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Articles by Rufus Pickles LDR
Councillors To Consider Plans For Radical Shake-Up Of County Hall
Full Council on Wednesday evening is due to decide whether to approve a draft constitution setting out a new committee system of governance to replace the authority’s current cabinet model. Councillors agreed to move to a committee system at an extraordinary full council meeting on May 1, 2024, with plans scheduled to take effect from May this year.
Alliance Approves Purchase Of 18 Godshill Units Of Temporary Accommodation
On Thursday (March 13), Cabinet members voted to buy four one-bedroom properties, 13 two-bedroom properties and one three-bedroom property on a new development at Godshill’s Scotland Farm, costing £2,780,607.
Bid To Turn Town Centre Property Into HMO Attracts Wave Of Criticism
Mr Singh’s planning application for a change of use of 23 Atherley Road in Shanklin encountered resistance from both residents and those further afield during a now closed council consultation. The current building is a two-storey house with eight bedrooms, two kitchens, two lounges, two ensuites, three shower rooms and a bathroom. If converted, it would have eight bedrooms plus a communal bathroom, shower room, lounge-kitchen room and two residents’ storage areas.
"Overly Dominant" With "No Public Benefit": Council Refuses Seaview Village Storage Building Plans
County Hall planners refused Mr and Mrs Rivlin’s plans for a replacement garage and personal art studio on Seaview’s Circular Road, saying they would have no ‘public benefit’ and would ‘cause harm’ to the village’s conservation area. The council’s decision comes after the refusal of a previous application at the site in December last year.
"A clear Potential That Harm Has Been Caused" - Major Housing Development "Invalidated"
In an announcement this morning, the council confirmed its conditional permission for the building of 44 houses on land to the east of Birch Close in Freshwater has been “invalidated” after a two-week investigation. County Hall opened a planning enforcement case after an outcry from Freshwater residents and county councillors Chris Jarman and Peter Spink, after the developer brought machinery and contractors into Birch Close last month.
Former Public Toilets Conversion Scheme Withdrawn After Wroxall Parish Council Backlash
Sue Savage withdrew a planning application to turn the Wroxall Public Convenience building on Wroxall’s Grove Road into a one-bedroom flat after Wroxall Parish Council filed an objection. Ms Savage’s proposed flat included an ‘open plan’ kitchen, living and dining space, a bedroom and a shower room. A Design and Access Statement written by her agent, CLArchitects, said: “Although modest, this development would help in achieving the council housing targets using previously developed land.
Two-Bedroom Apartment Could Be Installed Behind New Laundrette
Deven Thakrar applied to County Hall for a change of use of the rear of Island solicitors Jerome and Co’s former ground floor offices at 11 High Street in Sandown. His proposal is for a flat with a hall, lounge, utility room, kitchen and diner space and garden. Last year, Mr Thakrar gained council consent to open a new laundrette business at the High Street end of the building’s ground floor.
Large Villa-Style Property Could House Four New 'Starter Homes' In Totland
Martha James of Plan Research submitted a planning application to County Hall to convert two existing flats within Hurstleigh – a house with a ‘substantial’ garden on The Broadway, Totland. A proposed rear extension to the building would enable the creation of four two-bedroom apartments, replacing one three-bedroom flat and another with four bedrooms.
Dutch Braai Restaurant And Weddings Venue: New Plans Revealed For Disused Barns
Mr R. Oglander applied to County Hall for planning and listed building consent to convert two disused buildings at New Farm to the northwest of Brading. His plans also include a proposal for an associated car park. Last July, New Farm started to host Braai – a culinary and entertainment experience inspired by South African outdoor barbecue culture. The pop-up restaurant is a collective of Nunwell Home Farm, Wight Knuckle Brewery, Wight Whisky and Heron, led by chef Alex Kimber.
Discontent With Island Health And Social Care Services On The Rise Again - Report
Healthwatch Isle of Wight’s January 13 to February 12 Intelligence Report found rising discontent among health and social care service users, with 177 negative pieces of feedback gathered (52 per cent of the total responses). Nine were mixed or neutral (three per cent) and 156 were positive (45 per cent). The body’s findings contrast with its previous report (December 13 to January 12) which showed mostly satisfaction among residents sharing their experiences.
Former Ventnor Care Home Could Be Turned Into 'High Quality Housing'
Chris Danes of In Safe Hands Home Care Limited made a change of use application to County Hall to convert Bluebell House at 74-76 Mitchell Avenue in Ventnor into three apartments. Bluebell House Residential Care Home closed its doors in October 2022 due to a ‘lack of staff availability’, according to Mr Danes’s application form.
Historic Shanklin Summerhouse To Be Converted Despite Local Opposition
County Hall planners have given conditional approval to Mr and Mrs Hook’s planning and listed building consent applications to convert Shanklin Manor’s summerhouse on Manor Road into a residential unit with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge area and a bathroom. The Grade II listed property, known as The Bothy, is said to have been used as a meeting place by Jacobite rebels in the 1700s.
New Warehouse Could 'Support Expanding Companies' And 'Deliver Islander Employment Opportunities
County Hall has approved marine manufacturing and service business JAM & Sons Ltd’s planning application to build a large steel span industrial building in the Greengates Industrial Estate in Cowes, next to the River Medina. JAM & Sons’s agent, the Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said the structure will comprise three ‘starter units’ offering flexible space for small industrial businesses.
Tax Breaks Could Be Set To End For Isle Of Wight Private Schools
The Alliance administration will consider a proposal to exclude private schools from discretionary rate relief (DRR), a tax relief local authorities can choose to grant businesses, charities and organisations. Whitehall’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will put forward legislation to change the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to end private schools’ ability to claim charitable tax breaks from April 1.
Councillor Accuses County Hall Planners Of "Intransigence" In "Correctly" Applying Planning Law
In an email to officers, Cllr Peter Spink lamented “unnecessary and unacceptable distress and anxiety” caused by Journey Estates Ltd’s bringing of machinery and contractors into Freshwater’s Birch Close last month – what the council termed an “alleged breach of planning controls”. Journey Estates was granted planning permission to build 44 houses on land to the east of Birch Close in 2022, subject to conditions.
Cabinet Asked Whether School Closure Plans Are "Truly Financially Viable"
Jen Hughes, a parent representative and campaigner against the closure of Oakfield CE Primary School, raised the subject at a cabinet meeting last night, in light of figures set out in a newly published paper. The report shows a total closure cost of £3,030,693 in 2025/26 and £473,191 the year after but recommends the closures of primary schools in Oakfield, Arreton, Cowes, Wroxall and Brading to address ‘surplus capacity’ in the schools system and better fund primaries remaining open.
Isle Of Wight Council By-Election Likely To Be Held In May
With Suzie Ellis no longer Central Rural’s Conservative County Hall representative, voters in the ward will soon be able to head to the polls to decide on her successor. The Central Rural electoral division encompasses villages including Godshill, Arreton, Rookley and Chillerton.
Education Cabinet Member To Ask For Deferral Of School Closures Decision
Education cabinet member Cllr Jonathan Bacon made the call following a storm of criticism from County Hall watchdog the Corporate Scrutiny Committee (CSC) on Tuesday evening. CSC unanimously passed a motion stating it had been ‘treated shamefully’ and that ‘any effective and meaningful scrutiny’ of the closures decision is ‘open to ridicule’.
Council Opens Enforcement Case In Response To Developer's "Alleged Breach Of Planning Controls"
After Journey Estates Ltd brought machinery into Freshwater’s Birch Close last month, County Hall said it is “likely” that the landowner “undertook a material commencement on the site in an attempt to preserve their permission, even though not all the conditions have been discharged”. Journey Estates was granted planning permission to build 44 houses on land to the east of Birch Close in 2022, subject to conditions.
Isle Of Wight Park Could Be Upgraded As Part Of Council Works Scheme
Sandown Town Council (STC) applied to County Hall for a lawful development certificate to install play equipment and related impact absorbing surfaces at Sandown’s Los Altos Public Park. STC’s plans include installing a horizontal rising ladder, monkey bar rings, a balance and weave, static balance beam, striding timber stilts, stepping log columns and chin up bars, all of which are wooden.
"Treated Shamefully": County Hall Watchdog Lashes Out At Cabinet
At an evening County Hall meeting, the Corporate Scrutiny Committee (CSC) unanimously agreed a motion stating the body had been ‘treated shamefully’ and that ‘any effective and meaningful scrutiny’ of the cabinet’s expected decision to close five primary schools on Thursday is ‘open to ridicule’. CSC vice-chair Cllr Geoff Brodie’s proposal said the panel received a ‘circa 1,700-page cabinet report and appendices’ on school place planning only three working days before its meeting.
Residents And Councillors Rally Against 20-Metre 'Eyesore' Telecoms Mast
Sandown and Lake County Hall representatives Cllr Ian Ward and Cllr Paul Brading joined locals in denouncing Mobile Broadband Network Limited’s (MBNL) prior approval application for a proposed 20 metre monopole, supporting nine antenna apertures and two 0.3 metre dishes on land next to 1 Perowne Way, Sandown.
Unions To Hold Indicative Strike Ballots Over 'Potentially Catastrophic' School Closure Plans
Five trade unions, representing ‘thousands of school workers on the Island’. wrote to the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet yesterday (Tuesday), urging them to call off a ‘potentially catastrophic’ decision to close five primary schools. Representatives from the National Education Union (NEU), UNISON, NASUWT, NAHT and GMB said unions are currently ‘in the process of initiating indicative/consultative ballots for industrial action’, following member requests.
County Hall Watchdog To Carry Out School Closures Scrutiny
The Corporate Scrutiny Committee will pore over a paper due to be presented at Thursday’s cabinet meeting which covers both the case for the closures and a linked statutory consultation that finished at the beginning of last month. Eight attached documents contain consultation responses and are confidential under the Local Government Act 1972 – ‘information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual’.
Sale Of Former Primary School Site To Charity Set To Go Ahead
County Hall’s deputy leader Cllr Ian Stephens has approved the detailed terms of sale attached to the sale of the former Yarmouth CE Primary School site on Mill Lane, Yarmouth, to The Yarmouth Community Foundation. Department for Education consent is needed to dispose of the site which the decision report said will be with the council ‘shortly’. The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet originally approved the site’s sale to the charity in March 2024.
Takeaway Outlet Experiencing 'Trading Problems' Could Be Converted Into Retail Store
Citing ‘trading problems’, Mrs M Emmakulata lodged a change of use application with County Hall to convert ‘Fry Nation’ at 84 – 85 High Street into ‘Family Shopper’, a retail outlet which is part of the Tesco group. The new establishment would serve the ‘large residential estate to the west side of Newport’, a submitted Design and Access Statement said.
Motion To Support Isle Of Wight Farmers Receives Enthusiastic Endorsements
Three councillors spoke in favour of Cllr Claire Critchison’s proposal that council leader Phil Jordan calls for the Island’s two MPs to ‘advocate for a pause and further consultation on the changes’ and writes to the government to ask that the ‘effects of these various actions on the farming community’ are ‘considered as a whole’.
Part Of Victorian Warehouse In Ryde To Be Transformed Into Studio Flats
KLAR Property Limited’s application for a change of use of part of the ground floor and first floor of a red brick building behind 75 Union Street in Ryde has been approved by County Hall. The developer sought a residential use (Class C3) instead of a commercial, business and service use (Class E).
Full Council Throws Weight Behind Motion Defending County Hall's Independence
Full council this evening (Wednesday) voted for Cllr Michael Lilley’s proposal defending the council’s position as a ‘recognised stand-alone unitary authority’ as the government’s controversial devolution agenda gets underway, with 27 in favour, four against and two abstentions.
County Hall Backs Motion To Support Isle Of Wight Farmers
The chamber voted for Cllr Claire Critchison’s proposal that council leader Phil Jordan calls for the Island’s two MPs to ‘advocate for a pause and further consultation on the changes’ and writes to the government to ask that the ‘effects of these various actions on the farming community’ are ‘considered as a whole’.
Newport Youth Hub 'Proving Very Effective' Says Council Leader
Referencing a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) review in a leader’s update report, Councillor Phil Jordan said the Isle of Wight Youth Hub has helped ‘over 100 young people return to employment, start new jobs, or embark on education and training opportunities’ since its May 2024 launch. The Newport facility is being delivered by the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and through a partnership between the DWP and the Isle of Wight Council.
Kilometres-Long Underground Cable Could Be Installed Beneath Farmland
Samuel Dix of Low Carbon Solar Park 17 Limited applied to County Hall for planning permission to install an underground cable between the proposed Barnfield Solar Farm on land east of Wilmingham Lane and west of Broad Lane, and Shalfleet substation, near Ningwood Manor Farm. The Isle of Wight Council granted Low Carbon planning permission to build Barnfield Solar Farm in September 2023.
Island Roads Weigh In On Village Tea Room Plans
Island Roads said Daniel Palmer’s change of use application to convert The Olive Garden cafe and tea rooms on Godshill’s High Street raised issues including ‘inadequate’ access visibility, parking and turning space. Mr Palmer is seeking to convert The Olive Garden cafe and tea rooms into residential accommodation with a detached replacement tearoom.
Bid To Construct Boat Store On Picturesque Island Seafront Met With Opposition
Nettlestone and Seaview Parish Council objected to Timothy Lyle’s planning application for a four metre by eight metre garage at The Esplanade in Seaview. The local authority cited a ‘destruction of green space’ and the ‘overdevelopment of an area’ next to woodland.
Village Harbour Could Get New 19.7 Metre Houseboat With 27 Solar Panels
Peter Mikkelsen applied to County Hall to assemble Avocet III in Bembridge Harbour next to Embankment Road along with the prior installation of a supporting steel frame and four new associated mooring poles. The new residential vessel would replace a houseboat which sank at the site in August 2022. An inspection carried out after the sinking of the Petrenda ‘revealed notable rotting’, according to a statement prepared by Logic Planning on behalf of Mr Mikkelsen.
Half Million-Pound Floating Bridge 2024 Losses Revealed
Speaking at an East Cowes Town Council meeting, Councillor Cameron Palin told attendees Floating Bridge Six had incurred costs of £1.12 million, compared to £618,000 in income, between April 2024 and the end of last year. In November last year, County Hall announced a Spring 2025 “engagement process” with the “public and key stakeholders” on a new replacement bridge.
Four New Flats Could Be Built On Island Town's Leafy Residential Road
Andrew Bishop applied to County Hall for planning permission to construct a 3.5 metre two-storey extension and carry out an internal renovation at 90 Station Avenue in Sandown. His application would replace two existing apartments – one two-bedroom unit on the first floor and one with a single bedroom below – with four new flats.
Councillors And Residents Accuse Developer Of Breaching Planning Condition
Cllr Chris Jarman and Cllr Peter Spink have joined Freshwater locals in condemning Journey Estates Ltd for bringing machinery into Freshwater’s Birch Close in what they say is a breach of a planning condition attached to an approved 2022 proposal. County Hall granted Journey Estates conditional planning permission to build 44 houses on land to the east of Birch Close, subject to conditions.
Contentious Plans For New 7,245 Square Metre Commercial Park Appealed
Mr T. Fowler filed an appeal over his proposal for 12 commercial buildings and an aviation museum with 246 parking spaces on land to the west of Scotchells Brook Lane and north of Newport Road near Sandown. County Hall’s planning committee rejected his application on July 31 last year.
Island Parish Council With "Dreadful Reputation" Descends Into Shouting Match Over Clerk Resignation
Towards the end of Shalfleet Parish Council’s (SPC) extended, fractious meeting, tensions reached fever pitch as discussion moved onto Tina Bailey’s departure from office last month. The last item on the Extraordinary Meeting’s agenda involved agreeing to ‘recruit a new clerk’, following guidelines from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Good Councillor’s Guide to Employment’.
Motion 'To Gain Full Backing' For Isle Of Wight Farmers Tabled By Chale, Niton And Shorwell Councillor
Cllr Claire Critchison’s submission, which will be voted on at next week’s Full Council meeting, has been lodged in light of controversial changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) which formed part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget.
Sale Of Former Yarmouth CE Primary School Site Moves Step Closer
County Hall’s deputy leader Cllr Ian Stephens may decide to approve the terms of the sale of the former Yarmouth CE Primary School site on Mill Road, Yarmouth, to The Yarmouth Community Foundation. The Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet originally approved the site’s sale to the charity in March 2024 after marketing the site. Approval last year was subject to the sale’s detailed terms being agreed and then authorised by the deputy leader.
Cowes Supermarket To Have 272 Rooftop Solar Panels Installed
Aldi’s prior approval application for the installation of solar panels at its approximately 1.62-acre Airfield Way store in Cowes has been approved by County Hall. The retail giant said its plans are part of a ‘wider program’ of solar panel installations across Aldi’s estate in the UK and Ireland. The program aims to ‘significantly reduce’ Aldi’s ‘carbon footprint’ and ‘contribute towards mitigating climate change’, according to a cover letter written by the company’s agent, Avison Young.
Bid Made To Convert And Replace Island Village Tea Rooms
Daniel Palmer has submitted a change of use application to County Hall to convert The Olive Garden cafe and tea rooms on Godshill’s High Street into residential accommodation with a detached replacement tea room. Mr Palmer’s proposed house would have a dining room, lounge, two bathrooms, kitchen, utility room, hall and cupboard room.
"Very Tough Decisions" Amid "Chronic" Government Underfunding - Greens On Budget
Assessing County Hall’s 2025/26 budget plans, which include a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax, the group said the council “must budget and provide for some of the most important services on the Isle of Wight”. The ruling Alliance administration’s proposed budget includes £1.5 million of savings, a £11.1 million increase in Adult Social Care spending, an extra £4.7 million for Children’s Services and £13 million worth of new capital investment.
Town Council Votes To Keep "Vital" Beach Safety Project With Precept Increase
At a Ventnor Town Council (VTC) meeting at Salisbury Gardens, members opted to retain the Ventnor Beach scheme: a first aid, rescue and advisory service involving volunteers. Town clerk Katherine Burden said a Council Tax Band D household would see a 2.68 per cent increase to its precept which amounts to an extra 47p per week. A Budget Decisions Report issued before the meeting said keeping the safety provision would cost VTC’s 2025/26 budget an additional £13,000.
Council Chair Welcomes "Essential" £35,000 Floating Bridge Budget Spend
East Cowes county councillor Karl Love signalled his support for County Hall’s £35,000 generators spend but stressed the slow “snail like approach” to the Floating Bridge Six replacement process “is not helping the situation”. The River Medina chain ferry is often pulled from service, with the most recent suspension at the end of last month due to a generator and battery fault.
Save Westridge Farm Case To Be Heard At The Royal Courts Of Justice In April
Elmfield residents group Greenfield (IOW) Ltd’s bid to save the 200-year-old Westridge Farm from a 473-house development on its farmland will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 8 and 9. Greenfield’s judicial review case against the Isle of Wight Council’s approval of the West Acre Park Project was dismissed after an Administrative Court ruling by Judge Jarman in August last year.
Island Seaside Town Could Get Large Eight Bed 'House Of Multiple Occupation'
Mr Singh has applied to the Isle of Wight Council for a change of use of 23 Atherley Road in Shanklin, currently a two-storey home with two kitchens, two lounges, two ensuites, three shower rooms and one bathroom. His proposed HMO at the address would have eight bedrooms plus a communal bathroom, shower room, lounge-kitchen room and two residents’ storage areas. The council’s public consultation on the application will end on March 7 and a decision is expected on March 31.
Isle Of Wight Council To Consider Key £13m Spending Packages Amid 'Unprecedented Uncertainty'
The Alliance administration is looking to turn on the spending taps for a raft of capital investments as part of its 2025/26 budget which was unveiled last week. County Hall has proposed £2.4 million for Schools Capital Maintenance, £600,000 for Leeson Road’s monitoring and closure system, £2.4 million for highways improvements, safety schemes and maintenance and £1.1 million on a new waste fleet.
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