Report from I.W. Councillor John Nicholson

Posted by Admin on 23 January 2015, 1:47 pm

COUNCILLOR JOHN NICHOLSON

WARD MEMBER FOR COWES SOUTH & NORTHWOOD

MEMBER OF IW PLANNING COMMITTEE

MEMBER OF HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING SCRUTINY PANEL

SUNNYSIDE

PALLANCE LANE

NORTHWOOD

PO31 8LT
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Tel: 01983 209642 (evenings best)
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Email: cllr.john.nicholson@btconnect.com

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REPORT – JANUARY 2015

At a meeting with the Post Office, they confirmed that they are committed to maintaining a Post Office for Northwood and have had several parties express interest. They also said that they would keep the Parish Council updated on developments. Sue has tendered her formal notice but has offered to stay on part-time, if that would help. I think, after all the years she has tirelessly put in, without holiday, we owe her a debt of gratitude for her community spirit!
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Everyone has been relieved and thankful that Pallance Road has been kept open during the start of the drainage renewal works. It saved the Travellers Joy’s Christmas, and, as you will have seen in the press, they marked their thanks to the contractor for their consideration, which was constructively supported by Island Roads and endorsed by the boss, Paul Herbert. However we have to recognise that, especially where the road narrows, it may be necessary to close the road, and the application to do so must be granted and in place, if and when that eventuality arises; but I think our thanks must go to Island Roads and their sub-contractor for their consideration and efforts.
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I have written to the Homes and Community Agency concerning their bizarre erection of barriers and closing of the stretch of pavement alongside the playing fields in Seaview Road, and I have pointed out that they have actually created a greater and far more serious hazard and risk than whatever it was that caused their bright idea in the first place. I have had several worried parents express serious concern that when the children finish playing and exit the ground, they are now directed straight onto the road, with cars parked either side. The situation is intolerable, and I have elicited the MP’s support in trying to get a sensible resolution without further delay.
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I have had a meeting with the residents of Hillis Corner with view to preparing our case in opposing the planning application for an all year round holiday development on the site of the former riding stables at Hillis Gate. A similar application was turned down on appeal in 2008, and it seems to me, and the residents of Hillis Gate, that the same reasons for refusal should still apply. This is yet another case of a developer imposing significant effect upon a local community without first seeking their consent. I have not found a single person who supports it, from Noke Common up to Marks Corner and round to Hillis Corner! Even Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have expressed concerns and grounds for refusal.
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Community Wellbeing is on the agenda for Northwood and Cowes and is gaining momentum, interest and support the more people and organisations that I talk to. I have asked for the MP’s sponsorship to help develop the initiative for the whole Island.

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John Nicholson
Ward Member for Northwood & Cowes South