Notes taken as heard. The VB correspondent does his best to pick up everything that is discussed. This does not always work, due to the low volume level some councillors talk at, and lack of visibility. It is hoped this is of interest though, and would most welcome any comments and suggestions for improvement. The members of the Press get on well together, and are able to cross check with each other to try to avoid errors.
Public Questions
Much higher than normal public attendance.
Jazz Festival
Philip Oxley asked whether the Town Council felt it was behaving in a responsible manner by letting the Winter Gardens to the Jazz Festival when Wight Link, Southern Vectis and the Chamber of Commerce Trade and Industry were shunning the event, while there will still substantial unpaid debts owing.
Philip suggested the Winter Gardens only be made available, when all outstanding debts were paid and confidence restored in the two organisers.
Maureen Cawley replied saying that while the Town Council deplored the way the Jazz Festival has been run; felt that the event was inherently good for the town. Hence given the organisers did pay up front then access to the Winter gardens was considered appropriate.
Philip Oxley said the answer given was not acceptable, as it did not do the brand image of Ventnor any good.
CCTV
Evelyn Knowles asked whether, when and how residents would be consulted with regard to the use of CCTV in the Town. She state that she felt CCTV was an intrusion the private lives of people.
Susan Scoccia replied saying that the CCTV would be in the central area of the Town, and plans were not yet finalised.
Buses
Debby Frost questioned the withdrawal of the No 16 Bus on Sundays and the consequent impact on people with a disability, in being unable to use other buses.
Susan Scoccia said she was waiting for an answer from Wight Bus.
Rubbish
Wendy Marshall asked about new rubbish dumped in the large site opposite Londis.
Rob Reed replied saying that Tony Fish was responsible for it being there and intended to set fire to it.
Rob Reed further explained that IWC Environment was involved as individuals are not allowed to fly tip (even on their own land!) let alone create a fire in the manner planned.
Town Centre Managers Report
This is a direct copy of the report. Any comments on the reaction from the meeting are in italics.
Trinity Road Bus Shelter Renovation
The good news is that Southern Vectis have pledged £250 towards the renovation of these two shelters and IWC Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership have added another £500.
That leaves a balance of £850 to meet the estimate given by Ventnor Enhancement Fund of £1600 to complete the job.
VEF have said that they will put £250 towards the balance and I therefore request that VTC agree to provide the remaining £600 to complete the work.
Debby Robinson then asked for a full breakdown on the figures. Rob Reed suggested she contact Philip Le May (Chair of Ventnor Enhancement Fund) and subsequently sent her a copy of the original estimate on the morning of 11 March.
Val Taylor asked if the funds would come from the current or the next financial year. She also wondered if the million blooms project could help in any way.
John Farrant confirmed the funds were available in the current year.
Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond suggested that as the money was there then it would be sensible to use it and get on with the project.
The council approved the project with enthusiasm.
Other Bus Shelters
I have arranged for the Albert Street and High St (Central Car Park) Bus Shelters to be repainted (as they have both suffered from graffiti damage) by members of the Rainer Team and this will take place in early April.
Who and what is Rainer?
Rainer (a registered Charity) offers under-supported young people a range of services designed to give them the emotional and practical support they need to lead secure fulfilled lives.
Rainer is a national organisation able to deliver services anywhere in the UK, with over 600 staff and 530 volunteers who work with around 18,000 young people every year.
Rainer works with thousands of under-supported young people every year who are living at the margins of society. They may be in or leaving care or custody, involved in or on the fringes of crime, out of work, struggling at school, homeless of facing young parenthood without the safety net of a supportive family.
Rainer recognise that tackling crime and anti-social behaviour means tackling the factors that cause people to offend.
They know that people who have experienced difficulties whilst growing up, such as family breakdown, disrupted education or homelessness, take much longer to find stability as adults and break the cycle of offending. They work with more than 7,500 people a year who are at risk of offending or who have already offended. They deliver services, in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies, which aim to reduce offending and anti-social behaviour.
Eastern Esplanade Car Park
I have been given some funding by IWC Safer Neighbourhood Partnership to smarten up a retaining wall in Eastern Esplanade Car Park that is currently becoming overgrown with foliage and has been the target of graffiti in the past.
I am meeting with the Ventnor Art Group on Wednesday morning to discuss my idea, which basically will be to reflect the image of the seafront from the wall (just like a mirror) with the exception of the angled wall on the right hand side as you look at it, which I would like to reflect Ventnor seafront as it was, with the pier still there etc.
Town Centre Managers and CCTV
Letter from the Head of Service, Safer Neighbourhood Partnership (SNP).
The letter advised the members that although there was not a current localised budget for the Town Centre Managers to effect immediate repairs etc, negotiations were now underway to achieve just this.
It was hoped that Ventnor Town Council might be able to make a contribution to the installation costs of cameras.
In discussion it was pointed out that this would have to come from the 2009-2010 budget.
Robbie Mew felt strongly that as other towns have had free installation and support, then Ventnor should as well. John Farrant pointed out that the current plan involving Ventnor does not require Ventnor to make any contribution to ongoing maintenance.
Undercliff Drive
Letter from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods.
The intention is to keep Undercliff Drive open for as long as possible. The letter recognised the ongoing working party between Whitwell and Ventnor Town Councils. There was no guarantee that Undercliff Drive would stay open in perpetuity.
There followed a heated exchange of views. Brian Lucas talked to the approach an engineer would take. Robbie Mew passionately argued for a simpler approach.
Buster Bartlett proposed a protest to Isle of Wight Council and a letter to demand reinstatement of Undercliff Drive. This was seconded by Colin Elvers.
Buster requested this in a raised voice as normal for him.
Robbie Mew felt that as Undercliff Drive was an A class road, it should be kept that way, and a diversion through Whitwell would cost considerably more.
Val Taylor highlighted passionately and at length, the danger of Ventnor as a town being cut off through road instability. Pointing out that a flu pandemic was not any longer “if” but when and the impact of flash flooding and subsequent landslip on already poor road surfaces.
She argued the need for all the roads coming into Ventnor to be examined for repair.
Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond pointed out that the IWC Chief Exec was very familiar with the situation as his island home was in Ventnor.
A vote was called for to support the proposal of a letter to the IWC for reinstatement of Undercliff Drive
Buster Bartlett demanded a “named” vote.
Brian Lucas did not agree with a vote for a letter. He felt you had two choices, either maintain it or re build it. He proposed support for maintenance.
It was agreed to write a letter asking that all roads into Ventnor be looked at given the genuine concern that Ventnor could be come an isolated community if not dealt with now.
Car Parks in Ventnor
Letter from the Traffic Manager, IWC and Review.
This was about the forthcoming presence of Tesco and the impact on parking.
This needs to go for public consultation, but in the meanwhile the council felt that Market Street car park should remain long term and the Central Car Park could be split half and half for long stay and limited short stay.
The needs of residents were considered paramount.
Beach Management Advisory Committee
Invitation to appoint a representative on the committee established by the Isle of Wight Council.
This focuses on the Eco Island Strategy.
A meeting twice a year focusing on keeping beaches environmentally friendly.
Susan Scoccia assumed it linked to the same area of island co-ordination as required for Blue Flag application for our beach (result expected in May).
Background Under: Blue flag award
This also links to the two planned educational initiatives. Background – Under: Report on various town issues – Susan Scoccia
Brian Lucas agreed to attend this particular meeting with the first being held on 22 May in the Boardroom of the Bargemen’s Rest Pub in Newport.
Draft Town Plan Review – Susan Scoccia
The Town Council voted to accept the draft plan.
Val Taylor voted the grateful thanks from the Town Council to Susan Scoccia and Mark Compton-Hall for their work on this project, since July 2006.
The members were shown a typical page from the web site and encouraged to look at it. They were advised that the print distribution of 3500 to each household would be a single A3 folded page (a sample draft was handed out). The emphasis was on the effective use of ICT for public communication. Susan Scoccia emphasised that the dynamic nature of the project would allow constant updating of the plan and residents views over the five year period.
The current print run would focus on an action plan for 2008.
The major highlights of this included the development of a Community Health and Fitness Centre located at Ventnor Middle School.
A major regeneration grant proposal via Townscape/ English Heritage through partnership with the Town Centre manager and the Conservation Team at Isle of Wight Council for the Town Centre.
A major focus on encouraging inward investment.
The members were advised that the Town Plan project had resulted in new partnerships being enabled and different groups to connect for the good of the town. An example was given of the work St Catherine’s school students were doing to map the centre of Ventnor for accessibility.
Also the emergence of new community projects such as Ventbag, the revitalising the town branding through the Hygeia symbol, The Ventnor Disability Forum, The Ventnor Art Group, and The Trinity Road Bus Shelters Restoration. The revitalising the town branding through the Hygeia symbol.
A common element in the formation of new projects, being the VentnorBlog, providing a basis of community discussion leading to new projects.
Steve Milford asked SS and MCH to ensure Children’s interests were clearly highlighted through the plan.
Bus No 31
Extension into the western esplanade. Item for consideration at the request of Susan Scoccia.
This is about using up the estimated spare ten minutes in the journey cycle to re route via the Esplanade. The Town Council wholeheartedly supported Susan in her efforts to make this possible two or three times a day.
Heritage Lottery Fund
Application for Grant. Item for consideration at request of Susan Scoccia.
The Town Council wholeheartedly supported Susan in her efforts to pursue this grant opportunity. Townscape/English Heritage
General Questions
Maureen Cawley introduced David Edwards who had recently been appointed as Manager for the Winter Gardens. The members were pleased to see him.
Robbie Mew proposed TC acceptance of Grants Committee output, saying he was personally pleased with all the awards made. Acceptance was agreed.
Colin Elvers wanted to know why he could turn right into Marlborough Street coming down Tulse Hill but not left up from the High Street.
Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond was not entirely certain, and would check further.
Brian Lucas wanted to know how the two county councillors would vote on the schools reforms on the 19 March?
Val Taylor said the results of the questionnaires were just in showing a 58% response on option 3.
JFB said there was a group meeting on Friday, and SS, said she will not decide until then, but she did say she would not vote for Option 4.
JFB did not say any more.
Buster Bartlett raised a question regarding the Jazz Festival (linked to the public question from Philip Oxley) to be told that a private meeting would follow after the planning committee meeting.
He was happy with that response.
Planning Committee meeting:
As usual please click on the hyperlinks to go to the application files.
(All information, as usual, is courtesy of, and copyright of www.iwight.com)
A direct link is also available, now, through the Ventnor Town Plan site under Planning.
TCPL/18483/E, P/00408/08
Flat 94 High Street Ventnor Isle of Wight PO381LU
Conversion of 1st and 2nd floor flat into 2 flats
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Approved
TCP/27048/B, P/00363/08
Land rear of 28 Pier Street and rear of 79 Church Street Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38
Two storey building comprising office/studio on ground floor and self-contained flat at 1st floor level
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Rejected
This was discussed at a previous TC Planning meeting and is placed here in case it does come up again.
(It is thought that the developer may be the owner of Sandown Airport)
Please see comments from Dennis at the CPRE on the Forum
Westfield Holiday Park Shore Road Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38
Construction of 3 storey block of 11 holiday flats to include penthouse within part of roof space swimming pool and associated parking (revised scheme)(revised plans)(re advertised application)
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Rejected
TCP/04857/H, P/00446/08
Harbour View Hotel Esplanade Ventnor Isle of Wight PO381TA
Retention and completion of works to increase roof height of existing garage to provide office/bedroom accommodation at 1st floor level to include dormer windows on south elevation and rebuilding works to gable wall (new application)
Councillor: Susan Scoccia
Approved
TCP/00419/L, P/00444/08
Peters Ridge and Dolphins Shore Road Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38
Retention and completion of works to reduce height of part of boundary wall by approximately 1200mm alterations to vehicular access
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Approved but noted this was retrospective planning permission”¦ and it is interesting that the Town Council did not remember their previous discussion on this subject”¦..
LBC/18483/D, P/00409/08
Flat 94 High Street Ventnor Isle of Wight PO381LU
LBC for conversion of 1st and 2nd floor flat into 2 flats
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Approved
CAC/04857/J, P/00411/08 Harbour View Hotel Esplanade Ventnor Isle of Wight PO381TA CAC/02526/M, P/00417/08 TCP/25310/B, P/02372/07 TCP/01038/B, P/00443/08 LBC/10366/V, P/00494/08 Brian Lucas lightened the atmosphere by remarking he had a personal interest, as someone of the same name lived at this address!
Conservation Area Consent for rebuilding works to gable wall
Councillor: Susan Scoccia
Approved
http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=16840
Land at Manor Cottage Marlborough Road Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38
Conservation Area Consent for demolition of buildings in connection with construction of 2 pairs of semidetached houses alterations of vehicular access
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Approved
http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=16899
Cartreff 9 Inglewood Park Ventnor Isle of Wight PO38
Replacement dwelling and garage alterations to vehicular access (revised plans) (readvertised application)
Councillor: Susan Scoccia
Rejected as out of keeping with street scene and ground stability.
http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=16898
6 Marine Parade Ventnor Isle Of Wight PO381JN
Loft conversion to provide additional bedroom to include dormer window with juliet balcony on front elevation glazed single storey rear extension to form dining area and w.c.
Approved
http://www.iwight.com/council/departments/planning/appsdip/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=16897
Flat 3 Undermount Bonchurch Village Road Ventnor Isle of Wight PO381RG
LBC for retention of balcony at 1st floor level
Councillor: Jonny Fitzgerald-Bond
Approved
A private meeting then followed to discuss the Jazz Festival.
