Decisions

The Monitoring Officer confirmed that the proposed Order was lawful. A previous decision by Full Council in February 2020 had provided for additional income from the use of on-street parking and off-street car parks. However there were some inconsistencies in different areas. The reports sought to address these. It was accepted that parking was an emotive subject, and some genuine concerns had been raised during the consultation, however the principle of the report was to bring fairness and consistency. Some questions had been received from the public which had already been dealt with under Public Questions.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted the recommendations in the report, however the Chairman of that committee asked whether the sailing club could have a dispensation from parking charges. The Chairman indicated that if there were any special cases these could be considered, and the Cabinet Member would have ongoing dialogue with such people.

To adopt option (ii) and to agree: -

(ii) To approve the changes to parking places as set out in the Isle of Wight Council (Parking Places) Order 2020 at appendix 4 and implement as soon as practically possible.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing explained that the Council’s Empty Property Strategy had previously been approved. Empty and derelict properties had an adverse impact on communities and this report was the last resort in a long process of attempting to engage with the owner of the property which had been derelict since 2004. No progress with the owner had ben made. There were also other properties in other parts of the Island which would be considered for the same process. The local member spoke in support of the recommendation.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted the recommendations in the report.

Option 1.

To agree in principle to the use of Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 to acquire the CPO land by way of CPO and that a final report, having completed all necessary legal enquiries and with all necessary documentation be presented to cabinet for formal approval for submission to the Secretary of State; and to identify if any development or housing association partner would wish to enter into an indemnity agreement to underwrite the costs of the CPO process; and that the Director of Neighbourhoods be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member to negotiate, agree and complete the purchase of the CPO land up to the current open market valuation at the point of purchase if concluded prior to the final report being prepared.

The Cabinet Member for Environment, Heritage and Waste Management explained that the strategy was a result of an internal audit report into the processes and procedures in place to manage water safety. The RNLI had offered to carry out and audit of the council’s beaches at no cost to the council. It was reported that there had been incidents with jet skis and swimmers and it would be desirable  if funding could be agreed, for the marker buoys, which had previously been removed, to be reinstated prior to the RNLI’s audit. It was explained that the framework provided a list of all activities with an action plan for the future to improve the beach environment. Clarification was provided that the bathing season is usually considered to be 1 May to 30 September each year.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted the recommendations in the report.

To adopt options 1 and 4 and to agree: -

Option 1 – Adopt the draft beach management strategic framework attached at appendix 1, including the action plan for beach safety, and produce/publish the final plan.

Option 4 – Investigate the provision of marker buoys in advance of the RNLI safety audits subject to funding being agreed in the 2021/22 Medium Term Financial plan.

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport expressed condolences to the family of the people involved in the fatal accident which had led to this report. The police investigation had now concluded and a report into the junction had been produced. There had been seven accidents at the location in the previous five years. Although no fault had been identified with the layout of the junction, the Cabinet would consider whether measures could be taken to improve safety at the junction.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted the recommendations in the report.

To approve Option 1:

Realign the hedge to improve visibility when entering Forest Road from Whitehouse Road which as part of the 2021 capital works programme.

Revaluate any future works to the junction following the completion of the Island-wide Speed Review, and as part of the network’s safety and management programme.