Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Rufus is the Local Democracy Reporter for the Isle of Wight, a role he took up in August 2024.
The role, which focuses on subjects such as council meetings, planning applications and matters of democratic interest, is funded by the BBC as part of the national Local Democracy Reporter Scheme - or LDRS.
PLANS FOR TEN DISCOUNTED HOMES AT FORMER NEWPORT POLICE STATION GET GREEN LIGHT
Plans to demolish a former social services building and build 10 new “extremely affordable” homes were accepted by the Isle of Wight Council last week.
Read moreDetailsUPDATED APPLICATION AIMS TO BRING NEW FLATS TO SHANKLIN TOWN CENTRE
A pair of new apartments could replace commercial floorspace in the heart of an Isle of Wight coastal town.
Read moreDetailsPLANS LODGED TO CREATE BOUTIQUE B&B ROOMS ABOVE YARMOUTH PUB
5 'high quality’ and ’boutique’ en-suite bed and breakfast rooms could be provided at a Yarmouth pub. Character Inns IOW is seeking a change of use of the first and second floors of The Kings Head in Yarmouth as well...
Read moreDetailsFORMER SANDHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE COULD BECOME 74-HOME DEVELOPMENT
Draft plans to build 74 homes on Sandham Middle School’s former site have been unveiled at a public consultation in Sandown.
Read moreDetailsSANDOWN’S FORMER KING’S HOUSE BAR GIVEN NOD TO BE CONVERTED INTO 4-BED HOME
A once-popular seafront bar in a poor state of repair can now be transformed into a 4-bedroom house, the Council has decided, but concerns have been raised.
Read moreDetailsISLE OF WIGHT COUNCILLOR CELEBRATES VICTORY IN CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHILD POVERTY
The decision to lift the Two-Child Benefit Cap in the Budget has been hailed as a welcome start to tackling poverty on the Isle of Wight.
Read moreDetailsAUTUMN HOUSE CARE HOME STILL ‘REQUIRES IMPROVEMENT’ DESPITE PROGRESS
An Isle of Wight care home under special measures has made progress but inspectors still say it ‘requires improvement’.
Read moreDetailsISLANDERS CAN HAVE THEIR SAY IN FAR-REACHING LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM PROPOSALS
Islanders are reminded that they can share their views on proposals for a far-reaching shake-up of local government across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Read moreDetailsPLANS TO TURN FORMER SHANKLIN HOTEL INTO CARE HOME REFUSED BY COUNCIL
A bid to replace a former Shanklin hotel with a 13-bed care home for adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs has been refused.
Read moreDetails‘UNFIT’ LIFEBOAT BUILDING TO BE REPLACED AS PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED
An Isle of Wight lifeboat station deemed ‘no longer fit for purpose’ will be replaced with a new building to continue its life-saving service.
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