Church, Tuttons Hill, Gurnard.

11:30-12pm, Thursday 26^th May, Eegons, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Island Planning Strategy: Paused.

 

Further to last month’s report the Island Planning Strategy has been paused following several questions raised by IW Councillors during briefings and one to one sessions.

 

From my perspective as Cabinet Member given the importance of the Plan, it is important that Councillors feel comfortable and understand the implications of the Plan and any risks before it moves to its next phase.   

 

Since the plan was paused, meetings are proceeding with the MP, individual councillors and group leaders. Once concluded, any revisions can be added to the Island Plan for its progress to the Inspector later this summer.  From my perspective it remains important for the Plan, its background papers, feedback and frequently asked questions is shared widely prior to Full Council making its decision.

 

Litter Bins.

Frustratingly, it has been necessary to continue to chase up the replacement of litter bins on Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront.  In response to previous requests, the matter is with the IWC who are required to instruct Island Roads to replace bins.  This matter has now been referred to the Council’s director and Executive Member. 

 

In the meantime, please can I request that where bins remain- if they are full, either take your rubbish home or find a bin that is less full, this is all the more important at Gurnard as the area is frequented by badgers and foxes who target overfilled bins and bins, where discarded rubbish is disposed of immediately adjacent to recepticals.    

 

Fireworks.

 

During the Easter Bank Holiday I received a number of calls from residents complaining of private firework parties’.  With the summer fast approaching please if you are having a party, let your neighbours know as fireworks can send some pets doolally and this affords the opportunity for owners to take mitigating action. From experience, a note through neighbours doors is often sufficient!   

 

Cowes/ Gurnard Seafront: SGN Clearance.

 

Ravens, slow worms, common lizards, red squirrels, badgers, grass snakes, adders, common frogs, common toads and palmate newts have all been seen on land recently cleared by SGN.  In addition to these species of wildlife, I am also collating with botanical support species of flora that was witnessed on the site.

 

Trees and Environmental Designations.

 

Following concerns being expressed regarding the clearance of woodland clearance on Cowes/ Gurnard seafront, I have been asked to signpost residents to where environmental designations can be found.  For those who are interested, further details can be found using the layer link list for the Island Planning Strategy here:  https://iwc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=82005f28da7f4f618baf03369b97ac47

 

Consultations: Learning Disability and Autism Strategy.

 

The IW Council are seeking to enhance support for those with and supporting learning disabilities and autism.  At present there is a consultation underway, to participate in the consultation please follow the following link: https://www.iow.gov.uk/council/OtherServices/Adult-Social-Care-Learning-Disability/Introductio22

 

This consultation continues until 31^st May 2022.

New Benches, Gurnard. 

 

I’ve received a number of calls concerning new seats that are proposed for the seafront opposite beach huts in Gurnard.  Following feedback, locations have been assessed for access to the mobility impaired. Since plans were put in place for these benches a number of beach hut owners have complained to me concerning the impact the seats have on the outlook from huts.

 

Following concerns, Gurnard Parish Council has instructed the contractor to relocate benches from where they were originally intended and in general terms despite a small number of concerns the benches are being welcomed.

In the meantime, please feedback your thoughts concerning the benches.

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

Energy prices are soaring.  For details and up to date support visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

Councils will oversee the repayment of the £150 rebate through Council Tax reimbursements for A to D properties. To speed up payments residents are being encouraged to pay Council Tax through Direct Debit. For details visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/news/Energy-rebate-update

 

Ukraine Appeal.

 

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain- https://www.augb.co.uk/ and the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.uk/ are good organisations doing great things to support Ukrainians.

 

Hosts can register to take in refugees at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk

 

IW AONB AGM Meeting.

 

Headlines of work carried out by the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at their Annual General Meeting included:

 

·         Preparation for the review of the Management Plan for 2014-2019

·         The moving from their premises at Branstone Farm

·         Protection- Through their supporting role with planning applications and through strategy work.   

·         Nature Recovery- At Compton Bay, rewilding at Thorness. Supporting the Reddish Buff Moth, working with the Local Records Centre, IWatchWildlife ( https://www.facebook.com/iWatchWildlife/), Big Chalk

·         Climate Change- Peat Project; seagrass and kelp research.

·         Farmers and Landowners- IWCSF and FiPL workshops for farmers on environmentally friendly farming and water resource protection.

·         Access and recreation/ tourism- USAC events (Crossing the Bar and Welcome Back walks)

·         Culture- Creative Biosphere

 

Planning Enforcement.

 

Across the Island, there is considerable pressure on the IW Council’s Planning Enforcement Team.  In Gurnard and Cowes West alone, I know of 9 referrals being considered.

 

In light of this, I am in discussions with the Planning Team and the IW Association of Local Council’s to strengthen what is a small team, prioritising issues being raised. 

 

Somerton Reservoir.

 

Proposals to develop on the Somerton Reservoir site were approved by Planning Committee.  Within the 144 units, 15 dwellings will be ‘affordable’, whilst 44 will comprise of assisted living apartments. This application took four years to come before committee following concerns raised by officers over affordable housing and highway access.

 

In supporting the application conditions were added by Committee. These included conditions prevent any right turn from the site, maximising roof space for solar energy, electric charge points, improved cycle access, heritage signage for the Toll House, an ecology survey, a local housing caveat and assurance over water and discharges.

 

No Mow May: From Plantlife.

 

#NoMowMay is aimed at the gardens and green spaces away from the roadside. It aim is to raise awareness and understanding of the biodiversity opportunity lost by mowing in early season. Plantlife are asking gardeners and green keepers to encourage people to think again about grassy spaces and how they could be richer in wildlife. 

 

If you are fortunate to own a garden or green space, please pause for thought. No Mow May is changing the way people manage their spaces, the percentage of those not mowing in May has trebled compared to three years ago. Why not join them and see what flowers you spot in your lawn or greenspace in 2022?

 

Local Shopping and Trading.

 

With the impact of Covid still resonating, I continue to receive calls from residents concerned over the lack of diversity and variety in our towns and villages.  Although it is inevitable that our towns will continue to evolve, it remains so important that our local shops and traders continue to receive our communities support.

 

In light of this, I am working with cabinet members to seek options as to make our town centres more attractive. In the meantime, shops and tradesmen like so many of our services and facilities depend on the support of residents to use them, or risk losing them.

 

Pavement Parking.

 

Parking on pavements could be banned.

 

Parking on the pavement is already illegal in the Greater London area. But changes to the law are expected in 2022 that will give local councils across England and Wales the power to issue on-the-spot £70 fines to those who mount the kerb.

 

Beachbuoy: Outfall updates from Southern Water

 

Beachbuoy gives you near real-time information about releases of stormwater or wastewater at your favourite spot. On this interactive, online map you can see updates about releases from combined sewer overflows, so you know what’s happening near you.

 

For further details please visit: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/water-for-life/our-bathing-waters/beachbuoy

 

Jet Ski’s.

 

Last month the use of jet ski’s at Gurnard was reported to the Marine Police, who continue to monitor waters frequented by bathers.  Please note that locally, a bye-law exists which prohibits all ‘personal watercraft’ being used faster than 8 knots and in depths of less than 2 metres.

 

Please continue to report incidents to: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

 

Also this month:

 

·         Dialogue is ongoing concerning proposals to develop at the Poultry Site in Place Road.

·         Concern was relayed regarding the cleansing of slipways at Gurnard and Cowes.

·         I continue to raise concerns over trees in Pine Tree Close.

·         Support has been given to a resident over a child safeguarding matter.

·         Feedback has been received and collated for proposals to enhance countryside access for the disabled.

·         Support has been provided for a resident wishing to gain access to community facilities.

Isle of Wight Councillor's Report: April 2022

 

Surgeries.

 

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

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

10:30-11am; Thursday 7^th April, Gurnard Press, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

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

11-11:30pm, Thursday 21^st April, The Woodvale, Princes Esplanade, Gurnard.

4:30-5pm, Wednesday 27^th April, The Portland, Worsley Road, Gurnard.

10:30-11am, Thursday 28^th April, All Saints Church Coffee & Chat, Gurnard.

11:30am-12pm, Thursday 28^th April, Eegon’s, 85 High Street, Cowes.

 

Car Parking Charges for Egypt Esplanade and Princes Esplanade rejected: Confirmed!

 

Although intended charges were scrapped immediately upon the election of the Alliance administration in May 2021, this was only formalised last month as this needed removal as a budget heading, to which this received cross-party support.

 

Despite being suggestions, speculation and rumours that the order might still be implemented (in part) on Egypt Esplanade, following our communities perseverance the whole scheme was thrown out in its entirety.

 

Cowes Community Bus.

 

Next month following existing for 10 years a celebration is being arranged for the Community Bus Forum.

 

In the meantime, a drive is underway to recruit volunteer drivers.  In recent years all community buses have seen a reduction in patronage, and although not as bad as other areas ridership on the Cowes Bus has fallen to 86%. In order to address this, the Forum would like to expand the service. However, this is on possible if new volunteers join

 

If you are interested please let me know! 

 

Clearance of Protected Woodland, Cowes Seafront Update.

 

The IW Council are prosecuting SGN over the mindless damage caused to woodland on Gurnard seafront last month.

 

Since then, I have spoken to residents and adjacent landowners about the prospect of seeing this land re-wilded as a local nature reserve.  In the meantime, in order to support both myself, the Council and this initiative please share your observations on the wildlife that frequented this area as a habitat.

 

Details will be circulated of species/ wildlife in my May Report.

 

In the meantime, it has also been necessary to liaise with Island Roads over increased run off. 

 

Annual Report.

 

Normally at this time of the year, I circulate my Annual report to all households.  Unfortunately for this year this will not be possible due to the time that it takes to deliver these.  However, there will be a mini report which I hope can be issued both online and in hard copy form that will be made available from usual outlets!

 

Gurnard Pines Drop-In.

 

Thank you to everybody that joined the recent residents Drop-In which took place at the Food Shack and Bar, Gurnard Pines.  A big thank you to Stuart for use of his café, Gurnard Parish Council for their support through sponsorship and to the Citizens Advice Bureau and Footprint Trust for supporting the event.  

 

To note the Footprint Trust (Tel: 01983 822282) and CAB (Tel: 03444 111 444) offers one to one support.

 

Storm Eunice Round Up.

 

In the aftermath of last months storm, I am awaiting the replacement of litter bins that were lost during the storms. In the meantime, I am still awaiting to find out the effect the storms had upon the Beryl scooters which are parked opposite Solent Shores on Princes Esplanade. To note, Beryl were warned about the extremities of storm conditions on the seafront (sadly, they did not agree with the IW Council on the pointlessness of leaving items like parking meters in such a hostile environment)

 

Elsewhere, I have been in touch with the IW Council’s Coastal Protection ‘Team’ concerning feedback following storm damage to properties and land west of Solent View Road.

 

Planning Enforcement Matters: Environmental Protection Areas.

 

I have received a number of complaints concerning ‘environmental protection’ areas where new developments have occurred.  These areas were originally set aside and conditioned for developers to offset and protect the biodiversity of new housing developments.  What has then happened, is these areas are transferred to new owners and extended and managed as private gardens, rather than what these areas were intended for to protect.

 

Because of Government policies to ‘re-wild’ areas within the Environment Act, I foresee this will become increasingly an issue where greater pressure will be put upon Council’s to see Environmental conditions more strictly adhered to.  

 

Highways Issues.

 

·         Pot holes at the junction with The Avenue and the general condition of Worsley Road has again been reported.

·         Overhanging highways trees and vegetation at the Church Road junction in Worsley Road was reported.

·         New tactile paving, dropped kerbs and pavements have been resurfaced in Park Road. 

·         Complaints have been received regarding urbanisation and the garishness of new double yellow lines

·         A survey has taken place to monitor the condition of a tree in Pine Tree Close.

·         I’ve spoken to owners of vans that have appeared in Gurnard and Northwood. Although parking of vans is legal, could I ask that high sided vehicle owners are mindful of where they park and the impact this could cause!

·         A big thank you to Gurnard Parish Council for moving a bench that limited disabled access by the beach huts.

·         A complaint was received and action taken concerning connections between the replacement floating bridge launch and Red Funnel.

 

Environmental Issues.

 

·         With summer fast approaching, please can I ask residents to refrain from lighting bonfires on beaches?

·         Another huge thank you to Gurnard Parish Council for arranging the latest litter pick. Thank you as always to the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning and to The Portland for offering a discount to litter-pickers taking part on the day of the event!

·         I’m supporting residents alongside the Community Safety Team following a neighbourhood dispute involving discarded bags of dog waste.

·         Batteries are soon to be collected from the roadside by Amey through their collections.  Details will be fed back once I have these!

·         I have received a number of complaints concerning the prevalence of rats on the Crossfield Estate. Please, please if you are able to do so ensure that food waste is kept secure in bins. If you do not have a secure food waste bin, let Waste Services know on 01983 823777 highlighting the fact that vermin can access rubbish.    

·         I have requested graffiti to be removed between Cowes and Gurnard seafront.

 

Food Vouchers.

 

Did you receive a food voucher from the Isle of Wight Council in January?

 

If you haven't redeemed your voucher and you need help with the process please contact the IW Council for support There are different ways to get help:

 

ü  Visit your local Isle of Wight Council library.

ü  Contact Evouchers on 01638 438095 or support@evouchers.com.  

ü  Contact the Help Through Crisis Team on (01983) 823859.

ü  Contact the connect4communities team at connect4communities@iow.gov.uk.

ü  If you have lost your voucher, contact Help Through Crisis or connect4communities using the contacts above.

 

Isle of Wight Foodbank. 

 

This month the Foodbank are asking for donations for the following items: Squash, Tinned Spaghetti, Tinned Potatoes, Long Grained Rice (1kg), Sponge Puddings/ Angel Delight, Toilet Rolls and Soup.

Last year, locally The Foodbank provided 5,136 food parcels and supported 2205 children. For details visit: https://isleofwight.foodbank.org.uk/

 

Exceptional Hardship Support.

 

The IW Council has in place support for residents finding it difficult to keep up with Council Tax payments.  If this applies to you, or you know somebody that may require extra support please visit: https://www.iow.gov.uk/Council/OtherServices/Local-Council-Tax-Support-Entitlement/Exceptional-Hardship-Fund

 

Supporting Young People.

 

Cllr Alison Carter from Cowes Town Council is leading a local initiative to engage closer with young people concerning services and support available.  If you are interested or have any issues please let either Alison (through Cowes Town Council. Tel: 01983 209022) or let me know!  

 

Sue Waters.

 

It is with real sadness that I report the passing of former Gurnard Parish Council Clerk, Sue Waters.

 

I worked closely with Sue both as clerk to Gurnard and also as assistant clerk to Cowes Town Council.  After ‘retiring’ from the Parish Council, Sue and her husband Andy relocated from Parklands Avenue to Wales.  Sue will be sadly missed both myself, councillors and residents who will remember her bubbly personality and tenacity for getting things done for local residents.

 

Covid 19

 

With the recent upsurge in Covid incidents, I am advised that local residents are still able to order Rapid Lateral Flow tests.  To order these please follow the link: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

 

Energy Price Increases.

 

From this month energy prices are due to soar, especially for those not on fixed term contracts.  For further details visit: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ and  http://www.uswitch.com/ Tel:  0800 688 8557. Alternatively, talk to the Footprint Trust on 01983 822282 or email: info@footprint-trust.co.uk.

 

Environmental Updates.

 

Solent Forum.

 

·         It was reported that under the Environment Act that ‘Nature Recovery’ would be expected for the UK in 2030. It was unclear at this stage what priorities were to be imposed for the marine environment. To note, the Isle of Wight has been recognised for enhancing Nature Recovery through its UNESCO Biosphere Status.

·         The Forum highlighted that without sufficient Government Funding, support would be required by ‘industry’ to support enhancement of the coastal environment. Following concerns I raised, it was agreed that the Solent Forum would lobby for priority be given to rural areas (like the Isle of Wight) where large industry didn’t exist.

·         Work is underway off Lymington to enhance salt marshes and estuarine and coastal habitats through the use of dredgings.

·         Following the collapse of oyster beds in the Solent in recent years, a programme is in place by the Blue Marine Foundation to repopulate the Solent area with oysters which improves water quality as well as increasing biodiversity. Following £110,000 worth of funding oyster rafts have been introduced at Langstone Harbour.  The second phase of this work will take place at locations on the Newtown Estuary and the River Hamble.

·         A four year Seagrass Restoration Programme has commenced in partnership with the Ocean Conservation Trust west of the mouth of the Beaulieu River.  The project involved replanting one million seeds from Seagrass beds, which have been placed in over 20000 biodegradable hessian bags.  Eventually it is hoped the programme will restore seagrass to 4 hectares of seabed.

 

Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

 

·         With the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine concern was expressed over the potential future use of horticultural areas for food production and arable farming.  Ultimately this could mean that the countryside needs to adapt to support food production.

·         Concern was expressed over the impact of dogs off leads upon bird nesting sites. In the past the National Trust and the RSPB were criticised for fencing off nesting sites.  With new Government legislation, under the Sandford Principle conservation would be considered a priority over recreation.

 

Ready to support Homes for Ukraine

 

The Island stands ready to support those who welcome refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine into their homes, the Isle of Wight Council has pledged.

 

As more horrifying news emerges of the Russian bombardment of Ukrainian cities, and the refugee crisis as millions of people flee, the government has unveiled its 'Homes for Ukraine" scheme to pay families to open up their homes to people who have escaped the conflict.

The council is encouraging those who can, to step forward with an offer of accommodation and help in supporting the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees on the Island. The authority is waiting to hear more from government about how it can support communities who wish to offer assistance.

Any willing hosts can now register to take in refugees at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk

 

Red Funnel.

 

I continue to wait in anticipated readiness for my enquiry regarding Red Funnel’s continued cancellation of services and reliability… In the meantime, they have asked for me to share some good news!

 

Red Funnel recently received £296,000 from the Department of Transport’s Maritime Accessibility Fund

 

Upgrades to support the accessibility of the fleet is due to start imminently and will focus around key areas including:

 

•  The creation of more designated accessible seating 

•  Upgrades to emergency signage on board and improvements to each vessel’s PA system

•  Installation of push button, self-closing, automatic sliding doors across vehicle ferries, giving easier access to all passengers

•  Upgrades to all vehicle ferry terminal toilets

 

Island Planning Strategy.

 

Should the Island Planning Strategy be supported at Full Council in April, further engagement will take place in May/ June.  Rather than consultation with the IW Council, this engagement is directly with the Planning Inspector who considers residents views alongside the merits of the plan in accordance with Government Planning Policy. 

 

Since the last consultation, following feedback three new strategic policies have been included. These are:

 

·         BIO1 Isle of Wight Biosphere: Given the importance of the IW Biosphere designation and the role it plays showcasing Environmental benefits of the Island, and the associated key role that the environment will play in the Islands ability to achieve net zero, Strategic policy BIO1 will set out how this designation must be considered by all development coming forward on the Island.  

 

·         AFF1 Affordable Housing: Setting a clear definition of what ‘affordable’ housing is on the Island, rather than using the Government definition. This policy will encourage Town, Parish and Community Councils to undertake Housing Needs Surveys to help inform affordable housing provision.

 

·         INF1 Infrastructure: To ensure infrastructure provision is supported across the Island and that development makes an appropriate contribution (which could be physical or financial, or both).  Strategic Policy INF1 will ensure that new infrastructure is provided or existing is upgraded.

 

In addition to these, there are policies to address Air B&B and the impact this has had on the hotel industry and private rental sector through a Short Term Let Policy on holiday homes used more than 140 days per year and a Net Zero Policy to address climate change.

Accessibility Survey. 

 

The Isle of Wight Local Access Forum wants to know your views on creating better access to the countryside and Rights of Way. We would like to know what you would like to see done to improve access/ remove barriers.

 

Please tell us your five priorities to support those with mobility issues, for those with push chairs, children, older residents and those with disabilities. The deadline for feedback is 5pm, Friday 23^rd April 2022.

 

My/our five priorities to improve mobility access to local services, facilities and the countryside are:

 

1:

 

2:

 

3:

 

4:

 

5:

 

Any other queries, questions and suggestions:

 

 

 

Please let me know your views!

 

Also This Month:

 

·         A revised proposal to develop on land adjacent to The Stables in Woodvale Road was approved.  The earlier decision to refuse the earlier application has been appealed against to the Planning Inspectorate.

·         I met with Freshwater Parish Council who are considering updating their Neighbourhood Plan Planning Document. The Council are considering use of Gurnard’s Neighbourhood plan as an exemplar of good practice.

·         As Chair of the IW Local Access Forum, I met with Councillors and residents from Havenstreet & Ashey and Calbourne, Porchfield & Newtown Parish Councils to listen to their views concerning ease of access to services and the Countryside.  At the latter meeting Newtown residents expressed concern opening up access more widely, concerned of the impact this may have upon the Environment. 

·         Taxi Operators have unanimously supported an increase to fares increase.  This comes at a time when maintenance of vehicles and fuel costs have escalated.  A public consultation on proposals will follow.

·         The Planning Committee voted to support an outline Planning Application for 29 new homes in Wootton Bridge.

·         Proposals to relook at the West Acre Park Planning Application was dismissed 6 to 4 by the Planning Committee

·         I have attended a meeting to discuss Tourism opportunities for disabled residents  

·         Through Planning, I have given support to a resident offering assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

·         I continue to chase up meeting with Bob Seely to discuss planning and other local resident’s issues.