Agenda and minutes

To agree that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendix 1 in respect of Item 16 ’Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre’ (copy to be circulated at the meeting)

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following part of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information to designated as follows:-

Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute 67 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, the reputation of the organisation could be detrimentally affected before they had attempted to satisfactorily resolve the matter.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair consented to the submission of a late item ‘Well-being Report’ (Minute 59 refers). The report was late due to the funding application for Local Futures not being finalised until after the submission date for reports to the Area Committee, and therefore information required to assist the Committee making a decision on allocating Well-being funds was not available.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

Councillor J Chapman declared a personal interest in her capacity as Lead Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing) and report author of ‘Making a Bigger Difference in Localities’ regarding Area Management in Leeds (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 64 refers)

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor K Hussain.

A number of other apologies received from members of the public were also read out at the meeting.

(Councillor P Ewens, Councillor J Illingworth and Councillor D Morton joined the meeting at 7.10 pm)

The Chair welcomed everyone to the December meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16.

The Chair referred to a survey/ information leaflet circulated at the meeting in relation to the North West (Inner) Area Committee and invited members of the public to complete and return the document.

He also welcomed to the meeting Louise Beeby and Fred Spencer, Neighbourhood Wardens and on behalf of the Area Committee he thanked them for their hard work, especially in Little London and Hawksworth Wood.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

In summary the following issue was raised at the meeting:-

·  Leeds Girls’ High School Update

Pam Bone, Leeds Girls’ High School Action Group Chair updated the meeting on the latest developments.

Detailed discussion ensued and the Chair informed the Committee that a meeting with Councillor R Brett was being arranged to discuss the way forward.

Councillor B Atha proposed a motion that Councillor A Carter should be censured for refusing to meet with Leeds Girls’ High School Action Group.

Councillor B Atha’s motion was then put to the vote and carried.

·  Hyde Park Source

Emma Roberston, Hyde Park Source introduced herself to the meeting and informed the Area Committee of the withdrawal of funding for bin yard improvement schemes paid to them by Leeds City Council’s Environmental Health section, which posed a threat to their ability to continue this type of community scheme.

Following discussions on this issue, North West Area Management agreed to convene a meeting with Hyde Park Source to discuss their funding requirements.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18^th October 2007.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th October 2007 be approved as a correct record.

(b)  That the update on matters arising from the previous meeting be noted.

(a)  The University of Leeds Inner North West Community Strategy 2007-2023 (Minute 40(e) refers)

  It was noted that a response had been received from Leeds Metropolitan University stating that they did not intend to produce a community strategy as per the University of Leeds.  The response had been circulated to Members, but at the request of the Chair this would be also circulated to the Area Committee’s public distribution list. 

(b)  Key Messages  from Ward Forums and Area Committee Sub Groups (Minute 40(g) refers)

  Councillor D Morton referred to the CAST/Environmental Pride team reports issue seeking assurance that the relevant Executive Member and/or Streetscene officers had been invited to attend the next meeting.

  Jason Singh, North West Area Management informed the meeting that a report was being drafted for consideration by Executive Board, and that the relevant Executive Member and/or officers would be contacted regarding attending the next meeting.

(c)  Quarter One Well-Being Monitoring Report (Minute 40(i) refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the ‘litter bins being removed from bus stops’ issue and it was noted that a response had been received from the Chair of Metro, which was detailed in full in the Matters Arising paper.

  Councillor Minkin offered to follow up this matter with the Chair of Metro on behalf of the Area Committee.

(d)  Council Funding and Police Charges relevant to Community Events (Minute 46 refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and requested that Members of the Area Committee be informed of the dates in relation to the proposed Divisional Commanders/Council events section meetings regarding festival charges.

  At the request of the Chair, Richard Coldwell, West Yorkshire Police updated the meeting on the latest developments and it was noted that the Association of Chief Police Officers would soon be circulating guidance in respect of the national policy for charging of police services and that a letter would be issued from the Leeds Divisional Commanders, in the near future, on how the charges would be applied across Leeds.

  Discussion ensued and it was agreed that a meeting should be convened with relevant bodies as soon as possible to discuss

Kirkstall Festival and Hyde Park Unity Day.

(Councillor M Hamilton joined the meeting at 7.35 pm prior to discussing the following item)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with full minutes and key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee meeting.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with full minutes and key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee meeting.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following key issues:-

·  Transport Group – A660 cycle route

(Councillor B Jennings informed the meeting that Philip Purkis wished to thank those members of  the Area Committee who had contributed MICE money towards the feasibility study)

·  Street Drinkers Meeting – Hyde Park and Woodhouse DPPO

(the need for North West Area Management to redraw the DPPO into smaller areas to cover pockets of green space, including amongst others Woodhouse Moor; Hanover Square; Woodhouse Square; Little London; and Rose Bank Millennium Green)

·  Children and Young People Sub Group – a proposal for a multi use games area to be installed close to Hyde Park Corner, and resurfacing of the tennis courts near the bowling green on Woodhouse Moor

(the need for North West Area Management to seek clarification on the proposals and to ensure that public consultation was carried out on any such proposal)

·  Joint Transport and Planning Sub Groups – New development along the A65 and bus corridor along Leeds and Bradford Road

(the need for the Chair to write to the Director of City Development requesting the publication of accurate traffic flow projections from Highways offices’ to assist the forthcoming Public Inquiry)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

 (b)  That in relation to the Hyde Park and Woodhouse DPPO, North West Area Management be requested to redraw the DPPO into smaller areas to cover pockets of green space.

(c)  That in respect of the multi use games area proposed close to Hyde Park Corner, North West Area Management be requested to seek clarification on the proposals, and to ensure that public consultation was carried out on any such proposal.

(d)  That in relation to the new development along the A65, authority be given for the Chair to write to the Director of City Development requesting the publication of accurate traffic flow projections from Highways officers’ to assist the forthcoming Public Inquiry.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on a request for funding from Local Futures in order to complete match funding criteria for a larger application to Access the Employment (Round 2) by 31^st December 2007.

Appended to the report was a brief overview of the project for the information/ comment of the meeting.

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices with specific reference to seeking clarification as to why the report was being submitted so close to the deadline for funding and the need for further information on the project.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That consideration of this item be deferred.

(b)  That Area Management be requested to provide further information in respect of this application for consideration at the next Area Committee meeting

(c)  That, in the interim period, Members briefings for Hyde Park and Woodhouse and Kirkstall Ward Councillors be arranged.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with an update on the monitoring of revenue and capital projects for quarter 2 of 2007/08.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with an update on the monitoring of revenue and capital projects for quarter 2 of 2007/08.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  Site Based Gardeners – clarification of the funding being used for core duties

·  Woodhouse Moor Survey – the need for North West Area Management to arrange a meeting with the Friends of Woodhouse Moor to discuss the survey

·  Additional litter bins – clarification of the current position

·  Grass verges – clarification of the current position in relation to issues with people parking on grass verges in Silk Mill Drive and Old Oak Drive and the need to look at effective measures i.e. rubber matting etc

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report  be noted.

(b)  That in respect of the Woodhouse Moor Survey project, North West Area Management be requested to arrange a meeting with the Friends of Woodhouse Moor to discuss relevant issues.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update on the Little London and Woodhouse Neighbourhood Management Initiative and also around the work which has been undertaken on Neighbourhood Improvement in other areas across the inner north west.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update on the Little London and Woodhouse Neighbourhood Management Initiative and also around the work which had been undertaken on Neighbourhood Improvement in other areas across the inner north west.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Silk Mills / Tinshill Neighbourhood Improvement Plan

·  Hawksworth Wood Draft Neighbourhood Improvement Plan

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on a  proposed Community Centre new pricing policy .

Referring to Minute 18 of the meeting held on 28^th June 2007, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on a proposed Community Centre new pricing policy.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Key issues raised in previous community centres pricing and letting policy consultation in 2005 (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Woodsley  Road Community Centre (Appendix 2 refers)

·  Headingley Community Centre (Appendix 3 refers)

·  MeanwoodCommunitiy Centre (Appendix 4 refers)

·  Little London Community Centre (Appendix 5 refers)

·  Woodhouse Community Centre (Appendix 6 refers)

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification as to whether weddings/funerals were included within the workable discount structure referred to in 6.2 of the report

·  Member working group – the need for the group to focus on the following specific issues:-

- clarification of the discounts

- the need to group users into categories

·  the need for flexibility throughout the city

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That in relation to the principles of the proposed pricing policy as detailed in Section 5.0 of the report, consideration of this item be deferred.

(c)  That approval be given to establish a Member working group to guide consultation with existing community centre users and the development of a discount structure.

(d)  That in relation to determining the membership of the working group, North West Area Management be requested to forward an email to Elected Members seeking nominations with a report back on progress to a future meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the Area Manager’s report providing an update on Little London Regeneration Scheme, Headingley Town and District Scheme, Royal Park Primary School, Headingley Primary School and Kirkstall District Centre.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an update on Little London Regeneration Scheme, Headingley Town and District Scheme, Royal Park Primary School, Headingley Primary School, Hyde Park DPPO and Kirkstall District Centre.

Jason Singh, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues in relation to Royal Park Primary School:-

·  the need for the current consultation period to be extended

·  the need for North West Area Management staff to arrange a meeting with the Royal Park Community Consortium to discuss issues of concern

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report be noted.

(b)  That in relation to Royal Park Primary School, the current consultation period be extended and that North West Area Management be requested to arrange a meeting with the Royal Park Community Consortium.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining changes to Area Committee responsibilities and working arrangements previously agreed at the Council’s Executive Board on 14^th November 2007.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining the changes to Area Committee responsibilities and working arrangements previously agreed at the Council’s Executive Board on 14^th November 2007.

Jason Singh, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for assurances to be given by officers that matters would be dealt with quickly with the right level of support

·  the need to formally record a vote of thanks to Councillor J Chapman for her contribution to the review

·  the need for a Special Area Committee to be convened in early January 2008 to discuss the proposals in detail

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That a Special Meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee be convened in early January 2008 to discuss the proposals in detail.

(c)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to Councillor J Chapman for her contribution to the review in her capacity as Lead  Member (Neighbourhoods and Housing) and report author of ‘Making a Bigger Difference in Localities’ regarding Area Management in Leeds.

(d)  That the Committee notes that a programme of briefings for Elected Members would be arranged for 2008 to help prepare Members for the new responsibilities that would come under the remit of the Area Committees.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services Unit on the Leeds Joint Area Review.

The Director of Children’s Services Unit submitted a report on the Leeds Joint Area Review.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Leeds Joint Area Review 2007’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That Members of the Area Committee be requested to forward their comments on the Leeds Joint Area Review to North West Area Management as part of the inspection process.

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer setting out the background to and present position regarding the upgrading of the playing fields at Tinshill Recreation Ground and the proposal to erect a fence around the two pitches at the Farrar Lane end of the site and to give priority access to this area to the Ralph Thoresby High School during the day in term time.

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report setting out the background to and present position regarding the upgrading of the playing fields at Tinshill Recreation Ground and the proposal to erect a fence around the two pitches at the Farrar Lane end of the site and to give priority access to this area to Ralph Thoresby High School during the day in term time.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

The Chair invited members of the public to make official representations on the matter.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following:-

·  the need to obtain the views of Sport England on this issue

·  a view expressed that incorrect advice was given

·  the need for the Director of City Development to prepare an updated report on the City’s Sports Pitch Strategy for consideration at a future meeting

·  a view expressed that in relation to the regeneration of Holt Park District Centre, that if the old school site cannot be included in the proposed regeneration, the area should be turned in to the school’s playing pitches and the fencing around the pitches on Tinshill Recreation Ground should be removed

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That the Director of City Development be requested to prepare an updated report on the City’s Sports Pitch Strategy for consideration at a future meeting.

(c)  That in relation to the regeneration of Holt Park District Centre, this Committee suggests that if the old school site cannot be included in the proposed regeneration, the area should be turned into the school’s playing pitches and the fencing around pitches on Tinshill Recreation Ground be removed.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with an update on progress made at Woodsley Road Community Centre over the past 18 months as requested at the last Committee meeting.

Appendix 1 of this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3).

(Consideration of this item was deferred and referred to a Special Meeting of the Area Committee to be held in early January 2008)

Thursday 7^th February 2008 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16.

Thursday 7^th February 2008 at 7.00 pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at 9.50 pm)