To receive a reply to a question asked during Members’ Question Time, a question must be submitted in writing or by electronic mail to Democratic Services no later than 5pm on Thursday, 13 January 2022. A question may be asked at the meeting without prior notice but in these circumstances there is no guarantee that a full reply will be given at the meeting.
Minutes:
No written questions had been received.
Councillor Joe Lever asked when the revised draft Island Plan was being updated. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Community Engagement advised that the next phase of the consultation was to take place in late Spring. Approximately 2,800 representations had so far been received.
Councillor Joe Robertson asked whether the Leader agreed that planning policy needed a major overhaul to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing. The Leader advised that a written response would be sent.
Councillor Matthew Price asked whether the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Business Development and Tourism would agree that the majority of residents do not want housing at Seaclose Park, and would there be an option in the consultation for no housing at all. The Cabinet Member confirmed that there was an option in the masterplan for no housing.
Councillor Andrew Garratt asked what progress had been made towards changing the management structure of the council to better serve island residents. The Leader advised that there had been many other priorities faced during the pandemic, such as flooding, mental health and financial health and wellbeing, but that a full written response would follow.
Councillor Garratt then reminded Councillors that this was set out in the Corporate Plan and he would like a timetable for the delivery of that part of the Plan.
Councillor John Medland asked whether consultation with Freshwater Parish Council would take place regarding its neighbourhood plan. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Community Engagement advised that a positive meeting had taken place with Bembridge Parish Council and he was also looking forward to meeting with Freshwater Parish Council. There was a need to ensure that neighbourhood plans were fit for purpose.
Councillor David Adams asked for an update on the budget consultation. The Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance, Corporate Resources and Transformational Change advised that the consultation was still ongoing, there had been an online session with Town and Parish Councils, with a further one scheduled for 20 January. The questionnaire had been simplified and messages were being put out on social media and via local radio, encouraging residents to take part. Responses received so far had already exceeded the previous four years’ consultation responses. The draft budget would be published in two weeks’ time as part of the papers for the next Cabinet meeting.
Councillor Mosdell asked for the start and end date for the speed review. The Cabinet Member for Highways PFI, Transport and Infrastructure advised that the review was underway and would continue until November 2022. Reports would come forward in early 2023. Although there was a capital amount in the budget to deliver some of the ‘wish list’ it was very expensive to deliver speed reduction measures, therefore due to budget constraints some villagers would be happy and some would not.
Councillor Karl Love asked for an update of the floating bridge. The Cabinet Member for Highways PFI, Transport and Infrastructure advised that an independent review had been carried out as requested by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership. Recommendations from the review were being implemented. A date for mediation had been set as 2 March 2022. The council’s claim was for multi-million pounds and it was hoped for a fair settlement.
Councillor Quirk asked whether the recent report had found anything different to the previous report. It was confirmed that the report had been carried out by a different body but that the conclusions were the same.