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This from Cllr Cameron Palin East Cowes Town Council, in his own words. Ed
I am extremely pleased to see the Island’s MP Bob Seely is backing the Draft Island Planning Strategy, that goes before the Isle of Wight council tomorrow (Wednesday).
Bob acknowledges the vital role this plan will play in shaping the Island’s future over the next 10 to 15 years, helping protect the Island’s unique characteristics, as well as helping deal with the housing crisis we face.
However, it is vital for the sake of the Island that Conservative councillors need to unite with the Conservative MP and support the Draft Island Planning Strategy tomorrow.
Put the Island’s best interests first
Whilst I know there has been talk of Conservatives voting down the plan on block, I hope that they will unite together as a party, put the Island’s best interests first and support the plan.
We need a plan urgently, so tomorrow provides the perfect opportunity to begin fixing the mess we are in, start changing the tilted balance and begin the process of getting the plan made into planning law.
Lobby your local councillors
Local residents can also lobby their local councillors asking them to support the plan. You can find your local councillors email address on the council’s Website and urge that they vote in favour of the draft Island Planning Strategy.
To date we know there are more than 2,000 people on the housing waiting list, many of whom have been put in one-room B&Bs with a family of three or four people. We all know this is a problem that we cannot fix overnight, but it needs a long term strategy plan, and that’s exactly what DIPS will offer.
Another six-week public consultation
At this point the plan is only at its first stage, but getting council approval tomorrow would mean it could begin the journey to become a vital piece of legislation, enabling us to protect our Island.
Many people will pick apart the plan with parts they dislike and that are unfavourable, but if approved it would allow for another six-week consultation with the public allowing you to argue for the changes you’d like to see.
