Life Classes, Dimbola Freshwater, Starting Tues 13th Jan 2015

IWC Planning Committee Parkhurst Wind Turbine application 16-12-14

This is a video of the part of the Planning Committee meeting that heard the application for two wind turbines in Parkhurst Forest.

Video of Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting 3rd December 2014

EDIT:  Please note:  The hubub at the beginning of the recording was as a result of the Chairman asking those who wished to object to the planning application for Warlands Lane, Shalfleet, to select just one person to represent them to the Parish Council while the Parish Council meeting continued.  I have had a comment that it is hard to hear.  The public also found it impossible to hear and a number of complaints were made.  The noise goes a short way in, slide the tape maker along on the You Tube player.

The video of the Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting 3rd December 2014 is now embedded below.  Please tell folk that it is now available.  Sorry for the delay; there were technical problems I hadn't forseen...although the camera is not that old the format is not compatible with Windows Live Movie Maker so I had to find an inexpensive editor.  Plus, it is a long film and takes time.  Next time it should be quicker and easier.

One resident asked for their talk not to be recorded so you will see a decision by the SPC seemingly without any discussion.  Any of those present will fill you in on the details or you can wait for the minutes.

Shalfleet Parish Housing needs Survey has *NOT* been adopted by IW Council

Contrary to statements made by Shalfleet Parish Council that the Parish 'Housing Needs Survey' and the 'Community Plan' had been carried out in accordance with the IW Council's input and had been adopted by the IW Council, a letter from Mr Bill Murphy (Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, IW Council) dated 1st December 2014 (embedded here) states that this is not actually true and that the plan has NOT been adopted by IW Council nor had any input been given by the IWC.  This revelation comes after months of written and oral questions by the Unofficial Shalfleet Parish Blog to the Shalfleet Parish Council with the Parish Council maintaining that the questions in the survey had been laid down by the County Council and that the processing of the data had been carried out in accordance with input from the County Council.

Essentially, therefore, the Shalfleet Parish Community Plan and the Housing Needs Survey appear to be unapproved, unadopted and amateur documents produced by people with no relevant academic qualifications or practical experience of such matters.

Consequently, developers and applicants for Planning Approval have been submitting planning applications citing 'Housing Need' and the 'Community Plan' based on specious documents.  Any Planning Application presently under consideration that has based its case on either of these documents is now open to challenge.

Housing Needs Shalfleet Dec 2014.pdf by david5174

Comments for Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting on December 3rd at 0930

The next Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting is on December 3rd 2014 at 0930 at the Shalfleet Village Hall.  I have made some comments, embedded below.

Commentary for PC meeting 3rd Dec 2014.pdf by david5174

Parish Council Meeting December 3rd. NOW 0930 am

The Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting has been put back to 0930 for Wednesday 3rd December 2014

Please find embedded the Agenda and the draft minutes for last meeting (November)

Agenda and Prev Mins Dec 3rd.pdf by david5174

NEW -- Shalfleet Parish Council Meetings 2014/15

Sadly, many of the meetings will now be held in the mornings at 1000 which two thirds of residents say they can never get to.  If you want to take the matter up with the Parish Council then you should do so.  It is highly irregular for parish council meetings to be held in the working day.  For example, Isle of Wight Council meetings including Full Council, Executive and Scrutiny meetings all start at 1800.  Planning starts at 1600 but it is a special case since professionals have to attend; architects, developers, etc.  I have taken the following data from the Parish website but it is in Excel spreadsheet format which is a problem for many; I have re-typed it and posted it below as an embedded pdf which you can download and print out (for the fridge door, democracy doesn't work for you unless you go to the meetings!).  I imagine it will be necessary to video these meetings in accordance with the new legislation so that working folk and others who have daytime commitments can see what happened.

SPC Meetings 2014-5.pdf by david5174

Tapnell Farm Planning Application for change of use from agricultural land to multi-use land

There is a new planning application in from Tapnell's Farm

TCP/24471/Y, P/01358/14 Land at Tapnell Farm Newport Road Yarmouth Isle Of Wight

"Change of use alterations and extension to barn including raised deck area (building 01) to provide cafeshop conference/multi purpose space retention of biomass unit change of use of barn (building 02) to form indoor activity area three single storey units to provide education/display areas associated play areas and parking"

http://www.iwight.com/planning/AppDetails3.aspx?frmId=28969

David Long of BCM (David Long has also been associated with Christopher Scott) is the developer contact.  The overview is embedded below. Notice the model cows, the multi-use conference room and the 35 car parking.

According to the blurb it's about the demise of the dairy industry. Hence the model cows?

Tapnell's Farm Change of Use.pdf by david5174

Latest:: Warlands Lane Consultation Thursday 27th November 2014 7pm at Shalfleet Village Hall - UPDATE -1 +2

 Warlands Lane Consultation Thursday 27th November 2014 7pm at Shalfleet Village Hall -UPDATE-1 +2

Update 2 -- I have looked through this in more detail having read the briefing notes for next Tuesday's Planning Committee meeting.  At that meeting there are two new documents being presented to the Council for the first(?) time.  These appear to supersede local needs forecasts and are considerably more objective as well as complying with central government methodology.

The Planning Statement housing needs hinges on the Shalfleet Parish Housing Needs Survey which has been superseded by the IWC documents “Update of Objectively Assessed Housing Need, August 2014 Isle of Wight Council”  The Employment Rate Assumptions places the need for the Affordable Housing proportion at the very top of the Islandwide projections.  i.e. the Affordable element is considerably underestimated.

It could be argued that the Planning Statement and indeed the entire design has been rendered outdated and no longer required.  I shall ask a question at Tuesday's Planning Committee meeting whether these policy documents, having been adopted, now take precedence over local Housing Needs Surveys and how this is fits with adopted Neighbourhood Plans (e.g. Bembridge).  Note: Shalfleet does not have an adopted Neighbourhood Plan, merely the amateur document produced by Shalfleet Parish Council in 2013 in my opinion without adequate professional input.

See:
 http://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/Planning%20Committee%20from%202013/25-11-14/BACKGROUND%20PAPER%20C%20-%20ANNEX%201.pdf

 http://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/Planning%20Committee%20from%202013/25-11-14/BACKGROUND%20PAPER%20C%20-%20ANNEX%201.pdf

__________________________End of Update 2__________________________

This letter has just come through to me from the IWC Planning Department by email.  Presumably I received it as I had left a comment last time.  Frankly it looks odd that the documents are available for inspection at Seaclose offices now but will not be available online until 28th November - particularly since the consultation is on the 27th!  I should have thought that accessibility is an issue, for those who cannot readily get to the Seaclose offices.  If anyone would like to view them and would be kind enough to let me have a copy I will publish them here.  If they won't give you access to copying or an e-version you could use your phone.  I will take the data in whatever form you have it, just drop it in to me or email it.

P0050714 Neighbour Letter by david5174

UPDATE:  NTA Planning have come back to me very fast with 66 pages of documentation.  I haven't been through it yet.  It's probably easiest  for you to download it to your hard drive then open in Adobe Reader but you can read it from the Scribd panel below.

Documents From NTA Planning 20-11-14 by david5174

Warlands Lane Consultation November 2014.pdf by david5174

Hamstead Farm Glamping/Camping Planning Application

I can transcribe the Shalfleet Parish Council Glamping/Camping debate from the audio tape I recorded at the last meeting.  It does take quite some time to do it carefully and it can already be heard on http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/shalfleet-parish-council-meeting-12-11.html 

I'm happy to oblige if several folk would appreciate it, but would rather not if nobody is interested.  Please drop me an email at wellowresidents@gmail.com 

The latest Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting changes

I have embedded below the latest list of Shalfleet Parish Council dates into 2015.  It looks as though they are insisting on 1000am meetings now.  To the top right of this blog you will see a survey I ran for a month.  It's a small sample of the total electorate but those who visit the blog are probably likely to be more likely to attend meetings?  Anyway, it is a genuine attempt to gauge opinion and gives a pretty clear reply.

Evening only, mornings are often impossible:  22 (56%)
Prefer evenings but can usually make mornings:  5 (12%)
Prefer mornings but can usually make evenings:  8  (20%)
Morning only, evenings are often impossible:  4 (10%)

56% cannot make morning meetings against only 4% who cannot make evening meetings.

Meeting Dates 20142 2 by david5174

Ningwood and District Residents' Association AGM Friday 21st November 2014 Update 2 1

From Helena Hewston (Chair person)

"Open to residents of Shalfleet Parish"

"Ningwood and District Residents' Association AGM Friday 21st November 2014 at the Shalfleet School at 8pm.  Before the meeting there will be a talk from Vectis Astronomical Society on the subject of Dark Skies.  The agenda and other details will be available nearer the date"

Update1
Update 2:  Membership is £5

The meeting will be a talk,at Shalfleet School at 7:00, by the Vectis Astronomical Society on Dark Skies followed by refreshments. Then it will be the AGM, which will concern the election of officers, general report, treasurer's report and acceptance of the constitution.

I have heard nothing more from the NRDA. This is the paperwork given to me as a member, embedded below.  If you print it out you can see if it makes sense.  I think they're changing the Constitution.  Looks to me as though the General Committee elects the General Committee, but I might have misunderstood.

AGM Nov 14.pdf by david5174

Warlands Lane Proposed Housing Development update/summary 16-11-14

At the Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 12th November, the Clerk announced that new papers and plans relating to the Warlands Lane Housing Development proposal, for 24 houses, TCP/31860, P/00507/14, made back in May, had re-surfaced.  We were not give copies of the plans or papers but we were told that a consultation is planned on Thursday 27th November at Newbridge.  If anyone will ask the Clerk for the letter, plans and papers she referred to in the meeting and let me have a hard or electronic copy I will post them here.  Times and possible venue change for this 'consultation' is to be announced by SPC on their website in due course.    You can listen to a recording of this discussion at the 7 minute mark on the recording at

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/shalfleet-parish-council-meeting-12-11.html 

In May, I published three blog posts:-

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/planning-consent-applied-for-24.html
http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-warlands-lane-estate-meetings.html
http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-warlands-estate-parish-council.html

For orientation, below are some papers associated with the application.  Note that the Application has no date or reference number.  Was this the original?  I don't know.

Warlands Lane Summary 16-11-14.pdf by david5174

Special offer Sat/Sun this weekend on Hovertravel

This weekend there is a special online offer on Hovertravel £5 return per person on Saturday and Sunday.  Just this week and you have to have the Blue Residents' Card (free) and book online.

£5 day return per person this weekend Hovertravel!!

Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting 12-11-14

I now have the complete recording of the meeting held on 12-11-14 uploaded to YouTube embedded below:

Ningwood and Newbridge Safety Action Group in talks with IWC and IR to introduce new speed limits and road layouts

It was disclosed at last night's Shalfleet Parish Council meeting that NANSAG (Ningwood and Newbridge Safety Action Group) is having talks with IWC and Island Roads to introduce new speed limits and road layouts.  NANSAG is Chaired by Mr Roger Stables, whose wife, Shirley, stood unsuccessfully for a seat on the Parish Council in October.  It is understood that the other member of NANSAG is Cllr Helena Hewston, Vice-Chair of Shalfleet Parish Council.

According to the information embedded below, NANSAG had been given correspondence from the IWC addressed to the parish councils and have come up with their own ideas, seemingly without authorisation by the Shalfleet Parish Council and without any public consultation.

NANSAG is also responsible for running the 'Speedwatch' scheme, with members of the public issued with radar traps having authority to access the Police National Computer.  Motorists found 'speeding' by the NANSAG members are reported to the police by inputting the car reg, date, time, colour and model, place and alleged speed, directly into to the Police National Computer. Further details of the scheme can be seen here on the Unofficial Shalfleet Parish Blog

Below: Letter from Mr Roger Stables Chairman NANSAG dated 7th October 2014  The letter states that "we can provide background and data to support each item" but this was not made available to the meeting or requested by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council voted unanimously to approve this activity and asked the Clerk to send the document to the IWC with the PC's approval.

NANSAG Road Funding Application.pdf by david5174

Moa Place Car Park Freshwater - Update1a

Update 1 & 1a -- added link to IWC recording and minutes, see under YouTube player.
This is an interim post to inform you that last night 11-11-14 the IWC Executive Committee decided to increase parking charges, remove the free half-hour, and remove the Sainsbury's trolley-park imminently.  This is despite the 1503 signature petition I collected in the late spring.  It's devastating news for Freshwater and many Shalfleet residents who rely on the Drs surgery at Moa Place.  At last night's Executive meeting, which I attended, a Freshwater Parish Councillor said they'd make contact with me to discuss further.  This post will be updated as soon as I have further information but meanwhile before tonight's Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting here is the 15min audio (on the YouTube embedded player below) so you can hear what was said.  I can identify all the speakers if you wish to know; just ask.




 The Isle of Wight Council's recording is now online.  The quality of recording is superior to mine. I'll leave mine in place as I dislike editing-out previously published material except in case of error.  The minute is also available, link below.  I think the minute fails to convey the spirit of the discussion.

For example, the IWC minute stating the reason for removing the free half-hour and removing the trolley-park is:

To support the aspirations of the council to be an organisation

that, “meets its statutory duties and enables and

delivers

services at the right quality and cost effectively within the

resources available”.

To help protect and support most vulnerable and provide

support to the economy, should the income earned from the

changes help the council to sustain and improve

some of its

highways and policy objectives as set out in the Local

Transport Plan and contribute to its statutory responsibilities

under the Traffic Management A

Quite how introducing a charge that will affect the most economically-vulnerable people and removing the trolley-park that will affect those least physically able will "protect and support most vulnerable" are going to have to release Max Clifford to spin their story.  I personally think it's outrageous to remove the trolley-park; just think of the effect on those with disabilities let alone those with buggies and folk getting soaked.  It isn't good enough and they should reconsider before it is removed.

I am planning to do a full transcript of that section (all 15 mins) please bear with me or listen to the audio.

 http://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/Executive/11-11-14/RECORDING/6-PAPER%20D.MP3

 http://www.iwight.com/Meetings/committees/Executive/11-11-14/minutes.pdf

Monthly Heads-Up prior to the Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 12th November 2014

Monthly Heads-Up prior to the Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 12^th November 2014.

This is sent automatically by email to those on my update list. If you would like to be added to my list, please email me at wellowresidents@gmail.com There are often updates during the month as matters arise.

There is a Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting this week, on Wednesday 12^th November 2014 at 7.15 pm at the Shalfleet School. It's a long agenda

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/shalfleet-parish-council-meeting-agenda.html

with public questions at the end, I'm afraid. If you'd like to ask anything about a main agenda item you have to give 24 hours notice in writing – they will not accept agenda questions on the night unless you have given written notice. Email is usually the best way, but I see that there is a discrepancy between email addresses used. The address on the website is clerk@shalfleetiow.org.uk while the address on the agenda is shalfleetpc@btconnect.com The former works, or did a week or so ago. You should use BOTH in case one or other isn't being monitored. On many occasions I have seen residents refused the right to speak, so do it by the book!

I have searched online to find background information for the agenda items which, according to the agenda, will be provided to councillors not “the public”. This month all I have found is the agenda item 096/14-15 Yarmouth flood update, which I've included in the blog on the agenda page below. That document is the update for 2014 and there is a lot more information on the Yarmouth Harbour website; I have given the link on the blog.

Another item I'll specifically draw to your attention is the NASAG item, agenda 094/14-15. This is the Ningwood and Newbridge Safety Action Group. This is a group of local people, self-appointed, I understand, with no public accountability, under the overall control of Cllr Hewston. The NANSAG members stand by the side of the road with a radar-trap supplied by the police and take down the registration numbers of vehicles that have exceeded the speed limit. They told me that they have access to the Police National Computer and can put registration numbers into the police databank. They told me that the police use the data and contact motorists who have been caught in the traps, sending a letter or a police officer is sent to the home of the offending motorist.

This does not seem to be widely known and I feel that if our Parish Council is involved we should be told and residents should be give a say; speed enforcement is not within the legal remit of Parish Councils. To put it another way, Parish Councils have no right to enforce speed limits. I shan't be raising this with the Parish Council myself. If residents want to know more they should ask the Parish Council, probably best at a Parish Council Meeting – don't forget to give 24 hours written notice because they will not let you speak during the meeting. They are allowed to, but they don't. There are a number of these 'Safety Action Groups' on the Island and presumably throughout the country. I have no other knowledge of them, whether they are affiliated, whether they can all report motorists to the police with direct access to the Police National Computer so if you'd like to know more, you should ask. 

 

You will see that the agenda item for NANSAG mentions a 'list of items' which residents have not been given a copy of. Parish Councils do have the power to change speed limits on certain classes of road but any such order must be approved by the Parish Council. Not having seen the 'list of items' they intend to send to the IWC and Island Roads for 'funding' then presumably some action that costs money is being proposed by this 'NANSAG', outside public scrutiny. You should decide whether you are happy with that; I have raised it here and shall not be raising it at the Parish Council Meeting.

101/14-15 Proposal to give £500 to the West Wight Sports Centre The question is not whether it's a worthy cause but whether it is an appropriate use of residents' money. If you consider the catchment of WWSC including Totland, Freshwater and Yarmouth, is £500 from Shalfleet proportionate? Maybe the Parish Council should find out what the other parish councils gave and then draw up a comparison on a per capita basis. Last year the Parish Council didn't, to my mind, take into account the views of the residents. This year, WWSC did collaborate with the Millennium Green (Wellow) for a fun day. Mrs Cowley was the key organiser for the MG. I wasn't able to attend but I understand it was a great success. I shan't be raising this myself, if you wish to, write 24 hours in advance of the meeting if you would like to speak.  I have a monthly ticket to WWSC and am a firm supporter; if you've not visited the WWSC recently, why not have a look?

Planning Application agenda 099/14-15 some notes and comments on the following blog pages:

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/holiday-flat-planning-application-in.html

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/shalfleet-parish-planning-applications.html

I can't give any more comments because the information is not made available to residents and I hope that this heads-up has been some help to you.

Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting Agenda - updated

For those who wish to read the Yarmouth Flood report, I have embedded it below the agenda.  The other related reports (there is a lot of it) can be found in pdf form at http://www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk/

Does anyone know why we have adopted such unusual Agenda numbering below?  '14' is presumably the year but what about the other numbers.  I daren't ask and it's just curiosity, really.

 Agenda-12.11.14.-Public-and-website-copy.pdf by david5174

Whippingham Vexatious Policy referred to in agenda above:-

Whippingham Parish Council Vexatious Policy by david5174

ycdwg-report---update-2014---final.pdf by david5174

Holiday Flat Planning Application in Shalfleet Village

As this is a re-advertised application it doesn't appear in 'under consideration' matters on the Planning website so I missed it in last weekend's round-up of application.  Holiday Flat Planning Application in Shalfleet Village, TCP/08728/K, P/00090/14 is on the agenda to be considered at the next Shalfleet Parish Council agenda to be held at Shalfleet School, Station Road, Ningwood, on Wednesday 12^th November 2014 at 7.15 pm.

Notable more for being in the middle of the village rather than its scale so one for the villagers to take a view on.

Shalfleet Church View House Plan Revised.pdf by david5174

Shalfleet Parish Council Planning

SPC meeting 22-10-14 transcript planning.pdf by david5174

Warlands Farm Environmental Health.pdf by david5174

Article on On The Wight re Planning Consent £10,000 inducement

Please see this article:  http://onthewight.com/2014/11/03/accusation-of-bribery-over-planning-application/

Shalfleet Parish Planning Applications requiring approval by 14th November 2014

As promised, I have gone through the three planning applications that need approval by 14th November.  Presumably these will be discussed by the Shalfleet Parish Council at their meeting on 11th November -- though the agenda is not available at the time of writing.  I hope my comments are of some use to you.  Feedback would be appreciated, with comments and suggestions.

Planning Application Comments 1-11-14.pdf by david5174

Shalfleet Parish Council Planning meeting

SPC meeting 22-10-14 transcript planning.pdf by david5174

Parish Council Meeting 1000 this Wednesday 22nd October 2014 and until January 2015

I have added a survey on the top right of this page asking you which times are best for Parish Council meetings, please take part.  They are totally anonymous, all that is shown is the numbers and %ages

Please note the Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 22nd October at 1000.  THAT IS 1000 IN THE MORNING, NOT IN THE EVENING.  The agenda is embedded below.  Please also note the revised meeting dates for this year and January 2015 also embedded below.  Wednesday's meeting is NOT shown on the meetings list and the call to meeting is separate.  Don't ask me why, but that's what it says.

Planning-Agenda-22.10.14..pdf by david5174

Meeting-dates-20142_revised Oct 2014.pdf by david5174

Planning Meeting called next Wednesday 22nd Oct 1000 Parish Office Newly-elected Cllr Myles's planning application sweetened by a £10,000 gift to the Parish

A kind of multi-purpose meeting has been scheduled at the Shalfleet Parish Council offices on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.  As you will see from the embedded agenda, Councillors are 'invited', the press and public are 'welcome' to attend.  It's called a 'Planning Meeting' but the first agenda item is the Declaration of Acceptance of the three new Councillors.  The Declaration of Interest on the planning matter is to be 'discussed'.  No public question time is being allowed other than for agenda items, and that requires 24 hours notice in writing!

The legal status of that is questionable.   This is your (last?) opportunity to see your new Parish Council together under one roof; at least, your last opportunity this year, as the December meeting has been moved from 10th December to 3rd December (change your diaries, folks) presumably so that Mrs Broadhead can get home to Spain in good time for Christmas, as she suggested at the last Parish Council meeting.

I believe you have a legal right to ask questions of your Parish Council at the meeting without giving 24 hours written notice or sticking to the agenda.  I'll have to let you sort that out if you are interested.

The planning issue is newly-elected Councillor Myles's third attempt to get her planning consent for a new home on non-residential land this time with a £10,000 financial inducement to the Parish if she gets permission, according to her Planning Statement.  £10,000 is a fine inducement.  Traditionally served in a brown envelope, this one is neatly packaged in a pdf file but will no doubt serve the same purpose and times move on.  Don't hold your breath on the Declaration of Interest issue.  When discussing the Bouldnor Mead proposal Mrs Broadhead was challenged by the Manager of the Yarmouth Abbeyfield about her personal interest in the proposed Abbeyfield in Bouldnor Mead (Mrs Broadhead's mum is apparently in one of these places, I think it was said), Mrs Broadhead overruled the objector and carried on chairing the meeting while jaws dropped in astonishment on the public seats.  One doesn't want to be too nit-picky about the law, does one, unless it suits one?

At the last Parish Council meeting on 8th October it was stated that a new arrangement needs to be agreed with the landlords of the Parish Office.  It was stated that it would be discussed at the next meeting (presumably this one?) but it is not on the agenda.  This would need to be ratified by the Parish Council and it would not be legal to add it to the agenda without the statutory times and conditions being met.  Maybe this needs to be looked into.

Planning-Agenda-22.10.14..pdf by david5174

Homestead Farm Solar Park Planning Permission application has been revised

RECENTLY REVISED IS IT ABOUT TO BE DECIDED?

 TCP/31883, P/00607/14  

Land at Homestead Farm Caulbourne Lane and land at Lower Dodpits Farm Warlands Lane Ningwood Newport Isle Of Wight PO30

This Solar Park application immediately to the south of Shalfleet seems to be active again. Originally submitted in May 2014, there were 27 comments making it a very controversial application. It was discussed at the Shalfleet Parish Council meeting of 18th June. I reported the case here on the Blog on 19th June, commenting that I was surprised that none of the Councillors seemed aware that there had even been a consultation on 18th February (which I attended). I reported on the case http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/proposed-homestead-farm-solar-farm.htm

In that report I also embedded the slides kindly provided by the developer's agent, David Long associated with Christopher Scott and Olivetina Property.

In that report I noted: "In later discussion, after the meeting, it was suggested that Natural England and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England might have a view, as the impact on the environment is potentially more significant that it would seem at first sight."  You might remember that Mrs Sarah Tyrrel gave an eloquent and forceful presentation to the Parish Council, the text of which is embedded below:

Mrs Tyrells Submission to SPC 18-6-14 by david5174

Mrs Tyrrel's point, of course, shows that one's intuitively positive attitude to solar parks is over-simplistic.  Aside from the points Mrs Tyrrel makes, this land which was until fairly recently productive farming land is now destined to be built upon.  Mission creep usually ends up with housing estates, which are far more profitable, riding in on the back of conversion of any food-producing farmland when the use is changed to non-farming uses.  We never seem to get it back.

The residents of Shalfleet will need to consider whether they really want to develop both to the north and south of the established housing outline of the village or whether enough is enough.  Since solar parks provide no jobs, it doesn't bring any benefit to the residents of Shalfleet village or the parish.

Homestead Solar Revised Plans Aug 15-2014.pdf by david5174

Bus Timetables Change Sunday 12th October 2014

Please note that there are changes to the bus timetable from tomorrow (Sunday) 12th October 2014.  SV call them 'minor' and they are, in minutes, but a missed bus when there is a wait of an hour, or worse, the last bus, is far from 'minor'.

For Route 7 they say:

Route 7

There are minor timing changes to early and evening buses and the 20:30, 21:00 and 21:30 departures from Newport will depart five minutes earlier at 20:25, 20:55 and 21:25. The 21:15, 21:45 and 22:15 departures from Totland will also depart five minutes earlier at 21:10, 21:40 and 22:10.

The full information is available from the link below.  I believe that a new timetable is now available.

 http://www.islandbuses.info/timetable-changes-12th-october-2014/?preview

On the subject of buses, don't forget that the Key costs only £3 for a whole day ANYTIME unlimited.  So even if you have a bus pass it will pay you to have a Key if you have to take a morning bus and pay full fare.  If you do so, please use the Key all day, and put your pass away because every time you use your bus pass it costs the Council £3 per journey.  i.e. £6 single to, say, Cowes from Yarmouth -- £12 return.  

Surprise as newly-elected Parish Councillor's planning application is revealed one HOUR after the election

There was surprise last night when just one hour after Pamela Myles had been elected as one of three new Shalfleet Parish Councillors, her planning application was released by the Isle of Wight Council.

Surprise by locals was expressed as the newly-elected Parish Councillor Pamela Myles's application, already refused twice by the Parish Council and the Isle of Wight Council, for a new house on non-residential land, was revealed just one HOUR after the election results were declared by the Returning Officer, in which Mrs Myles had a vote of 138, the second-largest vote in the election.  In the Planning Statement, Mrs Myles offers to pay £10,000 to the Shalfleet Church of England School  www.fosay.co.uk/ 

"Mr & Mrs Myles are also willing to offer the local Parish a section 106 agreement in the amount of £10000 to be a one off payment used for the benefit of the local School. We believe the school were interested in acquiring extra land to improve their facilities."

Mrs Myles's planning application for this house which has already been refused twice since 2012, most recently in August 2013 is reference TCP/12157/K, P/01188/14  and may be viewed in full on the IWC website.  Some of the key points are embedded in this report, below.

Warlands Farm P01188-14.pdf by david5174

Shalfleet Parish Council Elections -- Results

The results of the Shalfleet Parish Council by-election today are as follows:-

Number of valid ballot papers counted:  321  i.e. turnout 23.5%


110    Mike Carr
132   Stephen French
155   John Francis McGuirk
138   Pamela Vivien Myles
119   Shirley Stables
124   David Walter


The Returning Officer announced that the following have been duly elected:-

John McGuirk
Pamela Myles
Stephen French

Note from me (David Walter)

I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and my many friends in the Parish who backed me when I had the daft idea to stand for the Parish Council.  This was my first experience of standing for any kind of public office and I have enjoyed every minute of the campaign, meeting so many people and and often long and interesting discussions. I believe that I have also laid the foundation for several good new friendships, people I have met during the campaign.  I'm sure that Dr Gordon Walker will be pleased with the effect on my waist when I see him next!

I  suppose I am a bit sad not to have been elected but I respect democracy above everything.  I am sure that we will have a fine new Parish Council, with a fine new Clerk in Sally Woods. While I have only recently met Pamela I know John and Steve well and they had my votes.

Well done John, Pamela and Steve!

Voting in Shalfleet by-election today (Thursday 9th October 2014)

VOTING is today.  The Shalfleet School is not being used this time, the two polling stations are Shalfleet Village (Church) Hall and Newbridge Parish Office.

Dear All,

A quick reminder that today (Thursday) is Polling Day in the Shalfleet Parish by-election.

The polling stations are: 
Shalfleet Village Hall (aka Shalfleet Church Hall)
Newbridge Parish Office (in Community Hall adjacent)

Polling time:  0700 to 2200
You don't need to take your voter card.  The officer on duty has the electoral register and will tick you off.
There are 3 vacancies and 6 candidates. 

A number of folk have asked me how these multiple votes work in the Parish election:

You have three votes and you should use them all.  You just select three names, put a cross in three boxes.  You can't put your choice in order of preference and if you try to you might spoil your paper and lose your vote.  3 boxes, 3 crosses.  That's it.

When the votes are counted, the total votes for each candidate are counted and the 3 with the most votes get elected while the 3 that get the fewest votes are not elected.  Simple as that.  It's not like a beauty competition, the candidate either wins a seat or (s)he doesn't.  All Parish Councillors are equal in the eyes of the law; the Chair is merely a facilitator who for convenience has a casting vote.  Neither is there any other kind of seniority.

Please take the time to vote today to make the new Parish Council as representative and democratically valid as possible.

My wife and I will be at the two polling stations for much/most of the day.  Do please say 'hello'.  If you don't know what I look like, I'm the chap with black rimmed specs and I'll be wearing my red Ronald Macdonald jacket.

If you are in need of transport to the polling station we do have volunteers.  Give me a ring on the mobile below.

Best wishes,

David Walter
07802 411155
walter4council.uk

Parish Council Meeting called on Wednesday 8th October - the day before the by-election

A Shalfleet Parish Council meeting has been called for Wednesday 8th October 2014 at 1000am at Newbridge Parish Office. I have been asked by two residents whether, since three new councillors will be elected on Thursday night, there had been any discussion with the candidates. I have had no contact from the Parish Council; I don't know whether the other candidates have been involved in discussions. Please note again the time of 1000am -- usually meetings are held in the evening to allow those who work or out all day to take part so this is an unusual exception.

SPC agenda 8-10-14 by david5174

Vote on Thursday 9th October for Shalfleet Parish Council: What would it be like if we didn't have a free democracy?

What would it be like if central government chose the candidates in our elections? In the Shalfleet Parish Council election coming up on Thursday 9th October 2014 Shalfleet residents have a choice of six candidates for three vacancies on the council. All of those six decided to stand, by themselves. They needed no permission from anyone. Any resident could have stood. We only keep our democratic rights by using them. If we don't use them someone will come along and say "They never bother, let's stop doing it, think of the money we can save..." Here is a link to my election website walter4council.uk If any of the other five candidates would like me to add a link to their websites I will happily do that. Just email me the url. Hong Kong earlier today. What would undoubtedly happen elsewhere if we don't keep using the democratic rights our fathers and grandfathers fought for.

Apple Day Shalfleet Hall Saturday 18th October 2014

Apple_Day 18th Oct 2014

Shalfleet Parish Council Election - Meet the Candidates - Report

Last night's 'Meet The Candidates' do at the Wellow Institute was enjoyed by all and useful.  We had a small turnout, it has to be said, but everyone who came seemed to feel it was worth coming and most stayed chatting until after we were supposed to get the keys back. 

All of the candidates except Mike Carr were present; I believe Mike was on vacation.  Helena Hewston was the only sitting member of the Parish Council who came but she made up for the absence of the others by 'interviewing' each candidate 1:1.  Thank you, Helena.  Stuart Hutchinson, our Ward Councillor, was present the whole time. Thank you, Stuart.  Valerie Ching, who covers Shalfleet for County Press's 'Village Talk' also came and stayed.  Thank you, Valerie.

Because of the small numbers, the candidates decided not to arrange the chairs as a formal talk but instead we all mingled, with tea, coffee and biscuits.

For those who came, a big thank you from the candidates for coming along!

Shalfleet Parish Council Election - Meet the Candidates Friday 26th Sept 7.30pm Wellow Institute

Shalfleet Parish Council Election - Meet the Candidates Friday 26th Sept 7.30pm Wellow Institute

Do please come if you can to meet the candidates.  As you will have seen in the press, government is becoming increasingly local so your Parish councillors are going to be making decisions that WILL affect your daily life.  Unlike Westminster, these are the sort of things that affect you -- parish councils are not going to declare war on Syria, that's true, but for the first time your parish council might have a 'material' say in planning consent.  

COME TO THE WELLOW INSTITUTE THIS FRIDAY 26TH SEPT AT 7.30pm

There will tea and coffee and biccies. There is no charge.

What a terrific response! We're going to have a REAL election, not the co-option we were being offered by the Parish Council

What a terrific response!  We're going to have a REAL election, not the co-option we were being offered by the Parish Council who said they'd be no interest.  There are THREE vacancies and six candidates.  Each voter will have THREE votes.  May the best men and women win, and good luck to you all!

Statement of Persons Nominated - Shalfleet Oct 2014 by david5174

By-Election Information for Thursday 9th October 2014

There is going to be a by-election for three vacancies on Shalfleet Parish Council on

Thursday 9^th October 2014

PLEASE VOTE: With the Localism Act 2011 Parish Councils are more powerful and it is in your BEST INTERESTS to vote. There are THREE VACANCIES therefore you will have THREE VOTES

IF YOU WISH TO STAND: It costs nothing. You don't need special qualifications. There is no payment or expenses. You'll do it as a service to your community, not for what you get out of it. You can get the nomination papers from Isle of Wight Council in Newport. Ask for 

Clive Joynes Elections and Local Land Charges Manager. Nominations in by Friday 12^th September so you will need to move quickly. Phone 821000. 

 Or, you can download the nomination pack from:

http://shalfleetparish.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/shalfleet-parish-council-by-election.html

If you have any problems and want to stand, you can phone me, David Walter, on 761763 and I will do my best to help you.

PLEASE STAND IF YOU CAN  -- THIS ELECTION HAS BEEN VERY BADLY ADVERTISED, THERE IS NO INFORMATION ON THE PARISH NOTICE BOARDS.  NOT EVERYONE HAS INTERNET ACCESS.  PLEASE MENTION THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBOURS NOW, SO THEY CAN STAND IF THEY WISH.

PLEASE VOTE: – PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY NOW –

THURSDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2014

Health education chiefs call summit to tackle developing GP workforce crisis

It's not my intention to turn this into a medical blog or a medico-political blog but we have serious problems with General Practice here in the West Wight, and the Island as a whole. I publish below an item from Pulse Today along with some of the many comments to help give a GP's perspective. It is clear that we, the public, need to become engaged with the problem and try to understand the various points of view. I would remind readers that not so long ago General Practice was considered (by the public) to be almost a licence to print money. We can't keep yanking the cord to and fro without something breaking at some stage. If you'd like to know more, register at www.pulsetoday.co.uk -- you don't have to be a Dr to register.

Health Education Chiefs Call Summit to Tackle Developing GP Workforce Crisis _ News Article _ Pulse Today by david5174

Harvest Supper Wellow Institute Saturday Sept 20th 2014 7.30pm

Harvest Supper Flier 20-9-14 by david5174

A Friday Chuckle

Following is an article written by a GP from Sunderland in a medical publication 'Pulse Today'  I hope you enjoy a chuckle along with half the GPs in the UK!

Survival of the Thickest _ Blog by david5174

September Shalfleet Parish Council Meeting CANCELLED: New Parish Clerk

The September Parish Council Meeting, scheduled for 10th September 2014 has been cancelled "due to insufficient councillor numbers" according to the SPC website:

http://www.shalfleetiow.org.uk/september-meeting-cancelled/

I am told that the meeting would have been inquorate due to the Chairman being in Spain and that the next meeting will be "after the election".

Following a Freedom of Information Act request I have learnt that Mrs Sally Woods is the new Clerk to Shalfleet Parish Council.  Mrs Woods started last Tuesday 26th August 2014 and that the Parish office is expected to be open at the times published on the website.  However, the Parish Council refuse to divulge the minutes of the last two extraordinary meetings, held in secret, on a legal technicality.

Shalfleet Parish Council by-election Thursday 9th October 2014

We have now heard from Isle of Wight Council.  The procedure to fill the three vacancies on Shalfleet Parish Council has been published.  For any 'old hands', read the pack carefully as it is now in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 which has only recently come into full force, so things might have changed since you were last involved.  I am uploading the entire pack and the Model Code of Conduct exactly as sent to me by the IWC.  You may download it from here and use it for a nomination or the IWC will send you a hard copy on request.  The timescale is:

8_pdfsam_Nomination Paper Pack - Shalfleet PC Oct 2014 by david5174

NOTE: There are THREE vacancies.  If there are fewer than three candidates there will NOT be an election.  If that happens then candidates will automatically be elected without an election.  If there are not three candidates then the Parish Council will fill the unfilled vacancies by co-option (i.e. the Parish Council decides who will be on the Council, not the electorate).

I am standing.  See page three of the Nomination Pack below to find out whether you are eligible to stand.

THERE IS NO COST TO YOU TO STAND.  PARISH COUNCILLORS DON'T GET PAID.  YOU DON'T NEED ANY ACADEMIC OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A COUNCILLOR.  YOU DON'T NEED TO PASS AN INTERVIEW.  SINCE THE LOCALISM ACT IT IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE PARISH COUNCIL HAS COUNCILLORS WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PARISHIONERS.

-----------------PLEASE CONSIDER STANDING, YOURSELF---------------------

The following website gives loads of information about Parish Councils and standing for Parish Councillor:  http://www.cpalc.org.uk/   http://www.cpalc.org.uk/becoming-a-parish-councillor

Nomination Paper Pack - Shalfleet PC Oct 2014 by david5174

You can download that Nomination Pack and use that for your own nomination or you can ask Clive Joynes of IWC to send you a hard copy (his details on the first page).  There is also a Code of Conduct for Parish Councillors posted in the document below:

PARISH Model Code of Conduct by david5174

Shalfleet Fête Bank Holiday Monday August 25th 2014 - with the church mice!

The poster below is self-explanatory.  I suppose the holes were created by the Church mice?  I'm sure they were quiet about it, anyway!

The Undercliff Road is our problem, too! Please help

The Undercliff Road (Ventnor) problem is a doppelgänger of Totland sea wall.  Naturally it is the residents of that area who are most affected and most vocal -- let's face it, their homes are on the line -- it affects all of us who love our Island.  There is also something not quite straightforward about the way all this has been handled which, of course, will come as a huge shock to you, dear reader.

There's to be a public meeting down at the Ventnor Botanical Gardens on Wednesday 20th August.  Details below.  Do please try to make it.  Car parking is free.  The VBG and the delightful Ventnor itself are always a pleasure to visit.

Undercliff Road Ahead Poster by david5174

Updates: Parish Council Election and reminder, our MP, Andrew Turner, is visiting Newbridge for summer surgery Thursday 14th August 2014

First, the election:-

As you will remember, after the first Parish Council vacancy was advertised, a list of twenty-one signatures in support of an election rather than a co-opted Councillor was delivered to the Isle of Wight Council (IWC).  That put the wheels in motion with the Returning Officer's office.  Within a day or so, another two Parish Councillors resigned.  The same people (and more) who had wanted an election for the first vacancy wanted an election for the second two vacancies.  During my discussion with the Deputy Returning Officer, we agreed that unless the law specifically disallowed the two to be held at the same time, they should be held together to save everyone's time not to mention the cost.

Today (Monday 11th August) I went down to the Council Offices and handed over a list of thirty-two names to Mr Clive Joynes, Deputy Returning Officer, asking for the second two vacancies to be subject to election, not co-option.  These have been accepted and I am pleased to report that Mr Joynes is able to run the two polls at the same time.  He still has to make final agreement with those who run the hall but even so, there are alternatives available so the following timescales, while NOT official, are most likely to be the final dates:

DRAFT DATES FOR SHALFLEET PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION 2014 - TO BE CONFIRMED

Notice of Election:   Wed 3rd September
Last day for delivery of nomination papers:  4.00 pm Friday 12th September
Statement of persons nominated:  4.00 pm Monday 15th September
Last day for withdrawal of candidature: 4.00 pm Friday 12th September* (*new rules applied)
Last day for new applications for postal votes: 5.00  pm Wednesday 24th September
Notice of poll: Wednesday 1st October
Polling Day: 7.00 am to 10.00 pm Thursday 9th October
Counting starts immediately and result declared that evening

Several people have asked me how many votes each elector has.  There are three vacancies so each elector has three votes.  The elector may vote for up to three candidates.  If there are only three candidates then they would be duly elected without a poll (obviously, since a poll would be a waste of time).  If there are fewer candidates standing than vacancies then the Parish Council may co-opt to fill the outstanding vacancies after the election.

As I have already stated, I shall be standing.  If you are on the electoral register of Shalfleet Parish you are entitled to stand -- there is NO time limit for residency in the Parish. The information I have published here is given in good faith and is only an overview.  Please see the IWC advertised material - not available yet, probably on 3rd September.  The definitive source of information relating to all electoral matters is on http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/  It's reasonably straightforward as websites go.

This is an important election particularly due to the Localism Act 2011 which is likely to have profound implications on Parish Councils.  Some of the new freedoms could be a double-edged sword and it is important that electors keep abreast of what's happening and choose their Councillors carefully.  The pendulum is still swinging towards greater devolution of government making the Parish Council potentially more important than hitherto.  Please don't make the mistake of thinking it's only about dog-poo and bus shelters - it is changing.

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Now, Andrew Turner's visit:  May I remind you that our MP, Mr Andrew Turner, is doing a tour of surgeries around the Island this week.  In our area, the most local is to be at Newbridge Community Centre this Thursday 14th August 2014 arriving at 0945.  Please see below for Andrew's schedule for the whole day, below...if you have missed him at Newbridge you can catch him at the next one.

I'll be sure to go along to say hello to Andrew at Newbridge so maybe I will see some of you there.

The Island's MP Summer Surgery 2014 - Starting From Newbridge and Finishing at Newport _ Andrew Turner by david5174

Below is the whole list of Andrew's visits for the week.