Agenda, decisions and minutes

OFFICERS:  Jane Maxwell, West North West Area Leader

  Stuart Byrne, West North West Area Support Team

  Ryan Platten, Community Planning Officer

  John Lennon, Chief Officer, Adult Social Care

  Paul Morrin, Leeds Community Healthcare

  Tim Taylor, Adult Social Care

  Lynne Hamshaw, West North West Homes

  John Grieve, Governance Services 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby

  Sue Buckle, SHCA, RPCC, FOWM

  Inspector Ian Scott, West Yorkshire Police

  Rose Hampton, Leeds University Union

  Ben Fisher, Leeds University Union

  Alice Bartholomew, Leeds University

  Rhianne Aitken, Leeds University

  Daisy Bellis, Leeds University

  Andy Beeston, Local Resident

  Georgie Sale, Interested party

  Richard Hellawell, Local Resident

  Marian Charlton, Cardigan Centre, School Governor

  J Sherwin, SHCA

  Tony Paley-Smith, NHPNA

  Ursula Klingel, SHCA

Howard Eaglestone, SHCA

Mercia Southon, NHPNA

Victoria Jaquiss, Interested party

  Josie Green,NHPNA

  Tony Green, NHPNA

    Bill MKinnon, Little Woodhouse Community

    Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park Resident

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.

There were no declarations of interest

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from: Councillor J Chapman and Councillor L Yeadon

To receive a deputation by the Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting that funding be made available to fund the provision of Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor throughout 2012.

(Please note that in accordance with Paragraph 6.19 of the Area Committee Procedures Rules, the deputation shall not be more than 5 minutes in duration)

(a)  Proliferation of Student Tower Blocks in the City Centre. – The Committee received a deputation from residents of the Little Woodhouse community highlighting the proliferation of student tower blocks in the city centre. Bill Mckinnon, spokesperson for the group said that the erection of the tower blocks had resulted in an increased student population on the borders of Little Woodhouse by several thousand leading to huge increases in anti-social behaviour. It was also understood that there were other similar student housing developments being planned for other city centre areas which would adversely effect the residential amenity of the area.

Mr McKinnon asked if the Area Committee would support the residents of Little Woodhouse and write to the Chief Planning Officer objecting to further student housing development in the area.

The Community Planning Officer, Mr Platten, confirmed that 3 student housing projects were currently at the pre application stage.

In the discussion that ensued Members were generally supportive of the concerns raised by the deputation suggesting that further student housing development in the city centre would threaten the residential amenity of the area.

Councillors: Akhtar, Chastney and Matthews did not participate in the discussion or express a view on this item as Members of Plans Panels (West) who would be involved in the determination of any subsequent planning application.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To welcome and support the Deputation from residents of the Little Woodhouse community.

(ii)  That the Chair of the Planning Sub Group be requested to write, on behalf of the Committee to the Chief Planning Officer suggesting that further student housing development in the city centre would threaten the residential amenity of the area.

(b)  Funds to Provide Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor – The Committee received a deputation from Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting that funds be made available to provide Park Wardens for Woodhouse Moor throughout 2012. Sue Buckle, spokesperson for the Group said that it was extremely important that the services of the Park Wardens be retained. The presence of the Park Wardens was a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and reduced damage to the area. In recent years funding for the Park Wardens has been reduced resulting in a reduced presence on the park. It was understood that the fire brigade had been called out on an number of occasions in previous years to deal with fires as a consequence of barbeque activity.  This resulted in Leeds City Council picking up the cost for calling upon the resources of the fire service. The retention and possible increase of the Park Warden presence may reduce the number of occasions the fire service are called upon.

  In summing up Sue urged Members to support the retention of the Park Warden Service.

  Stuart Byrne, Area Support Team confirmed that an application for funding had been received and would be considered through the 2012/13 Well Being Fund process. 

  The Committee appeared to be generally supportive of the retention of the Park Warden Service suggesting that due  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

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 paragraph 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for Members of the Public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee

City of Leeds High School – Marian Charlton, Chair of Governors, City of Leeds High School, spoke about the positive feedback received following a recent Ofsted inspection. Quoting from the report Mrs Charlton said “the school was a shining example of what a diverse and harmonious school looks and feels like”. Mrs Charlton suggested that the school was now on the way up and the profile of the school required raising in light of the Ofsted report.

Mrs Charlton thanked Members of the Committee for their assistance and support over the years and highlighted that the school was open for business and getting that message across to the public would be greatly appreciated.

The Chair thanked Mrs Charlton for her contribution, commenting that she had the continued support of the Area Committee.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th December 2011

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th December 2012 be accepted as a true and correct record

To consider any matters arising from the minutes

(Copy attached)

Members considered a report by West North West Area Support which identified a number of issues requiring further action following the last meeting of the Area Committee.

Specific reference was made to the following:

Former Royal Park School – In providing an update Sue Buckle, Royal Park Community Consortium said she had since met with Councillor Lewis, the Executive Board Member responsible for Development, who had requested the assistance of the Consortium in producing a report which would identify what support and commitment would be available from the local business community. Once prepared the report would be passed to Councillor Lewis for his consideration.

In passing comment Councillor Illingworth said that he was aware that there was an outstanding debt of £3,000, for unpaid architect fees which the Consortium were being asked to pay.

In responding Sue Buckle said it was her understanding that payment was required.

Councillor Illingworth asked if further clarification could be obtained over the outstanding debt.

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That further clarification be provided on the outstanding debt associated with the former Royal Park School.

To receive for information the Minutes of the Area Chair’s Forum held on 11^th November 2012

(Copy attached)

(Council Function 5 Minutes)

The Committee received for information and comment the minutes of the Area Chair’s Forum held on 11^th November 2012

RESOLVED – That the minutes from the Area Chair’s Forum held on 11^th November 2012 be noted

To introduce Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council

The Chair welcomed and introduced Mr Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council.

In addressing the Committee the Chief Executive said that he’d now attended most of the Area Committees throughout the city and that the North West (Inner) Area Committee appeared to have the largest number of attendees which was a credit to the people of the area.

Speaking on the role of the Area Committee, the Chief Executive said the Area Committees provided a vital function in listening to the views of local people about the services that are provided. Feedback was essential if the delivery of service was to be improved. The Chief Executive said that it was the intention of Leeds City Council that the decision making process at local level should be extended.

Commenting on a number of items included on the agenda, the Chief Executive said that the development of integrated Health  and Social Care Teams and the emerging priorities from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) were very important issues. Through participation/ discussion and offering feedback local people may be able to influence polices and provide opportunity to address inequalities in the city.

Addressing the Core Strategy for Planning, the Chief Executive suggested that this was an area which was difficult to strike the right balance with the aspirations of the business community, the need for more housing while also protecting the Green Belt. It was important for the City to develop but at the same time taking account of the views of the local community.

The Chair thanked the Chief Executive for his attendance and contribution.

To consider a report by Director of Adult Social Services which provides details of work going on in Leeds to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services.  The report describes the approach of using demonstrator sites to test out and develop aspects of the model of service.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report which provided details of work being undertaken in Leeds to improve the effectiveness of health and social care services.

The report described the approach of using demonstrator sites to test out and develop aspects of the model service.

John Lennon, Chief Officer, Access and Inclusion presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Understanding the health needs of the local population.
• Identifying those groups most at risk of needing high levels of health and social care support.
• The use of demonstrator sites to test and develop aspects of the model of service.
• GP practices, health workers, social care staff and patients would work closer to improve outcomes and quality of care for older people and those with long term conditions.
• Shared information, systems and processes.
• Data protection issues.

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That further updates on progress of the demonstrator sites be brought back to this Committee over the coming year.

To consider a report by the Director of Public Healthwhich provides an  update on the emerging priorities for this area flowing from the refresh of the Leeds JSNA,

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Director of Public Health submitted a report which provided an update on the emerging priorities for the North West (Inner) Area flowing from the refresh of the Leeds Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

Tim Taylor, Adult Social Care, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• The need to reduce the numbers of people living with ill health.
• The need to reduce the number of people dying prematurely.
• The need to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles, make healthy choices and reduce health inequalities.
• Investigate the wider factors which effect health, wellbeing and health inequalities.
• Neighbourhood index – Inequalities in different wards of the area which appear to be not picked up.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the prioritisation of action be identified in line with diverse needs within the population as identified in section 5.1 of the submitted report.

(ii)  That further consideration be given to the MSOA profiles for Little London, Sheepscar in line with the present actions taking place within these areas.

To consider a report by the Community Planning Officer which provides an  update on the community planner work programme for the past 12 months.

The report also introduces those emerging projects and themes which are likely to be central to discussions at the Inner West Area Committee (INWAC) Planning Sub Group over the next twelve months and introduce the proposed work programme for the community planner over this period, if the Area Committee determine to continue funding the post.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Community Planning Officer submitted a report which provided an update on the community planner work programme for the past 12 months.

The report also identified those emerging projects and themes which were likely to be central to discussions at the Inner North West Area Committee (INWAC) Planning Sub Group over the next twelve months and introduce the proposed work programme for the community planner over this period, subject to continued funding of the post.

Ryan Platten, Community Planning Officer, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• The work of the INWAC Planning Sub Group.
• Neighbourhood Planning.
• Article 4 Direction and HMO Planning Policy.
• Community Planner Website.
• Community led Planning documents.
• Drop-in Sessions for significant planning applications.
• Housing strategy.
• Planning Core Strategy.

In passing comment on the introduction of the Article 4 Direction, which came into force on 10^th February 2012, Dr Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby said planning permission was now required for conversion of family houses to HMOs. But, UDP Policy H15 (2006) resists conversion to HMOs which leads to loss of family housing. Therefore the new legislation should prevent any more HMO’s in Headingley, which was good for the area.

Councillor Walshaw, Chair of the Planning Sub Group, took the opportunity to thank the Community Planning Officer for his assistance and support in addressing the many community planning issues.

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  To note that the deadline for comments on the Planning Core Strategy is 12^th April 2012.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) which provides an update on the 2011/12 Wellbeing budget position, showing how individual projects had spent against their individual grants.

The report also seeks approval for the 2012/13 Wellbeing commissioning round and to note the proposed date of the supplementary Area Committee.

(Report attached)

(Executive Function 10 Minutes)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) submitted a report which provided an update on the 2011/12 Wellbeing budget position and demonstrated how individual projects had spent against their individual grants.

The report also sought approval for the 2012/13 Wellbeing Commissioning Round and to note a proposal for a Special Meeting of the Area Committee on 8^th March 2012

Included within the report was the following appendix:

• Wellbeing Budget Statement 2011/12

Stuart Byrne, Inner North West Area Management, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments

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

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the current Wellbeing Budget Position as set out in appendix 1 of the submitted report

(ii)  To approve the staging of a Members Workshop with a view to looking at each application in detail and seeking any necessary clarification prior to a formal decision being made

(ii)  To approve that a Special Meeting of the Area Committee be arranged for Thursday 8^th March 2012 at 7.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds to formally consider and approve the allocation of Wellbeing Funding for 2012/13

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) submitted a report which provided an update on the 2011/12 Wellbeing budget position and demonstrated how individual projects had spent against their individual grants.

The report also sought approval for the 2012/13 Wellbeing Commissioning Round and to note a proposal for a Special Meeting of the Area Committee on 8^th March 2012.

Included within the report was the following appendix:

• Wellbeing Budget Statement 2011/12.

Stuart Byrne, Inner North West Area Support Team, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Funding to provide Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor throughout 2012.
• The commissioning round for the 2012/13 Wellbeing Fund resulted in the receipt of over 40 application totalling in excess of £450,000.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the current Wellbeing Budget Position as set out in appendix 1 of the submitted report.

(ii)  To approve the staging of a Members Workshop with a view to looking at each application in detail and seeking any necessary clarification prior to a formal decision being made.

(ii)  To approve that a Special Meeting of the Area Committee be arranged for Thursday 8^th March 2012 at 7.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds to formally consider and approve the allocation of Wellbeing Funding for 2012/13.

To consider a report by the Deputy Chief Executive which provides an update on recent Sub Group business, Forum business, the current position relating to other project activity.

(Report attached)

(Executive Function 10 Minutes)

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the recent Sub Group business, Forum Business, the current position relating to other project activity

Included within the report were the following appendices:

• Welfare Reform (Report1) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011
• Welfare Reform (Report 2) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011
• Welfare Reform (Report 3) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011
• Welfare Reforms: Cross ALMO/ BITMO Action Plan 2011/12
• Welfare Reform Timetable
• Letter from the Leader of Council, Councillor Keith Wakefield
• Matters Arising Note: Leeds Citizens Panel Report to Area Committees – February 2012

Stuart Byrne, West North West Are Management presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments

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

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note and action, as appropriate the Key Messages from the Sub Groups as set out in section 3 of the submitted report

(ii)  To note the update on the Little London Community Centre

(iii)  To note the information provided on the Government Welfare Reforms

(iv)  To note the Briefing Note on the Leeds Citizens Panel

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which provided an update on the recent Sub Group business, Forum Business, the current position relating to other project activity.

Included within the report were the following appendices:

• Welfare Reform (Report1) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011.
• Welfare Reform (Report 2) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011.
• Welfare Reform (Report 3) – Area Committee Chair’s Forum – 3^rd November 2011.
• Welfare Reforms: Cross ALMO/ BITMO Action Plan 2011/12.
• Welfare Reform Timetable.
• Letter from the Leader of Council, Councillor Keith Wakefield.
• Matters Arising Note: Leeds Citizens Panel Report to Area Committees – February 2012.

Stuart Byrne, West North West Area Support Team presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Update on the Little London Community Centre.
• Information on Welfare Reforms.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note and action, as appropriate the Key Messages from the Sub Groups as set out in section 3 of the submitted report.

(ii)  To note the update on the Little London Community Centre.

(iii)  To note the information provided on the Government Welfare Reforms.

(iv)  To note the Briefing Note on the Leeds Citizens Panel.

To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 12th April 2012 at 7.00pm in the Lewis Jones Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stadium,

St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BR

Map of Today’s Venue

Map of today’s meeting at the City of Leeds High School, Bedford Field, Woodhouse Cliff, Leeds, LS6 2LG

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note that a Special Meeting of the Area Committee will be arranged for Thursday 8^th March 2012 at 7.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds. The purpose of the meeting is to formally consider and approve the allocation of Wellbeing Funding for 2012/13

(ii)  To note that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Thursday 12^th April 2012 at 7.00pm in the Lewis Jones Suit, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3 BR