February 2008

At its February monthly meeting the Council was pleased to learn that the IWC as Plannning Authority had refused permission for two Applications to which the Council had raised objections: a proposal for units of holiday accommodation at Sunnycrest Nursery, Wackland Lane and a proposal for a detached dwelling on land adjacent to The Lodge at Alverstone. Readers are reminded that it is helpful if copies of comments made by individuals are forwarded to the Council (in addition to being submitted to the IWC) in advance of the meeting at which an Application is to be discussed.

The ‘Options’ for Island education were discussed and it was agreed to voice the opinion that the Council was opposed to all three options being proposed by IWC and to urge the IWC to reconsider its strategy for provision of education. Towards the end of the meeting Miss Davison returned from a meeting of the IW Association of Local Councils (IWALC) and reported that the IWALC had resolved to comment along the same lines as Newchurch Parish Council on this matter.

Mrs Draper reported on a meeting held with Mr Mosdell (CC) and representatives of the IWC’s Highways section when various issues, including safety at the Apse Heath mini-roundabout / pedestrian crossing and along the Downs Road were discussed. The Council remains committed to pressing the IWC for improvements to road safety throughout the Parish.

The Clerk read an update provided by the Planning Enforcement section of the  IWC on unauthorised development at Wackland Farm. Concern was also expressed about the husbandry of livestock associated with the development and the Clerk was instructed to alert statutory agencies such as DEFRA to these concerns.

The Monthly Meetings of the Parish Council are normally held in Newchurch Parish Hall on the third Monday of each month starting at 7.30pm: the date of the next Monthly Meeting is, however, Thursday 29^th March 2008. Any person requiring more information about the Council or its meetings should contact the Clerk (tel: 865249 or e-mail: newchurchpc@yahoo.co.uk ).