Plans for new parking charges hitting a roadblock, a campsite near Sandown securing permission to sell alcohol 7 days a week and a rejected request to review the handling of a 3,697-signature Southern Water petition were among the key decisions made by the Isle of Wight Council during October.
Councillors across several committees considered a range of issues throughout the month, with decisions affecting motorists, local businesses and residents campaigning for greater accountability from Southern Water.
One of the most significant decisions came on Tuesday (6th October), when the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee (ERTIC) voted against progressing 2 controversial proposals to introduce parking charges at a number of on-street locations and car parks across the Isle of Wight.
However, the possibility of higher parking fees remains, after councillors agreed to refer a separate proposal to increase both on-street and off-street charges by 25p per hour to the Policy, Finance and Resources Committee (PFRC).
That committee will consider whether the increase should be incorporated into the Council’s budget-setting process.
A further proposal to remove free parking for electric vehicles in off-street car parks will also be considered as part of the discussions.
Elsewhere, on 12th October, a licensing subcommittee approved an amended application from Nationwide Lodges for alcohol sales and entertainment at Adgestone Campsite Touring Park, near Sandown.
The application sought permission to sell alcohol between 08:00-22:00 every day of the week, alongside live music between 12:00-22:00.
Permission was also requested for recorded music between 08:00-22:00, film screenings from 17:00-22:00 and plays between 08:00-22:00, all 7 days a week.
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, of the Island First Network, said the licensing panel was pleased that the concerns of nearby residents had been listened to.
She also highlighted a noise management plan, which she said would help manage any issues arising from activities at the campsite.
The following day, on 13th October, councillors on the Policy, Finance and Resources Committee rejected a request to review the Council’s handling of a petition calling for a vote of no confidence in Southern Water.
The petition, organised by community group Sustainable Freshwater, attracted 3,697 signatures.
Those behind the campaign had previously raised concerns about whether the petition had been handled transparently and in accordance with the Council’s constitution.
However, the committee declined to authorise a review after hearing that the correct procedures had been followed.
Christopher Potter, one of the Council’s most senior officers, said the authority had complied with its constitution, including the rules of debate and the petition scheme.
The 3 decisions formed part of a busy month at County Hall, with October seeing proposals rejected, licences approved and further financial decisions referred for consideration as the Council continues its budget-setting process.
Parking charges are unfair on the island
Time to rollout islandwide permit parking charges
and STOP VEHICLES EVADING PAYING PARKING CHARGES BY PARKING ON THE PAVEMENT OUTSIDE THE OLD TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE OPPOSITE SANDOWN PIER INSIDE A PEDESTRIANISED ZONE.
Parking rules need to be the same for everyone, not for the few!