Transcript

[No audio] It's five o'clock, we will start. Thank you all for attending. Thank you for our officer support as usual. Ashley, good to see you. Thank you for lending us all. And those online, welcome. Sarah's here. Chris, Sharon and Simon's here too, so thank you for that. We'll press on. It's a short agenda. There doesn't seem to be, so I'll give them any. Apologies. So there are apologies this evening. Yeah. So Councillor Fuller is an apology. Councillor Stevens is an apology. And Councillor PC Wilcox. So their apologies for this evening. Ashley, it's not on the agenda that way. Let's press on. We've got a number of small items to deal with, but our minutes to confirm a true record. It's held on the ninth of May. Any comments? Any observations? If not, are you happy to confirm them as a true record to propose them in Paul's absence? He usually doesn't. I'm happy to propose them because Paul would normally do it. Yeah, thank you. I need a seconder, please. Thank you, Karen. Those in favour of three minutes. Thank you. Any decorations of interest on items tonight or decorations generally? There being none. Public question time. Do we have any public? We have no members of the public. Do we have any written public questions? There being no public questions. Chairman's announcements. I've no announcements to make other than the announcement that there are no announcements. Let's therefore move on to the business for this evening, which is district TRO review. Excuse me. For District two encouraged book is pages 13 to 50 of our papers. In general, there's a swathe that I'm going to propose that we accept. And as usual. This follows a process, as we now know, on the TROs. It's a legal process. There's consultation. All of the work is. Put in the recommendations come from. Requests from Councillors, councils, town and parish councils and members of public over a number of years going back, in fact, 10 years and form the initial basis of how and why these proposals come forward off. There are inserted on the highway safety integration, integrated register, integrity register HSI are from which the work develops to the proposals that we have in front of us. So the proposals have been through a huge process. You can be assured that they have met all of the legal responsibilities of this authority. And in this case, I'm going to, with your additional papers, propose that the TRO for Alvington Manor view encourage Brooke. This is scheme one in appendix one on page 63 of our cabinet papers be amended as per the diagram that you have. In brief, because these have to be attached to minutes and it might be difficult to attach the diagram to minutes. So I will describe it. It will be that the proposal is amended to not implement double yellow lines from the junction of Gunville Road along Alvington Manor view, just to a point adjacent to number nine, Alvington Manor view that's marked and taken out. The black mark is taken out on your papers. That's the proposal. And apart from that, I'm proposing that we take all of the other TRO proposals as they are without any amendment. At the moment, any comments, any questions on that? Much no questions. Are you happy to accept the amendment? We don't have to amend the house. I'd like a seconder, please, just propose. Can I have a seconder? OK, sorry, I'll propose. Karen seconded. In favour of that, thank you. That's unanimous. Onto District 6 TRO review, this is mainly around Shalfleek, Bryston, Shorwell, Totland and Yarmouth. In the same way, this has gone through all of the same legal process and arrived at the proposals we have after consultations. In this case, I have two amendments to make, one you have in front of you. And it is to agree. So we, apart from the two amendments, this is to agree all of the proposals, except these two amendments. And the first one is to agree to the scheme as proposed, but to defer it. And the purpose of that is that we wish to engage further with Freshwater Parish Council in a process. So I'd like to defer this for one month. The Parish Council are aware and understand that no amendments can be made to the scheme, but that the deferral is to further understand some of the scheme as proposed, not to then amend the scheme further. That's not possible. They realise that if there is further amendments they want by discussion, we would have to start the whole process again. They're aware of that. And that's not what they're seeking. I think they're just seeking. There's been some changes in the Parish Council. I think they're seeking some clarification. I know from my own discussions with our highways team that the ask of the owners and the developers and the developers agent has not been met fully by this authority. And we we've not accepted all of the proposals. So I'm talking about the Albion Hotel. It's known as Freshwater, I think it's 59 footpath, but it is the Albion Hotel at Freshwater Bay. So it's the small slip road off the main road. So we believe that the scheme that's proposed is OK, but we'd like to defer it for one month that allow us to have further discussions of Parish Council. The Second Amendment, which has come rather late, and it's come for a reason that in close. Observation of the consultation. At Shell Fleet. And specifically the main road at Newbridge, Shell Fleet, I've I've noted that there were 32 objections and two supporting. I'd I'd like to understand a bit further about this proposal. And I'm going therefore, and the officer is on annual leave, so I can't do that. I'd like to defer this in its entirety. No decision on this. No for no against. No decision on the main road at Newbridge and Shell Fleet. And we will bring that back to a future cabinet meeting, potentially the next one. But depending on on what the discussions are. So I'd like to defer that, accept Freshwater Bay Albion Hotel, but defer the implementation. Otherwise, to accept all of the proposals as per our papers. Any questions, any comments on that? So I'm going to propose that as is. I hope we've taken. OK, we've taken note of that. That will be recorded. I'd like a second, please. Thank you, Karen. That's seconded. So those in favour of the proposals as described. Thank you. That's unanimous, too. And that leads us on to LCWIP, the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan for the Bay Area. This is pages 119, 124 in our papers. And I know that Councillor Andre would like to speak to this, which I'm very happy for her to do. Thank you, Chair. Yes, I'm absolutely delighted to speak to this. As we know, I think it was 2020 when we got the first local cycling and walking infrastructure plan development starting to come through. And I'm really, really pleased to see one come through for the Bay Area. There's been a huge amount of work has gone into this. I've been a part of that. It's very much it's good that it's very much involved the town and parish councils of the Bay. They've been very much involved at the heart of this. And most importantly, residents have had a lot of input into this because it's about how we shape very much about how we shape our communities. It's also very much about supporting active travel, which is very much one of the priorities that we are following. So it's actually a long term strategic plan. So it's a 10 year minimum that sets out local priorities for improvements to the walking and cycling infrastructure. But it's it's it's an ambitious document, but it is a deliverable document. And I think that that is important. It is it is published on the website for those that want to look into to the fuller detail of it. I think it's important to note that it's a five stage process, which is a very thorough process, which has been followed absolutely to the letter. And as I say, there has been wide participation in this. And it actually goes to to shape other policies moving forward, which is important. So, for example, when new developments come forward, the LC whip is looked at to make sure that active travel is very much a part of that. So I think I'm probably going to leave it there, but I'm very happy to answer any questions. Although, chair, it is your paper. Thank you. Well, thank you, Councillor Andrei. And I'm very pleased and happy to allow you to speak to it. I'm happy to propose it, but I'm happy to hear you speak to it. Julie. Yeah, thank you. I'm sure Councillor Andrei is seconding it, so you don't need that from me. I just want to say that these police plans are important, not important to unlock walking and cycling in our areas around the island, especially urban areas. But also without them, it's it's hard to unlock funding. So though they're not funded without them, it makes life a lot more difficult. So, for instance, with the Greenway funding that we propose we put into government, which we received the go ahead in October, some of the Newport LC whip is going to be delivered. So because it's council policy and it's all been gone through the process, it makes it a very easy ask then of departments to fund it. So, yeah, so though at the minute you haven't got a route for them to be, sorry, piece of pun, for them to be realised, without them, you won't get that realisation. So I'm sure in the future they'll be able to be brought forward. So same in RIDE as well, some of the RIDE stuff, again, with the Greenlink. So they're important, they're important documents. Thank you for mentioning RIDE, Julie. Jonathan. I won't repeat what's already been said, but very pleased to see this come forward and support it. We a few months ago come and went exactly when it was approved plans for braiding Bembridge and St Helens. It was unfortunate for whatever reason, the Bay Area plan didn't tie in with those initially, but it will now. And so it makes for a joined up scheme for the pretty much most of the East and White now, which is good. So I'm very glad to see this come forward and to fill in that gap. Thanks, Jonathan. Just to me, just pull out of it's 14 on page 121, you know, positive outcomes in supporting our walking and cycling already being achieved through the Council's funded transforming travel programme. Look at some of those numbers, you know, within a four year period, 17 to 21, reduced carbon emissions, 4368 tons. That meant 1,621,000 car journeys, increased cycle trips by 79,000 and increased walking trips by over half a million, 531,000. Strongly numbers. Why are you smiling, Jonathan? Well, I was just noting that's under the subheading, it enhances the biosphere, which I know you're so keen on. Well, I'm for great support of the biosphere. As you know, Jonathan, I don't understand what it is, but I support it anyway. And Ciao, I suggest you come to the Biosphere Festival, which is in two weeks time, and you'll be able to find out all about it. I would love to, thank you for the offer. Sadly, I'm in the south of France on that day, but I'm sure there'll be another opportunity to learn all about the biosphere. I'm happy to propose. Look, this is this is part of our aspirations in active travel, the healthy outcomes joining up across the island, these opportunities for people to get out their vehicles, use cycles, walk and so on. So these are great initiatives. Glad that we can bring them forward and support them. I'm going to propose that the recommendation is the LCP WIP be approved and work continues with key stakeholders to seek funding, to deliver active travel infrastructure improvements, to undertake work with planning services, to adopt the LC WIP as supplementary planning documents, SPDs, following the required period of planned public consultation like this summer. So that's the start of the process, but very pleased to be able to propose that, like a seconder for that. Thank you, Debbie. That's very kind. And those in favour of adopting that, that's unanimous, too. Thank you so much. And finally, for us, unless you want, unless there are any members, question time, consideration of forward plan. Jonathan. Sorry, Chair, you skipped over cabinet member announcements and I would just like to mention something very briefly. Are there any cabinet member announcements? OK, I'm so sorry I skipped over that. You've all got to speak. Who wants to go first? Karen. I'll jump in very quick, but I just want to say, so we've got the Alawite Festival coming up soon. And I know there's a lot of work that staff do in the background that people probably don't know the public. So our emergency team, environmental health, licensing, everybody. So I just want to thank them for all the work that they do keeping people safe, whether it be food, hygiene, you know, sound and the roads, of course. So I just I just want to recognise the work that they do, keeping everybody safe. And I want to wish everybody a nice Alawite Festival. I'm not going this year. Right Police Station is opening this autumn. The work's started already. It's been confirmed it's going to open six days a week, but I don't know the opening times yet, but there's certainly going to be somebody there every day. So that's really good. It's not totally my remit, but emergency planning comes under this. So Section 19 reports should be coming out soon. The AA modelling on what happened that day should be out soon as well. So I want to thank all the stakeholders that have helped support me getting things done, actually. Because of that terrible day, so the EA, Southern Water, Island Roads, Right Hand Council, who was very, very supportive, as we know, did the skips and stuff so we could get things moved. And Natasha Dixon and all her team who've been excellent the whole way through. So thanks very much. Thank you, Karen. Can I just add in terms of the festival, we've also agreed and implementing an enhanced traffic management plan from learning from past years. And we believe that we've got the best plan that could be delivered for that event. Julie. Thank you. Just a couple of things to mention. Firstly, I had some updated figures from One Leisure yesterday with obviously the OneCards and the attendance, and that's all going in an upward trajectory. So that's really, really good news. It's fantastic. And as I say, Karen and I are both proud OneCard members. And I encourage everyone to buy OneCard and enjoy the wellbeing that you can achieve by attending all the classes and gym and so on. Anyway, that's One Leisure. So good to see that continuing, going the right way. Had two place plan meetings this week. One Cowden Northwood. I join in there with their food security one. Really interesting. And shows you how important these place plans are of really understanding the needs, the deep down grannier needs of a community. And we had the first Bay Area place plan, obviously a bit bigger. That was the whole steering group, the first one last night. Very exciting, brilliant energy in the room. You know, we've got lots of different people representing all the sectors and a real willing by the three town councils involved. Sorry, I think it's one parish council and two towns to make this happen. So I'm absolutely delighted with the progress there. And lastly, making progress on the Solent cultural plan, cultural strategy that's coming up really well. And it will be a delay because of the general election in putting it and taking to the next stage of the public consultation. But what is really good is just further working between Southampton and Portsmouth that's sort of tying us together. And there's lots of projects that we can work on, the three unit authorities. So, yeah, lots happening, particularly as we're making progress on Sandown Town Hall, about to award the contract for that. And we'll be starting at Donaldson Isle. So all happening in the bay at the minute. So that's it for me. As always, some positive, upbeat news. Sorry. Oh, you better check the socials. Oh, apparently there's some competition at one leisure at the minute. So if you've got to check the socials, you can win some prizes. Sorry. Thank you, Karen. Thanks. Jonathan. Thank you, Chair. I just thought formally I should mention one of the reasons we have quite a short agenda this month is that the school place planning item that was supposed to appear has had to be postponed due to the general election campaign we're in at the moment. But just for everyone's information, it will be before the next cabinet, which is now taking place on the 18th of July. And that should mean, I think, the papers and information that people we are keen to see will be appearing, I think it's on the 10th of July. There will be a because of the effect of the general election, the process that follows on from the cabinet decision on 18th of July will have to be amended slightly. But things are still going ahead. I should clarify, there will be no publication naming of schools in July. There is a full further engagement process with schools and public taking place from that point onwards. But what we have done to is to ensure that the key date, I suppose you could call it when we will need to announce the names of any schools that may be proposed for closure will stay in place for September. And that is the important time papers being published in early September in that regard. But we want to go through another full engagement process to inform whatever decisions and whatever proposals are made at that point. Thank you, Jonathan. I think if I might just add, I was reading a national piece about falling birthright across the country, delivering a similar potential outcomes where if the funding mechanism says the same at the same rate, the forecasted income across the country in schools will make some schools unviable. That's a forecast and it depends on the new government and so on. But it's interesting, this is not an island issue alone. Debbie. Thank you, chair. A couple of things from me. The NHS are offering health checks to anybody between 40 and 75. So anybody that's within that age bracket should be getting an invitation. I would urge you to take that up. We were shortlisted and were runners up in the LDC awards for under the health and social care category for our community falls response. And I'd like to say a big thank you to the team, because that's that's a really good accolade. And and it and it's a very, very valuable service. And also, just to highlight that the next scheme of food vouchers will be issued. So in July, a 25 pound voucher will be issued to households in receipt of local tax support. If they're in receipt of the local council tax support on the 1st of July and during that month, the vouchers will be sent out. But there are other there is other support available. And I would urge everybody to go onto the council website cost of living where there are details, full details of all the support that is out there. But don't forget to get in touch if you if you want any more details. Thank you. Thank you, Debbie. Would you just explain to me the vouchers or what that can be spent in in shops or how does that work? The Sainsbury's vouchers. So it's a 25 pound Sainsbury's voucher. And it's my understanding it will go out to those that are in receipt of local council tax support. They don't actually have to apply for it, but there are other means of support that people can apply for. I hope that's clear. Yeah, thanks for that clarification. For myself, we continue to try and deal with the issues that vent the face of serious issues. We we wrote to I wrote to the government on the 30th of April. I had a reply yesterday, I think it was yesterday or the day before from not from the minister. Interestingly, he decided to delegate the reply to a senior officer, but essentially repeating what we receive every single time from government. When we asked for additional money for highways, that there is none. There is no extra money for the badly affected areas of Fentner, Leeson Road, particularly. Nor indeed for the military road. And they repeat endlessly that we are in receipt of I think that sum is 23 or 25 million pounds. I know it's more than that. We're in receipt of PFI funding money. I can't remember the exact amount off the top of my head. It would be something like, yeah, 20, 25 million pounds a year, which, according to government, we have local choices on where we spend. Of course, you'll know that. We entered into a contract and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to remove any of that funding. I know it under the under the the contractual rights we have, which is for service contractually price contractually. So it seems that government just want to use that as an excuse for not considering further funding. So we will continue when a new government's in place. We will restart that right to the minister, the minister's team again and continue to ask for money because we simply don't have the levels of money that is required to deal with the immediate emergency problems in Fentner. And in that regard, we have placed the works order for Gills Cliff Road, which is the road that had the rock fall and cut down the road, took out traffic lights and went across the road. We've placed the order for a netting solution to that. So that will take place hopefully by about the second week of July. That work should be done and that road should be opened. All being well, that's all that works are ordered. And in so far as Leeson Road is concerned, the order has been placed for boreholes at the moment for to drill down in excess of 85 metres. Potentially 100 metres in potentially into the sandstone, which is underneath all of the gold and the clay to put monitors in to establish if there's any continued movement of the deep area and the surface area, their surface monitoring in already. So that's that's been ordered. That work will be carried out. Specialist work. It won't be. Island Roads will subcontract that. And we expect to have data before or on or around September that would be sufficient for us to make a decision about the future of Leeson Road. We hope we all hope this as an authority, as a highways authority, as a community on the island, that that data will allow us to open that road in some way or other. It's an important road. We know how important it is. It's an A road and further on the same military roads as the same A road. So it's important that we get that data. Our professional advice is that we need to do that. I think that's accepted now. And I've had other discussions with other professionals who also agree that that's the way forward. So that's taking place. It's frustrating. The time delays are frustrating. But we have to go through this. The road is closed out of safety concerns, not out of any policy decision that this council or this administration's made. So it's closed for safety concerns. We'll establish whether it's safe to open them when we do that. At the soonest moment, we will take the appropriate action. If it's if it's opening the road, that's what we'll do. And further afield on the military road, we continue to find a solution which would be a route for longer term rerouting of the military road. That could be in different ways. It could be a small reroute round one of the three or all of the three at risk areas or a wider reroute. I've written to the TFE, TFSE, Transport for the Southeast today asking for support. I've written to the chairman of that. We're a member of that board asking for professional office support in building a business case to government for substantial funding. So that's gone on today as well. So we continue to work to find these solutions for our island and under testing times. Again, when the new government comes in place, we will we will hopefully be in a place to put forward some sort of bid to government. Mainly Department of Transport on that. That's all I have for the moment for me. No further comments or back to consideration forward plan. Any comments, anything in there that's untenable, needs adding or subtracting? Jonathan, just to underline what I was saying earlier about the 18th of July, which it might be worth pointing out is a revised date. So as to accommodate publishing papers after the end of the general election process, otherwise we'd still be caught by the pre-election period if we'd stuck to the original date. So people might not have picked that up. I notice our forward plan says 18th of July for the proposed meeting. That's OK, isn't it? That is the revised date. Yeah. And it was originally a week before, but that necessitated the publication papers before the 5th of July. Yeah. Thanks, Jonathan. Our revised papers, I assume they're out in the public as well. Yeah. Thanks for that, Jonathan. No further comments on that. Final item on these members questions, Simon. I know you. Haven't got any questions, have you? There being no questions, thank you all. That's just over half an hour. Five thirty four, we'll close the meeting. Look forward to seeing you on next month, 18th of July, then 18th of July for the next meeting. Thank you again for everyone attended. Your support helped over a long period to get these meetings in place and help us make our decisions. It's appreciated. See you all very soon. Thank you.