Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor J Procter was invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information within the meaning of Section 100I of the Local Government Act 1972, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If the recommendation is accepted, to formally pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED –  That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as exempt  on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That, in accordance with Regulation 4 of The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-

(a)  Appendix 1 and Plan 1 to the report entitled, ‘East Leeds Extension: Acquisition of Land between Wetherby Road and York Road’, referred to in Minute No. 134 are designated as exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the appendix and plan relates to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, and of the Council. This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in respect of certain companies and charities.  It is considered that since this information was obtained through initial one to one discussions for the acquisition of the property/land then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time. 

Also, it is considered that the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to other similar transactions in that prospective purchasers of other similar properties would have access to information about the nature and level of consideration which may prove acceptable to the Council. It is considered that whilst there may be a public interest in disclosure, much of this information will be publicly available from the Land Registry following completion of this transaction and consequently the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information at this point in time. 

(b)  Appendix 1 to the report entitled, ‘Design and Cost Report for Playing Pitches and Land at Woodhall Lane, Pudsey’, referred to in Minute No. 136 is designated as exempt in accordance with paragraph 10.4(3) of Schedule 12A(3) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the information contained within the appendix and plan relates to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, and of the Council.  This information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in relation to certain companies and charities.  It is considered that since this information was obtained through one to one negotiations for the purchase of the land/property referred to then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time.  Also the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to and undermine its attempts to acquire by agreement similar properties in the locality in that owners of other similar properties would be aware about the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests made during the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th November 2014

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th November 2014 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive providing details on the drivers for a Smart Cities approach for Leeds and which recommends a particular strategic approach towards its delivery. In addition, the report provides an update on what has been delivered to date through temporary and loose arrangements in what has been a “prototype” year. Finally, the report details where the Council wants to be and the main issues to be resolved, whilst also providing practical recommendations in terms of progressing from the current position, including the formalising of a Smart Cities Team.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report providing details on the drivers for a Smart Cities approach for Leeds and which recommended a particular strategic approach towards its delivery. In addition, the report also provided an update on what had been delivered to date through temporary and loose arrangements in what has been a “prototype” year. Finally, the report detailed where the Council aimed to be and the main issues to be resolved, whilst also providing practical recommendations in terms of progressing from the current position, including the formalising of a Smart Cities Team.

Responding to an enquiry, emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that the relevant expertise located throughout the city was fully engaged in the delivery of the Smart Cities approach and how the benefits from the proposed Capital Innovation Fund could be maximised. As such, acknowledging the consultation events which had already taken place, it was suggested that moving forward, a panel incorporating the relevant expertise could be established as part of the associated engagement process, with a follow up report being submitted to the Board in the next six months on the involvement of the digital community in this area.

Members highlighted how Leeds continued to lead nationally on the development of smart methods in the field of health and wellbeing, the importance of working with schools and young people on this agenda and emphasised the significant opportunities which existed in areas such as future economic growth and job creation.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Smart Cities approach and direction as detailed within the submitted report be endorsed;

(b)  That the formalising of the Smart City Team from existing resources under the leadership of the Chief Information Officer, be supported;

(c)  That support be given to the creation of a Capital Innovation Fund of £150,000 which can be used to support “Civic Enterprise” type prototypes as a basis for informing wider business cases, with spending against this fund to be recommended by the Smart Cities lead and associated sign off from Chief Information Officer and the Executive Member for Digital and Creative Technologies, Culture and Skills;

(d)  That the direction to all managers and services to commit to making all non-person sensitive data open and published on the Leeds Data Mill, be supported;

(e)   That a follow up report be submitted to the Board in the next six months on the involvement of the digital community in this area.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development which uses the learning and outputs of the ‘Mentally Health City’ event held in June 2014 to inform of opportunities available to promote a collaborative approach towards crosscutting themes and strategic priorities such as health and planning/urban design.

The Director of Public Health and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report outlining the learning and outputs which had arisen from the ‘Mentally Healthy City’ event held in June 2014. The report helped to place such outputs into the context of wider ongoing work around health and strategic planning which was currently being undertaken within Leeds, whilst the report also made recommendations for further crosscutting work which could be undertaken in order to promote wellbeing across a growing city.

The Board welcomed the fact that the report highlighted and prompted discussion on the issue of mental health. In addition, Members emphasised the vital role of Ward Councillors in progressing the ‘Mentally Healthy’ Leeds initiative in their respective areas and reiterated the need to ensure that associated community infrastructure accompanied future housing growth in the city.

Responding to an enquiry, Members received information on the practical elements of this initiative, and how it would impact upon the planning process for example. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the positive outputs and ideas arising from the ‘Mentally Healthy

City’ workshop, held with cross city partners in June 2014, be recognised and supported;

(b)  That the extensive work currently taking place to integrate health and wellbeing considerations into future planning for the built environment and housing, be recognised and supported;

(c)  That the benefits identified by this conference of Public Health and planning colleagues, applying a cross-cutting approach to issues in breakthrough projects (such as housing growth, making the City a good place to grow old, and reshaping health and social care), and building on the process of consultation and engagement, as outlined within the submitted report, be recognised and supported.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive on the Council’s projected financial position for 2014/15 after seven months of the financial year. The report also comments on the key issues impacting on the overall achievement of the budget for the current year.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report presenting the Council’s projected financial position for 2014/2015 after seven months of the financial year. In addition, the report also highlighted the key issues impacting upon the overall achievement of the budget for the current year and provided details on the measures which had been established to reduce the current level of overspend.

RESOLVED – That the projected financial position of the authority after seven months of 2014/2015, be noted.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive seeking approval of the submitted report as the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2015/2016, and also for the proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which sought approval of the Council’s initial budget proposals for 2015/2016, as detailed within the submitted paper, and also which sought agreement for those proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny and used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

In presenting the submitted report, the Deputy Chief Executive informed the Board that to date, confirmation of the 2015/16 Local Government finance settlement and also the 2015/16 Council Tax referendum ceiling was still to be received. As part of the development of the proposals, it was also noted that further work would continue to ensure that the proposals were robust, whilst work would also be undertaken with a view to strengthening the Council’s level of financial reserves.

The Board considered the cumulative impact upon the Council arising from the challenging funding reductions it had faced since 2010, with tribute being paid to the key role played by Council employees for their continued efforts throughout this period.

RESOLVED – That the submitted report be approved as the initial budget proposals and for such proposals to be submitted to Scrutiny for consideration and also be used as a basis for wider consultation with stakeholders.

(In accordance with the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, decisions as to the Council’s budget are reserved to full Council. As such, the resolution above is not subject to call in, as the budget is a matter that will ultimately be determined by full Council, and the submitted report is in compliance with the relevant Procedure Rules as to the publication of initial budget proposals two months prior to adoption).

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute. Also, in relation to such matters, as Councillor J Procter was in attendance as a non-voting Member, he drew the Board’s attention to the fact that if he were able to, he would abstain from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) setting out proposals for a Local Welfare Support Scheme from April 2015 and which details how the scheme can continue to support the Citizens@Leeds approach to tackling poverty and deprivation.

Further to Minute No. 199, 5^th March 2014, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which presented proposals for a Local Welfare Support Scheme from April 2015 and which detailed how the scheme could continue in order to support the Citizens@Leeds approach to tackling poverty and deprivation.

The Board noted that the proposals detailed within the submitted report were based upon there being no Government funding allocated for 2015/16. However, it was highlighted that a Government announcement following a review of local welfare provision funding for 2015/16 was expected imminently, and that should any Government funding be announced, an updated scheme would be developed based upon a minimum budget of £800k or an amount higher than this figure, should specific Government funding be forthcoming which was greater than £800k.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the development of a scheme based on the outline scheme proposals for emergency provision for 2015/16, as set out within the submitted report, be approved subject to the approval of funding;

(b)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Welfare and Benefits) will be responsible for the implementation of an approved scheme.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) outlining a number of options for a 2015/16 local Council Tax Support Scheme which reflect both the consultation feedback and also the budget position facing the Council. In addition, the report invites the Board to consider making a recommendation to Council to adopt such a scheme prior to 31^st January 2015.

Further to Minute No. 50, 16^th July 2014, the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report outlining a number of options for a 2015/2016 local Council Tax Support Scheme which reflected both the consultation feedback obtained and also the budget position facing the Council. In addition, the report also invited the Board to consider making a recommendation to Council to adopt such a scheme prior to 31st January 2015.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the information detailed within the submitted report be noted, and that full Council be recommended to adopt a Local Council Tax Support Scheme that:-

(i)  Continues with the scheme of protection for vulnerable groups as set out in paragraph 2.4 of the submitted report;

(ii)  Continues the current local scheme of disregarding in full Armed Forces Compensation Payments;

(iii)  Continues to provide a budget of £49.6m, which is the same budget as provided in 2013/14 and 2014/15;

(iv)  Reduces from 26% to 25% the amount of Council Tax due from non-protected working age customers eligible for council tax support, and;

(v)  Introduces new arrangements for non-protected job seekers that requires after a period of 6 months that they take up additional support to help people them into work in order to continue to receive Council Tax Support.

(b)  That support be given to the proposal that a proportion of any Scheme underspend in 2015/16 should be re-invested in activity to support people into work in order to support the successful implementation of this new initiative;

(c)   That should full Council support the adoption of the proposed scheme, it be noted that the decision will be implemented by the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) and will take effect from 1 April 2015. Implementation will commence in the first week of March 2015 as part of the annual billing process in order for the new Scheme to be effective from 1 April 2015.

To consider the report of the City Solicitor seeking approval to the purposes of the Calverley Charity – The Workhouse Allotment, being modified so as to enable the charity to be of more use to the residents of Calverley. The report also seeks approval in principle to dispose of part of the land owned by the Calverley Charity – The Workhouse Allotment, with the proceeds of sale to become part of the charity’s funds and to be used for the delivery of the modified purposes of the charity including the construction of a playground on land retained by the charity.

The City Solicitor submitted a report which sought approval to a modification of the purposes of the ‘Calverley Charity – The Workhouse Allotment’, so as to enable the charity to be of more use to the residents of Calverley. The report also sought approval in principle to dispose of part of the land owned by the ‘Calverley Charity – The Workhouse Allotment’, with the proceeds of the sale becoming part of the charity’s funds for use in the delivery of the modified purposes of the charity, including the construction of a playground on land retained by the charity.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted, and on being satisfied that it is expedient in the interests of the charity for the purposes to be modified, approval be given to the trusts of the charity being modified by replacing the existing purposes of the charity (the prevention or relief of poverty of residents of the former Manor of Calverley) with the new purposes of preventing or relieving need or hardship of persons living within the former Manor of Calverley. Given this resolution, the City Solicitor be requested to notify the Charity Commission of the resolution within fourteen days.

(b)  That in principle approval be given to the disposal of the charity’s land at Dawson’s Corner and retaining sufficient land in order to construct a playground, subject to the necessary consultation with the local community and to a report setting out the detailed proposals being submitted to Executive Board in due course. Given this resolution, the City Solicitor and the Director of City Development be requested to liaise with Ward Members as to the exact nature of the proposals and the required consultation, with a view to submitting a further report to Executive Board within the next six months.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which provides assurances that the Council’s existing safeguarding controls are robust. In addition, the report provides an overview of the additional measures being taken to improve safeguarding issues in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and details the progress which has been made to date.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which provided assurances on the robustness of the Council’s existing safeguarding controls for taxi and private hire licensing. In addition, the report provided an overview of the additional measures being taken to improve safeguarding issues in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing and detailed the progress which had been made to date in this area.

In considering the report, the Board highlighted the need to ensure that a consistently robust approach towards taxi and private hire licensing was adopted across all Local Authorities via the establishment of legislation, and it was agreed that representations on such matters should be submitted to Government on behalf of the Board.

Responding to a specific enquiry regarding the checking measures already in place, it was noted that legal advice was currently being sought in relation to the options available to impose more robust procedures in Leeds for applicants newly arrived in the UK. As such, it was agreed that a further report be submitted to the Board in due course following the receipt of related legal advice, which provided further details on proposals around more robust checks, and which responded to the specific enquiries raised during this discussion.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That representations be made on behalf of Executive Board to Government about the need to establish legislation which will ensure a consistent approach towards taxi and private hire licensing, without reducing the high standards already recognised in Leeds; 

(b)  That a further report be submitted to the Board in due course following the receipt of legal advice currently being sought, which provides further details on proposals around more robust checking measures for applicants newly arrived in the UK and which also responds to the specific enquiries raised during this discussion;

(c)  That the direction officers and Members of Licensing Committee are taking with regard to improvements for safeguarding in Taxi and Private Hire Licensing, be endorsed;

(d)  That it be agreed that Elected Members, MPs and senior officer references should no longer be considered as part of taxi and private licensing decision making processes.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which provides a response to Sir David Higgins’ report “Rebalancing Britain from HS2 towards a national transport strategy”. The report sets out the main principles for the development of the Councils policy in relation to HS2 and HS3 and considers how the Council can realise the regeneration and economic growth benefits of enhanced connectivity

Further to Minute No. 162, 22^nd January 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report which provided a response to Sir David Higgins’ report entitled, ‘Rebalancing Britain from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’. The report presented the main principles for the development of the Council’s policy in relation to HS2 and HS3 and considered how the Council could realise the regeneration and economic growth benefits of enhanced connectivity.

Members highlighted the significance of the HS2 project when considering the future long term economic competitiveness of the Leeds City Region.

RESOLVED – That in noting the in principle support for HS2 provided by Executive Board on 15^th February 2013, together with the Board’s approval of the formal representation to the HS2 Phase Two proposed line of route consultation in January 2014, the following be approved:-

(i)  The Board welcomes the support for the Eastern leg and strategic proposition of HS2 and HS3, provided for by the Sir David Higgins report ‘Rebalancing Britain from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’;

(ii)  The Board agrees to the Council taking a leading role in the Sir David Higgins Leeds station working group, in order to find the optimum solution for the arrival and integration of, HS2 and HS3 into Leeds City Centre, which supports both the growth of rail through the creation of a major rail interchange in Leeds City Centre, and meets our local connectivity, place making and regeneration ambitions;

(iii)  The Board requests that officers continue to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and district partners to develop an integrated HS2 transport connectivity package, which spreads the benefits of HS2 across the Leeds City Region;

(iv)  The Board requests that officers continue to develop a Masterplan for the area surrounding the HS2 station location, in order to inform the development of the Council’s policy position that will maximise both the social, physical and economic benefits from the arrival of HS2;

(v)   The Board requests that officers continue to press HS2 Ltd and the Government on the mitigation of the line of route and to review compensation arrangements for those adversely affected by the line of route;

(vi)   The Board requests that officers work with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in order to develop a HS2 jobs and skills legacy through the City Region Skills Network;

(vii)   The Board requests that officers work in partnership with Northern City Region colleagues on the development of proposals for formalising co-operation across the North through ‘Transport for the North’;

(viii)   The Board requests that officers work collaboratively with HS2 Ltd and Central Government in order to develop proposals for a Council led regeneration delivery vehicle that has the appropriate funding powers and flexibilities to deliver the city’s vision for HS2;

(ix)   The Board instructs the Director of City Development to co-ordinate the work as resolved above and to submit a progress report to Executive Board in 2015, outlining the progress from the Sir David Higgins Leeds Station working group, subsequent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 133.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which recommends that the Council progresses negotiations for a land acquisition to enable the delivery of the Northern Quadrant (NQ) section of the East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) within the East Leeds Extension (ELE).

Please note that the information contained within Appendix 1 and Plan 1 to this report is regarded as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3)

The Director of City Development submitted a report which recommended that the Council progressed negotiations for a land acquisition in order to enable the delivery of the Northern Quadrant (NQ) section of the East Leeds Orbital Road (ELOR) within the East Leeds Extension (ELE).

Responding to a specific enquiry, a Member received clarification on the method by which local Ward Members had been notified of the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 and Plan 1 to the submitted report, both designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the Director of City Development to enter into negotiations in order to seek to agree terms for the purchase of the land interest, as defined within the exempt appendix to the submitted report, owing to it forming a strategic interest within the NQ within the ELE that will facilitate the delivery of ELOR;

(b)  That a further report be submitted from the Director of City Development to Executive Board on the terms to be provisionally agreed, at which time an injection into the Capital Programme will be requested together with a request of ‘Authority to Spend’ the monies for its purchase;

(c)  That it be noted that the Head of Land and Property will be responsible for the implementation of the actions, as set out within the submitted report.

(As Councillor J Procter was in attendance as a non-voting Member, he drew the Board’s attention to the fact that if he were able to, he would vote against the decisions referred to within this minute)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development presenting the findings of a Review of Inward Investment in Leeds City Region, and which seeks approval for the conclusions and recommendations of the Review.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented the findings from a Review of Inward Investment into Leeds City Region. Furthermore, the report sought the Board’s approval of the conclusions and recommendations arising from the Review.

The Board discussed the background and context to the review being undertaken, highlighted the key role which continued to be played by inward investment within the Leeds City Region economy and in moving forward, considered the principle aims of the proposals detailed within the submitted report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the recommendations of the Review of Inward Investment in Leeds City Region, as set out within the Final Report of the Review, detailed in Annex 1 to the submitted report, be agreed;

(b)  That approval be given to the transfer of the Leeds and Partners inward investment, and supporting and marketing and communications functions, to be overseen by the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority being the employer of the relevant staff and the legally responsible organisation;

(c)  That the transfer of the Leeds and Partners visitor economy function to Leeds City Council, be approved;

(d)  That support be given to the proposals for considering over the longer term a future city region or cross-boundary approach towards the visitor economy, linked potentially to commissioning of Welcome to Yorkshire;

(e)  That subject to the agreement of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, approval be given to the winding up of Leeds and Partners as a separate organisation;

(f)  That officers be instructed to support the transition process, including dealing with the relevant legal, financial and staffing issues;

(g)  That agreement be given to put in place appropriate resources and capacity within Leeds City Council, in order to enable Leeds to work with the LEP to secure inward investment, to develop growth sectors and market and promote the city;

(h)  That it be noted that the new arrangements will be put in place by April 2015, and that the Chief Economic Development Officer will be responsible for the implementation of such matters.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing an update on progress made for the proposed disposal of part of the site to Albion Sports, further to the report submitted to Executive Board 19^th November 2014. At that time Executive Board approved the acquisition of the various playing pitches and grazing land as identified on the attached plan from Bradford University, and also to sell the long leasehold interest of part of the site to Albion Sports Juniors Football Club. Albion Sports has subsequently withdrawn from the terms previously agreed, and it is now proposed to fund the acquisition from an alternative source as detailed within the exempt appendix. 

Please note that the information contained within Appendix 1 to this report is regarded as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3)

Further to Minute No. 114, 19^th November 2014, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on progress made for the proposed disposal of part of the site to Albion Sports. At the previous meeting in November 2014, the Board approved the acquisition of the various playing pitches and grazing land, as identified on the appended plan to the submitted report, from Bradford University. In addition, the Board also agreed to sell the long leasehold interest of part of the site to Albion Sports Juniors Football Club. The submitted report noted that Albion Sports had subsequently withdrawn from the terms previously agreed, and it was now proposed to fund the acquisition from an alternative source, as detailed within the exempt appendix to the submitted report.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted report, designated as exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That it be noted that Albion Sports has subsequently withdrawn from the terms, as previously agreed;

(b)  That the funding of the acquisition, as detailed within the exempt appendix to the submitted report, be approved;

(c)  That it be noted that the necessary authority to negotiate with local football, sports clubs and local schools with regard to the terms for the use of the pitches is delegated to the Director of City Development, in accordance with Part 3 of the constitution;

(d)  That the disposal of the properties, as identified within the exempt appendix to the submitted report be approved, and that approval also be given to ring fencing their capital receipts so that they can be used for funding the acquisition of the Woodhall playing pitches;

(e)   That it be noted that the Head of Asset Management will be responsible for the implementation of such matters, with transactions to complete within six months.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services containing details of a proposal brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. The report describes the outcome of a statutory notice in relation to the expansion of primary provision in Roundhay and seeks a final decision on the proposal to expand Gledhow Primary School from September 2016.

Further to Minute No. 64, 17^th September 2014, the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which contained details of a proposal brought forward to meet the local authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places. The report described the outcome of a statutory notice in relation to the expansion of primary provision in Roundhay and also sought a final decision on the proposal to expand Gledhow Primary School from September 2016.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the expansion of Gledhow Primary School, by increasing its capacity from 420 pupils to 630 pupils, and increasing the admission limit in reception from 60 to 90 from September 2016, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters is the Capacity Planning and Sufficiency Lead.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a matter may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process, if it is deemed as being urgent and that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. It has been deemed that the resolutions detailed above are exempt from Call In due the critical nature of the date by which an Executive Board decision must be made. Executive Board must make a decision within two months of the expiry of the statutory notice period, otherwise the proposal must be referred to the School Adjudicator for a final decision.  The statutory notice period closed on 24 October and therefore a final decision must be made by 23 December 2014, and if a decision is not made, then the additional school places required for 2016 would not be secured).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development providing a summary of the responses arising from the associated consultation period for the Planning Statement, outlines the changes made to the Statement and seeks approval of the Statement. In addition, the report seeks approval to enter into discussions with Asda in order to explore the company’s interest in acquiring Council owned land to enable the redevelopment of the existing Holt Park supermarket. 

Further to Minute No. 49, 17^th July 2013, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing a summary of the responses arising from the associated consultation exercise for the Holt Park District Centre Planning Statement, outlining the changes made to the Statement and which sought approval of the Statement. In addition, the report also sought approval to enter into discussions with Asda in order to explore the company’s interest in acquiring Council owned land to enable the redevelopment of the existing Holt Park supermarket.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the draft Planning Statement for the Holt Park District Centre, be approved.

(b)  That officers be authorised to enter into discussions with Asda in order to explore the company’s interest in acquiring Council owned land to enable the redevelopment of the existing Holt Park Asda supermarket. In the event of Asda and the Council not being able to agree redevelopment proposals that achieves best consideration for the Council, then officers be requested to advertise sites C and E, as presented within the submitted report and appendices, for sale on the open market;

(c)  That the Director of City Development, in consultation with the

Executive Member for Transport and the Economy, bring forward proposals for the development and disposal of the brownfield residential sites in order to identify the most appropriate use;

(d)  That it be noted that the Head of Land and Property will be responsible for the implementation of resolution (b) above, in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport and the Economy.

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health setting out the background to, and main findings of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) feasibility study. The study has looked at air quality in Leeds, the main contributors and scenarios to bring about reductions of key pollutants and the associated health and economic implications. In addition, the report presents the initial response to the study, describing measures which are currently being taken to improve air quality and pointing to further areas where progress can be made.

The Director of Environment and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report presenting the background to, and the key findings arising from a study undertaken into the feasibility of introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The study considered air quality in Leeds, the main contributors and scenarios to bring about reductions of key pollutants and the associated health and economic implications. In addition, the report also presented the initial response to the study, describing measures which were currently being taken to improve air quality and pointing to further areas where progress could be made.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, further context was provided to the Board around the short term actions proposed within the submitted report which would look to develop a strategic approach towards the improvement of air quality. Members noted the intention to submit a further report on this matter to Executive Board in the summer of 2015.

Emphasis was placed upon the need for the level of public transport emissions to be improved, and it was acknowledged that Quality Bus Contracts was one of a number of potential options available which could help improve such emission levels.

The Board highlighted how the devolution of greater powers to the Local Authority would enable the development of a truly strategic approach on such issues, and with this in mind, it was suggested that the Council’s ‘wider ambition’ for the improvement of air quality form part of the report to be submitted to the Board in summer 2015.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That dialogue with key interest groups in the transport sector be commenced in order to agree a range of practical measures with timescales for their introduction that will bring about improvements to air quality and health. The aim being to deliver changes by dialogue where possible, but with the clear understanding that improvements could be achieved ultimately via a Low Emission Zone.

(b)  That the findings of this work be shared regionally with the other West Yorkshire Authorities and the Combined Authority in order to assist in providing a regional solution to the air quality challenge that the whole of West Yorkshire faces. In addition, it be noted that air quality is a trans-boundary issue and can only be effectively addressed across West Yorkshire by all partner authorities and organisations working together, and wherever possible it be recommended that any measures introduced reflect the regional situation rather than dealing with issues in isolation.

(c)  That the key findings of the LEZ study be used to influence future funding bids as they become available (for example the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Green Bus Fund);

(d)  That any future decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone be taken in the context of a wider Leeds Low Emission Strategy that is expected in 2015;

(e)  That an update report on this matter be submitted to the Board in summer 2015, which also provides further information on the Council’s ‘wider ambition’ for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:    FRIDAY, 19^TH DECEMBER 2014

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  5.00PM, TUESDAY 6^TH JANUARY 2015

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00noon on Wednesday, 7^th January 2015)