Minutes for Meeting of the Steering Committee for CPRE Branch

Wednesday 13th January 2021, 2pm

Zoom Meeting

Attendees: CPRE: Dawn Haig-Thomas (meeting chair), Philip Sharples, Amber Beard (Marketing Lead) Steering Committee: Joanna Minchin (West Wight Villages Residents’ Association), Maureen Le Roi (IOW Ramblers), David Burdett (IOW Society), Mike Greenslade (National Trust), Stella Davis ( Society) and Steve Cowley (IWALC).

Apologies: Bryn Davis (VAS)

Minutes: Dawn Haig-Thomas

1. Apologies. Noted above.

2. Declarations of Conflict of Interests. Steve Cowley declared he had brownfield site under development.

3. Approval of Previous Minutes: Minutes from 11th November 2020 were approved.

4. CPRE Updates (Dawn Haig-Thomas)

 All new members were welcomed.  DHT shared the dates for the CPRE Star Count 2021 and encouraged the group to sign up to count stars between 6th and 14th February 2021.  DHT shared the dates for the Great British Spring Clean – 28th May to 13th June 2021 and encouraged the group to take part in a litter pick during this time.  Updates on Planning Applications: o Landscape (14 new homes) – Refused. o (7 new homes) – Refused. o Tapnell (moving glamping pods) – Approved. o Branstone (42 new homes) – Approved.  CPRE has commented upon/ awaiting the application: o Bridge Cottage – Objected. o West Acre, Donkey Field and Puckpool – In progress. o Robin Hill and Norris Castle – Awaiting planning applications.

5. IW Ramblers Update (Maureen Le Roi)  MLR noted that there was a lack of enforcement on the island at present, due to scaled back council resources during the Covid pandemic, highlighted by the Bridge Cottage situation. MLR highlighted that the owner of Bridge Cottage had ignored conditions put on the property to prevent commercial usage of the site, yet a freight business was being operated out of here. MG commented that the National Trust (NT) had also written an objection to the Bridge Cottage application, a site which

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borders NT land, on the grounds that key pieces of information (e.g., the HRA) were missing.  Making an example of such a flagrant breach of conditions was discussed and seen as a good approach to deter future abusers.  No walks being led by The Ramblers’ at present due to Covid.  The English Coast Path project by Natural continues and is believed to take three years to implement. Carnival Company will be celebrating our coastline.  The Ramblers are concerned by the Diamond Races proposed for the island, as it will require the closure of footpaths for the four-day event, and potentially damage flora and fauna on the route with the sheer volume of spectators. A detailed analysis of the impact has been provided to the Ramblers by Lydia Fulleylove and Richard Mair, which will be shared with this group. MLR asked the group to consider objecting to the Races.  The Donkey Field remains high on MLR’s radar, and she is part of a local protest group, which has set up a website to raise awareness and has joined the Open Spaces Society. ML will keep this group posted on developments.

6. IW Society Update (David Burdett)  DB suggested we consult Martha James on the matter of enforcements, noting the situation on the island was now dire.  Action: DHT to contact Martha to understand what more we can do here e.g., encourage residents to act as eyes and ears for the council and reports abuses.  IWS committee is now reduced and therefore there is not capacity to review all planning applications, for which DB apologised.  DB suggested that the CPRE IW website could feature supportive volunteer groups. AB noted this would be a good way to grow our presence and suggested we ask for quid pro quo for any such publicity, with the CPRE being recognised in return.  The impending application for the Norris Castle redevelopment was raised. DB flagged the new website set up by the developers for the public to engage through. It was noted that the owners bought the property before understanding the enormity of the restoration task. DHT noted that contact has been made with Historic England again and they are keenly watching the plans for Norris, as a Grade I listed house and garden.

7. IWALC (Steven Cowley)  No IWALC updates, as there has not been a meeting since SC took on the role.  SC flagged the issue of hedgerows being removed without consent across the island and a failure of enforcement when this occurs. Island Roads are responsible for much of it, citing road safety and dangerous trees as the rationale. This has a detrimental ecological impact as well as “urbanises” rural areas e.g. Shalfleet Meadows where 300 metres of hedgerow has been removed. The removal of trees around the St Marys roundabout/new junction was also flagged as a concern and example of how we are losing trees across the island unnecessarily.  Action: DHT to propose a meeting with Island Roads and Planning.

8. National Trust (Mike Greenslade)  Mike introduced himself as the General Manager of the National Trust (NT) on the Isle of Wight, responsible for an enormous amount of land, properties, cottages and more! He noted the economic impact of the pandemic on the NT’s operational budget, and how this has resulted in a reduced organisation and significant personnel losses. It was noted that John Brownscombe will be leaving the NT, moving to the IW council as English Coast Path Officer.  NT will be objecting to the motor-cross site near Mottistone (ENF/0121/20APP/P2114/C)  NT will be contesting the plan by Island Roads to reinforce the Military Road (Site 14) between Brook and Compton, on the grounds that it will negatively impact the SSSI. The road could potentially be moved back onto NT land.

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 The Diamond Races – MS is partially conflicted here, living in the centre of the proposed course, but NT will take the parish council view.  Gatcombe Estate – NT do not own the land here but have a covenant protecting the land, hence NT would appreciate watchful eyes here.  Copse – On MG’s radar, as an area damaged by mountain bikers. The NT is trying to stop the course crossing the bridleway and creeping into ancient woodland.  Dunsbury Farm – This recently acquired site by the NT is now being considered for a rewilding programme. NT is keen on nature friendly farming.

9. Ryde Society (Stella Davis)  SD reminded the group that she started the Ryde Society three years ago, in order to conserve, enhance and support the regeneration of the largest town on the island. The town however remains exposed with no master plan in place. Ryde Town Council appear to be unkeen to develop a Neighbourhood Plan.  Trees were raised as a major concern for The Ryde Society, as there are hardly any left in the town, and accordingly songbirds have disappeared.  A “Green Corridor” is being planned for the length of the new railway from Ryde to , led by Mike Fitt. OBE (formerly Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Parks for London’s Royal Parks). AB noted “The Green Ribbon” programme in London as an example we could look at.  Concern was expressed over the Smallbrook Roundabout where older trees are being removed to enable the extension of Nicolson Road business park.  Pennyfeathers (904 homes) – Final comments and objections due by 12th February. Phil to discuss with Martha, how we can object.  Discussion as to the need to build within the town of Ryde, on the brownfield sites of which there are increasing numbers as businesses and shops sadly close.  DB raised the issue of highway flow in Ryde if Pennyfeathers is built, due to Monkton Mead splitting the town in two.

10. West Wight Villages Residents’ Association (Joanna Minchin)  The WWVRA was set up in response to the proposed Wellow Garden Village. It has 170 members and Joanna is Chair, with Peter Spink as Vice Chair.  Following on from Shalfleet Meadows development, there is now talk of a further 100 homes, which is of grave concern. No information formally available yet.  A discussion about the poor quality of the new build houses followed, especially those built by the housing associations. Shalfleet Meadows is an eyesore, although reports state the quality inside is good and the gardens are a decent size (SC).  SC noted the greater expense of building on brownfield sites, as opposed to greenfield.  Concern was raised over the ever-expanding Tapnell Farm. With the approval of the glamping pod move, there is now potential for an “in-fill” development causing a greater eyesore from the AONB Tennyson Down. 15:20 Meeting close

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