Raised by stakeholders, including the Cowes Harbour Advisory Committee (CHAC), over current and proposed planning development applications and the retention of adequate waterfront employment sites in the Medina Valley.

At their October Board meeting, Commissioners considered the issues and challenges regarding the provision of sustainable marine employment sites with good all-tide access in the Medina Valley. Following detailed discussion, the Commissioners agreed to inform the Isle of Wight Council (IWC) and Solent LEP of the concerns of CHC and members of the stakeholder Harbour Advisory Committee and to confirm the Commission's policy on this major strategic planning and investment issue.

In its response to CHC, the Solent LEP reaffirmed that it recognises the importance of long-term sustainable provision of strategic marine employment sites in the Solent area and stated its commitment to ensuring that Local Planning Authorities are aware of the significance of waterfront sites to our world-class marine and maritime sector. 

On 11th November, the IWC published its draft Medina Valley action plan for public consultation. The Medina Valley is a key regeneration area, and once adopted, the Medina Valley Plan will be a statutory development plan document used to determine planning applications in the area.

Commissioners discussed the Medina Valley Plan at their November Board meeting and agreed the importance of both CHC and the Harbour Advisory Committee giving consideration to this vital planning strategy document. Commissioners expressed their concern that the Medina Valley Plan may not adequately inform and address the concerns of both CHC and CHAC on the critical issue of protecting marine employment sites. In simple terms, CHC would like to see the Medina Valley Plan assist in answering the fundamental questions of how much land is potentially required for marine employment sites with all-tide access, where that land will be sited, and how it will be viably and sustainably delivered. Commissioners concluded that CHC should consult further with the CHAC and submit a formal response to the Medina Valley Plan consultation.

Read the full article at cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 December 2015 )