MINUTES OF RYDE TOWN COUNCIL’S
IN GEORGE STREET CENTRE, RYDE BAPTIST CHURCH, RYDE.
Members Present: Cllr Simon Cooke (Chair), Cllr Diana Conyers, Cllr Jo Elliott, Cllr Pippa Hayward, Cllr Jess Higgins, and Cllr Malcolm Ross.
Also in Attendance: Jon Baker (Committees Coordinator) and Chris Turvey (Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Officer), Ilze van der Merwe (RTC Apprentice and Digital Marketing).
3 Members of The Public
A question was asked regarding wheely bins and gull sacks being left outside properties around the town before and after waste collection day, causing issues of litter. It was noted that the collection of household waste was the responsibility of the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) through its contract with Amey Waste Management Services. Ryde Town Council (RTC) had raised the issue with the IWC previously and would continue to do so. It was also noted that the IWC had recently issued a press release urging all Island residents to remember to put their bins and gull sacks out in a timely manner on collection day and retrieve them promptly after.
Apologies were received from Cllr Charles Chapman and Cllr Richard May.
Cllr Cooke declared an interest in minute 59/24 as he was a trustee of the Ryde Town Hall Trust.
None requested.
The minutes to the meeting held on 9 April 2024 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
Cllr Ross enquired what was the status of the Bird Aware signs that had been agreed as a Public Realm project in the summer of 2023?
The Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Officer advised that Bird Aware had yet to submit their design but as soon as it was received, RTC would progress the matter.
Cllr Cooke enquired about the status of the ‘Welcome to Ryde’ road signs.
Members were advised that RTC had placed the order and were anticipating that the works would be carried out very soon.
Cllr Hayward asked about when the Sand Park at Appley would be opening, and could there be a sign put up to advise users?
The Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Officer advised that the park was owned and managed by the IWC, but it should be opened from the Spring Bank Holiday in late May. RTC would enquire about any signs to advise about the opening date.
The following planning applications were considered by the committee:
Application No: 24/00385/HOU (Listed Building Application No 24/00386/LBC) Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde Monktonmead
Location: 37 Melville Street, Ryde, PO33 2AN
Proposal: Proposed replacement of kitchen and bedroom windows on rear elevation; replacement of bathroom window on front elevation; replacement of lean-to/conservatory on rear elevation with new lean-to/conservatory.
The works (which had already been carried out), and the further proposals outlined in the application were in keeping with the style of the Conservation Area, however the building was Grade II listed and the protection of the heritage features should be addressed by the Isle of Wight Councils Conservation Officer. Members were advised that any comment that he had to make should be supported by the committee in line with Ryde Town Councils commitments in its Place Plan and Position Statement.
There had been no comments submitted by members of the public or statutory consultees at the time of the meeting.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde Appley and Elmfield Location: Westridge House, Bullen Road, Ryde, PO33 1AU
Proposal: Proposed alterations and replacement of windows and doors; external landscaping works to include new ramps and paved access; proposed swim spa.
This application was for some alterations to the main building as well as the provision of a large above ground swim spa.
There had been no comments submitted by members of the public or statutory consultees at the time of the meeting.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Binstead and Fishbourne Location: Fairways, Quarr Road, Binstead, Ryde, PO33 4EL Proposal: Proposed new entrance gates
This application was for some gates to a property set back from the road with the main access shared. However, members noted that there may be some legal issues over the prevention of use of its access, although this was not a material consideration in planning terms so should not be included for any reasons for a recommended refusal. Two members of the public raised concerns around this issue.
Island Roads had raised no objections and there were no concerns raised by any other statutory consultees at the time of the meeting.
Members shared the concerns raised by members of the public around access rights and would like any decision taken by the Planning Authority (the IWC) to be after any legal issues were resolved.
Members also agreed that the proposed signs were out of character with the surrounding area and that they should recommend refusal on that basis.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
The following planning applications were considered under delegated powers by the Chair and the Place and Neighbourhoods Officer, and they proposed no objections:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde Appley And Elmfield Location:13 Thornton Manor Drive, Ryde, PO33 1PG
Proposal: Demolition of utility; proposed single storey rear extension; new front porch
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde North West
Location: St Georges House, Sea Close, Ryde, PO33 3SW
Proposal: Replacement garage with store accommodation in roof space (revised scheme)
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde Monktonmead Location:16 Player Street, Ryde, PO33 2JB
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 on 23/02168/HOU to allow for a change in roof design.
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde West
Location: 54 Wellington Road, Ryde, PO33 3QH
Proposal: Proposed porch and pagoda on decking; retention of shed Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was: RESOLVED:
Members noted the following decisions taken by the IWC’s Planning Department:
PLANNING APPLICATION DECISIONS
APPLICATIONS APPROVED
Location: Land Between 61 and 63 Bettesworth Road, Ryde, PO33 3EN Proposal: Proposed pair of semi-detached dwellings (revised scheme) Parish: Ryde Ward: Haylands and Swanmore
Decision Date: 09/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application, subject to the following:
There is sufficient provision for the storage of waste.
There is sufficient provision for the storage of cycles.
There is a contribution made to the Solent SPA.
There is a contribution to affordable housing.
Location: 25 Buckland Gardens, Ryde, PO33 3AG
Proposal: Demolition of shed; Proposed single storey side extension; alterations and conversion of garage to form workshop and storage.
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde North West Decision Date: 16/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
Location: Solent House, Playstreet Lane, Ryde, PO33 3LJ
Proposal: Demolition of existing garage; proposed triple garage with garden store and store over
Parish: Ryde Ward: Haylands and Swanmore Decision Date: 17/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application, subject to the comments and recommendations from the Arborist being implemented and the design of the raft footing not impacting upon the Root Protection Area.
Location: The Kebab House, 5 High Street, Ryde, PO33 2PN Proposal: 1x externally illuminated fascia sign
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde North West Decision Date: 19/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
APPLICATIONS REFUSED
Location: 36 Nelson Street, Ryde, PO33 2EY
Proposal: Extensions at 1st and 2nd floor level on side elevation, three storey and single storey extensions on rear elevation and alterations to form 3 additional self-contained flats (total of 9 flats).
Decision Date: 03/04/2024
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde North West
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application, subject to the following:
There is adequate provision for waste storage.
There is adequate provision for cycle storage.
A contribution is made to the Solent Special Protection Area
A contribution is made to Affordable Housing in relation to the three additional self-contained flats.
Location: 51 St Johns Wood Road, Ryde, PO33 1FL
Proposal: Alterations and change of use of ground floor of former army drill hall to form 2 dwellings
Decision Date: 16/04/2024
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde South East
Ryde Town Council raises no objections to the application, subject to the following:
The space on site reserved for parking for the proposed residential properties should be clearly identified on the plan.
There is provision for waste and cycle storage facilities and that they are clearly marked on the plan.
That a contribution to the Solent Special Protection Area (SPA) is made.
The Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Officer advised that there had so far been no date set for a ‘walkabout’ around Ryde for members, officers and the IWC Planning Officers to identify any sites that could be classed as needing enforcement action. This was due to the IWC Officer who would be assigned to Ryde, currently working out his notice from another position. Once the officer was in place, the 12 month period of working for Ryde would commence.
Members were requested to consider approving the renaming of the committee.
Following internal meetings between officers and members it was proposed that the new name would be the Community Planning Committee. It was felt that this would be a more appropriate title.
Members were also reminded that two internal sub committees, the Place Plan and Regeneration Sub Committee and the Public Realm and Natural Environment Sub Committee would be amalgamated into one Sub Committee and titled the Development Strategy Sub Committee. Two examples of current greening projects that RTC was looking into was the redevelopment of Western Gardens into a more welcoming green space (which could become a project for the incoming Town Board) as well as the installation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to tackle the increasing issues of excess rainwater run-off.
Members were assured that both committees would look to cover all areas of greening
/ open spaces and adhere to the Town Councils Environment and Sustainability Policy (as all RTC committees and forums must do).
Members were also reminded that the new names would be included within the new Terms of Reference which was being discussed after this item and would all be subject to approval by all members at Annual Council on 14 May 2024.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Members considered the Terms of Reference for both the Community Planning Committee and the Development Strategy Sub Committee.
Both sets of ToR’s were issued and published with the agenda. However, following email correspondence, both had been revised with suggested amendments highlighted in yellow (these can be accessed HERE).
There was some discussion around how the Place, Neighbourhood and Planning Committee (now the proposed had Community Planning Committee) would look at putting large project plans together, but then passed onto the internal Community Projects Task Force (which itself was subject to a review and name change) for approval, but then passed back to the Community Planning Committee for managing and reviewing.
However, it was noted that as the main ‘Planning’ Committee met on a three week basis, smaller projects that fell within its financial limits, could be agreed at a much quicker pace.
It was suggested that under ‘Meetings’ (paragraph 6) the in the Community Planning Committees ToR, there should be a sentence added which advised that there would be standing items added to every agenda which reflected the committees strategic objectives. However, members were advised that this may prove to be problematic owing to the frequent manner in which the committee met, there may not always be something to update, which in turn could cause members of the public to attend for a specific item, only to be told there was nothing to report.
It also suggested that the wording of paragraph 10 (Delegated Authority) should use more uniform wording which would be consistent with the other bullet points in the section.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
The next scheduled meeting would be on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 at 7.00pm (subject to the 2024-2025 committee dates being agreed at Annual Council on 14 May 2024).
HELD ON TUESDAY, 21 MAY 2024 AT 7.00PM
IN GEORGE STREET CENTRE, RYDE BAPTIST CHURCH, RYDE.
Members Present: Cllr Simon Cooke (Chair), Cllr Diana Conyers, Cllr Pippa Hayward, Cllr Jess Higgins, Cllr Richard May and Cllr Malcolm Ross.
Also in Attendance: Jon Baker (Committees Coordinator) and Ilze van der Merwe (RTC Apprentice and Digital Marketing).
3 Members of The Public
A question was asked regarding enforcement and whether the two derelict houses at 155 and 158 Marlborough Road would be investigated by the recently employed Isle of Wight Council Enforcement Officer. It was noted the houses had been purchased by a private buyer(s and members felt that the new owners should be given time to bring the properties into a satisfactory condition. The houses would be monitored and if there was continued neglect, the Enforcement Officer would be made aware and asked to investigate.
Another question was asked around when the laying down of the pedestrian zone (funded by the High Street Heritage Action Zone - HSHAZ) would start. The Chair stated that there was no set date for a start to the works. There had been a tender submitted, but it was not considered to be suitable. The Chair advised that as soon as there was more news, it would be conveyed at a future meeting. It was also noted that there would be a HSHAZ Evaluation Meeting held on 31 May 2024, involving the HSHAZ Project manager, the Steering Group and stakeholders and that there may be more news provided then.
None.
None declared.
None requested.
The minutes to the meeting held on 30 April 2024 were reviewed.
RESOLVED:
Cllr Diana Conyers was nominated and seconded for the position of Vice Chair of the Community Planning Committee. Following a vote via a show of hands it was:
Cllr Conyers asked a question regarding a complaint that she had received from a resident regarding the renaming of the Bar 74 Public House in Union Street to Fubar. The resident believed that the name was an acronym for an offensive military term and that it provided a negative impression of the Town. Cllr May agreed that there was a high level of veterans in the town and there may be some merit in writing to the owners.
Members believed that the bar had been a good community minded establishment and that before any need to write a letter, perhaps Cllr Conyers could visit the owners of the bar to enquire if something could be resolved amicably.
Cllr Ross noted that the train platform next to Hovertravel on Ryde Esplanade Station, had some very dilapidated infrastructure above it and which bordered the Hovertravel Port. He suggested that South Western Railway should be contacted and asked to consider tidying the area up. This could also be discussed with the Town Councils Enforcement Officer.
Cllr Hayward asked for specific plans about green spaces in Ryde and suggested turning Vectis Hall into a potential green area in the event that the building might not be salvaged. The Chair stated the newly formed Development Strategy Sub Committee would be the right forum to discuss such plans.
The following planning applications were considered by the committee:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde North West
Location: Hovertravel Ltd, Quay Road, Ryde, PO33 2HB
Proposal: Replacement and reconfiguration of site buildings and storage containers in the engineering area/yard.
The Committee was advised that the works required for this application included tidying up the area where the workshops and stores were at the Ryde Hovertravel Terminal and rearranging the site of some of the existing storage units.
Whilst members were happy to recommend approval of the application, they noted that the existing containers were in a poor decorative condition and very corroded. If the containers were of a sound condition, despite the rust then they should be treated with an approved rust remover/inhibiter and painted with a two pack epoxy metal paint system. This would then ensure the containers looked
neater and fitted in more neatly within such a prominent space on the seafront.
Members agreed that the containers should be painted with the metal paint.
Members also suggested that Hovertravel could be approached in the future with a view of suggesting that the containers could be the subject of artistic murals reflecting the nature of the surrounding area and as well as the culture of Ryde.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde Appley and Elmfield Location: 14 Marlborough Road, Ryde, PO33 1AA Proposal: Proposed two semi-detached houses
This application was to be approved as a decision made under delegated powers, but following concerns raised from a member of the public around highway safety owing to the development being close to the roundabout at the northern end of Marlborough Road as well as there being Oakfield Primary School close by with a large number of parents and children walking by daily, the committee agreed to discuss the matter.
The application was a resubmission of one which was originally approved by the Isle of Wight Council in July 2021. Ryde Town Council, at its meeting on 25 August 2020, had also raised no objections to the application and recommended approval for the two new houses.
However, whilst the committee maintained its no objection position to the application itself and welcomed the provision of two new houses on a Brown Field site, they were somewhat concerned that whilst all the conditions set by Island Roads addressed access and egress into the proposed site, the length of the double yellow lines leading up to the mini roundabout near the school appeared to be unduly short. There was also a single yellow line extending to the proposed site entrance meaning restricted parking, but there appeared to be no signs displaying the reasons given as to the nature of the restrictions.
It was agreed that as the Highway Safety issues were outside the proposed site, and therefore not a planning consideration for the application, a letter would be sent separately to Island Roads highlighting the concerns surrounding child and pedestrian safety.
Following a proposer, seconder, and a vote via a show of hands, it was:
The following planning applications were considered under delegated powers by the Chair and the Place and Neighbourhoods Officer, and they proposed no objections:
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde West
Location: 27 Jellicoe Road, Binstead, Ryde, PO33 3NY
Proposal: Single storey rear extension, patio, and associated landscaping.
Parish(es): Ryde Ward(s): Ryde North West Location: 30 Westfield Park, Ryde, PO33 3AB Proposal: Proposed single storey rear extension
Members noted the following decisions taken by the IWC’s Planning Department:
PLANNING APPLICATION DECISIONS
APPLICATIONS APPROVED
Location: 263 Upton Road, Ryde, PO33 3HX Proposal: First floor extension
Parish: Ryde Ward: Haylands and Swanmore Decision Date: 22/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
Location: 112 Great Preston Road, Ryde, PO33 1DD
Proposal: Retrospective permission for retention and completion of single storey sun room extension and associated steps and access ramp (revised description)(re-advertised application)(revised plan)
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde South East Decision Date: 24/04/2024
Subject to the obscured glass being installed as indicated in the plans, Ryde Town Council raised no objection.
Application No: 24/00341/ADV (LBC App No 24/00345/LBC)
Location: 3 St Thomas Square, Ryde, PO33 2PH
Proposal: 1 x externally illuminated fascia sign; 1 x externally illuminated projecting sign; replacement trough light; replacement ATM surround and decals; proposed window message
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde North West Decision Date: 29/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objections to both applications.
Location: Ryde Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club Grounds Playstreet Lane, Ryde, PO33 3LJ
Proposal: 2 x padel tennis courts with associated enclosures and integrated floodlights
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde West Decision Date: 29/04/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
Location: 8 Butts Road, Ryde, PO33 3JH
Proposal: Demolition of conservatory; proposed ground and first floor rear extensions
Parish: Ryde Ward: Haylands And Swanmore Decision Date: 03/05/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
Location: 177 Great Preston Road, Ryde, PO33 1AY
Proposal: Demolition of car port; proposed single storey garage extension (Revised Plans)
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde Appley And Elmfield Decision Date: 10/05/2024
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
APPLICATIONS APPROVED
Location: 81 St Johns Road, Ryde, PO33 2RP
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 on 23/00676/HOU to allow construction of detached utility and sun room cabin (revised plan)
Decision Date: 07/05/2024
Parish: Ryde Ward: Ryde Monktonmead
Ryde Town Council raised no objection to the application.
Members were advised that the Enforcement Officer being hired form the Isle of Wight Council had been in contact with officers and that three dates had been suggested for the ‘Walkabout’ of Ryde to identify and establish priority buildings that needed urgent enforcement attention.
It was agreed that the earliest date suggested (11 June 2024, between 12-3pm), was the most favourable. Confirmation of the ‘walkabout’ would be emailed to members of the committee after the meeting.
Members were advised that the precise date of the Enforcement Officer commencing employment with Ryde Town Council would be confirmed as soon as possible.
Members were advised that there had been a number of complaints regarding restrictions to accessibility within Ryde.
Ryde Town Council was committed in improving and supporting best accessibility within the town for those with mobility issues and members were reminded of the excellent work carried out (and led by its Senior Projects Officer) for the new accessibility scheme on Ryde Beach providing those with mobility issues the opportunity to enjoy the beach as well as being able to swim using specialist equipment.
In order to improve the areas where there were accessibility issues, it was suggested that all Ryde Town Councillors should, in the course of their travels be mindful of any potential issues around the town. Such problems could include:
Cars parked on pavements or across wheelchair drop curbs.
Scaffolding which is not erected to the established code of practice (i.e. there should be a clearance of 1.20m between uprights so that mobility aids do not have to go on to the carriageway.
Refuse containers, including gull sacks, left out for long periods before and after collection.
‘A’ boards or chairs and tables put out in such a way as to block mobility scooter or wheelchair access.
Construction work that does not allow adequately for mobility scooter or wheelchair access.
Such issues should immediately be reported to the appropriate authority. If any councillor was unsure who that might be, then they should contact either the Community Planning officer, the Community Planning Chair, Community Planning Vice Chair or the Committees Coordinator.
Members were also advised that the issues of untidy bins on the pavements, particularly in George Street, continued to be a problem and that a meeting between the Community Planning Officer of Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council’s Lead Officer for waste collection had been held and that there appeared to be a possibility that a Communal Bin could be put in place for residents to use. Members agreed that this should be progressed as a matter of urgency.
The next scheduled meeting would be on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 at 7.00pm.