Gallery
She then welcomed Isle of Wight Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Councillor Edward Giles who began by explaining that, under the Transport Act, 1985 any operator can register a bus route with the Traffic Commissioners and the local authority. They must give fifty six days notice and provide the proposed route and a timetable. He also explained that most evening and some Sunday routes are supported with funding from Isle of Wight Council as are some rural services of which the daily Wightbus Service via The Duver and Puckpool is one. The majority of the concerns expressed and questions raised by residents related to the proposed loss of on street parking in Seaview and the routing of double decker buses along Madeira Road. Attention was drawn to a petition containing 298 signatures against these proposals which, together with many personal objections including that from the Parish Council, had been submitted to Isle of Wight Council. Councillor Giles stated that, because he has a prejudicial interest in this matter the final decision would not be his but confirmed that he would ensure that the Member responsible for that decision would be informed of the serious concerns raised at this meeting. His attention was also drawn to the lack of a morning commuter service and the ‘dangerous’ positioning of the bus stops at the junction of Caws Avenue/ Priory Drive/Nettlestone Green. Councillor Giles was thanked by the Chairman and those present for his attendance.
Several planning applications were on the Agenda and it was agreed to request a site visit for, and object to that for The Office in Madeira Road on the grounds of overdevelopment and concerns about access and security of surrounding properties. It was also agreed to object to the application on land adjacent to Pearl Cottage on the grounds of excessive height. Councillor Barry was asked to request that neither of these applications be dealt with under delegated powers. Applications for 27, Pondwell Close and MacDonald’s were supported with the proposals on the latter improving disability access.
Members were extremely concerned to learn of the possibility of a property exchange affecting one of the rented properties at Kerry Fields. It was unanimously agreed to write to Vectis Housing Association in the strongest terms possible confirming that the idea of these properties was the provision of housing for those with a strong local connection and that the tenuous connection provided by the inclusion on Isle of Wight Housing Register is a last resort and unacceptable in this instance. The list of those wishing to rent these properties was heavily over subscribed at the outset and those satisfying the first two local criteria should always take priority. Members further agreed that it is considered essential that this tenancy agreement ‘loophole’ is closed.
Local residents are invited to the Annual Parish Meeting which takes place on 17th May in St. Peter’s Hall, commencing at 6.30pm when one of the final acts of Councillor Janet Foreman, who is standing down as Chairman after an eventful three years, will be the presentation of her report. As usual, there will an opportunity to ask questions or make comments on local matters. The annual meeting of the Parish Council will follow.
Clerk: Michael Parsley, 2, West Priory Cottages, Eddington Road, Nettlestone, PO34 5EE (Tel: 562257) email:
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Web-site: www.nettlestoneseaview.co.uk
