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.
REVISED PLANS LODGED FOR HOUSING AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT AT HEATHFIELD CAMPSITE
A proposal for a mixed-use development in Freshwater comprising at least 60 homes, with a generous share of affordable housing and a budget retail outlet, has re-emerged.
Read moreDetailsNO HEADS WILL ROLL DESPITE DAMNING REPORT CRITICISING ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL
No heads will roll at County Hall despite a damning report into the 'dysfunctional' Isle of Wight Council, it has been confirmed.
Read moreDetailsCLERK QUITS NEWPORT AND CARISBROOKE COUNCIL CITING ‘DAMAGING’ INTERNAL DECISIONS
The clerk of Newport and Carisbrooke Community (NCCC) has resigned, citing what he described as the Isle of Wight local authority’s ‘sustained breaches’ of ‘trust, confidence and fair procedure’.
Read moreDetails‘NOTHING SURPRISING’ SAYS JARMAN AS POLITICAL GROUPS REACT TO PENN REPORT
2 more political groups at County Hall have responded to the damning Penn report on the Isle of Wight Council.
Read moreDetailsGOVERNANCE SHAKE-UP RECOMMENDED FOR ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL
Several recommendations have been made to improve the Isle of Wight Council following a damning report describing it as ‘dysfunctional’.
Read moreDetailsCOUNCIL’S OWN OFFICERS RAISED FLAGS OVER CULTURE AND GOVERNANCE
A major new report criticising ‘dysfunctionality’ at the Isle of Wight Council arose out of concerns flagged by statutory officers.
Read moreDetailsHAY BARN FOR RARE BREEDS REFUSED OVER NATIONAL LANDSCAPE IMPACT
Plans for a hay barn for rare breed animals at an Isle of Wight farm have been refused due to concerns over its visual impact on the National Landscape.
Read moreDetailsBRADING B&B TO BECOME FAMILY HOME AS BUSINESS DEEMED ‘NO LONGER VIABLE’
A 10-room bed and breakfast property in Brading will be converted into a large family home amid ‘higher energy costs’ and a rising cost of living.
Read moreDetailsBRODIE ACCUSES COUNCILLORS OF ‘PANDERING’ TO REFORM UK AS HE ENDS COUNTY HALL ATTENDANCE
'Intimidation' and witnessing 'pandering' to new Reform UK representatives have been cited in a statement about why an Isle of Wight councillor of many years standing will no longer attend County Hall meetings.
Read moreDetailsNEW APPLICATION LODGED FOR 32 MORE HOMES OFF HORSEBRIDGE HILL
A total of 32 more houses could be built next to Horsebridge Hill on the outskirts of Newport. Captiva Homes has submitted new plans for housing, a means of access, landscaping and ancillary infrastructure on land at Acorn Farm. The...
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