Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting.)

There were no appeals against the refusal of inspection of documents.

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 or Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 as appropriate, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information 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, as follows:-‘

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

There were no late items submitted to the agenda.

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.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made. However, in relation to item 11 Cllr. Fox drew the attention of the Committee to the fact that he was a Parish Councillor for Arthington Parish Council and Bramhope Parish Council (Minute 84 refers)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Townsley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th December 2013.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th December 2013 be approved as a correct record.

Minute 51. Update on Welfare Benefit Changes

It was noted that additional information relating to this report had not been received by some Members. The information will be re-sent.

Minute 67 Leaf-clearance update report

Members were informed that the Locality Manager for West North West Leeds would be attending the March meeting. Members had a lengthy discussion on specific issues relating to leaf clearance within the North West Outer area. Members raised concerns that if leaf clearance was not undertaken regularly it would reduce the capacity for drainage leading to flooding. This had already been noted as an issue at Bayton Lane and Brownberrie Lane.

The Director of Environment and Housing who was in attendance informed the Members that there was a programme for leaf clearance and that looking forward in planning for next autumn it would be useful to talk to Members to address specific issues within the North West Outer Area Committee area.

Minute 69. Wellbeing update report

Members were advised that information would be available at the March meeting to enable debate on re-occurring well-being costs.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, members of the public in attendance are invited to make representations or ask questions specifically in relation to any matters excluding those relating to planning issues within the terms of reference of the Area Committee. The Chair has designated a maximum period of 10 minutes for this item.

In accordance with Paragraphs 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 term of reference of the Area Committee.

On this occasion no members of public raised any issues.

The Chair enquired if Police Sergeant Salisbury wished to raise any issues. Sergeant Salisbury reiterated the issue of flooding as a concern in relation to road traffic incidents.

To receive a report of the Chief Officer Parks and countryside which provides an overview of the service and sets out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives. In addition it seeks to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee.. In particular it sets out an area level progress made in attaining Leeds quality Park Standard. It also sets out investment needed to attain and sustain LQP standards.

The Chief Officer Parks and Countryside submitted a report. The report sought to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the North West Outer Area Committee, as agreed at Executive Board. It provided an overview of the service and set out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives.  In addition it sought to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee. In particular it presented at an area level progress made in attaining Leeds Quality Park (LQP) standard.  It also proposed investment needed to attain and sustain LQP standards.

The Senior Area Manager West, Parks and Countryside, presenting the report highlighted 3.9 of the report which outlined the improvements made at parks in the area and listed improvements to be made in the next 12 months. Members were informed that the LQP standard was to be assessed annually from 2014 instead over every three years. The officer thanked the Area Committee for funding which had provided site based gardeners; this resource was continuing to work well.

Members were informed of increased charges for bowling greens. In response to a query in relation to charges for the two car parks in Horsforth near Hall Park, Members were advised that there would be no increase in charging this coming financial year. A number of initiatives are being considered as a way of raising income, but would not be undertaken without consultation with Members.

Members asked questions in relation to:-

·  Pitches, improvement works to address drainage issues, scope to increase number of pitches in the area, and charges for the use of pitches.

·  Clarification on LQP standard

·  Progress of works at Lawnswood Cemetery

·  Consultation with Members in relation to improvements

·  Issues relating to the Tarn

A specific issue was raised in relation to parking on Ruskin Avenue when a pitch was in use. The Officer offered to check on this issue and respond to Members accordingly.

Members suggested that additional Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA’s) were needed in the area.

Members thanked the Senior Area Manager for his hard work and flexibility in responding to requests for service.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, members of the public in attendance are invited to make

representations or ask questions specifically in relation to Neighbourhood  matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

The Chair has designated a maximum period of 20 minutes (5 minutes per ward) minutes for public representations and questions.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed for a further period of up to 5 minutes for members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the term of reference of the Area Committee in relation to neighbourhood planning issues.

Parish Councillor David Ingham of Rawdon Parish Council attended the meeting. Speaking on behalf of Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development (WARD), Dr Ingham informed Members of the concerns that had been raised by Rawdon Parish Council and local residents in relation to planning proposals with specific reference to an application lodged with Bradford Council in respect of Avalon Apperley Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS19 7DX. 

The concerns raised were in relation to the increased traffic flow on the A65. Although the planning matter fell under Bradford Council, the highways and footways fell under Leeds City Council. Members were asked for clarification on regulations for traffic assessments.

He informed Members that previous proposals for the site had been turned down due to traffic disruption.

In relation to response provided by City Development under ‘matters arising’ from the 9^th December meeting, Dr Ingham raised concerns that the effects of development impacted not only on the development site itself but also on surrounding areas.

Concerns were also raised regarding City Developments response to the question on how greenspsace is being protected from developers.

To receive a report of the Director of City Development providing an update on neighbourhood planning.

The Director of City Development submitted a report, the first in a series of reports on neighbourhood planning which highlighted issues of local interest and concern.

Officers from City Development attended the meeting to present the report and address concerns raised by Rawdon Parish Council, the residents and the Members.

The Area Committee was told that residents were consulted as part of the planning process. Transport modelling was undertaken prior to City Development identifying routes which could be affected across Leeds City and neighbouring councils.

Clarification was given to the Committee on the difference with the policy between Greenfield and Green Space. It was noted that within the policy, there is nothing to protect development of greenfield sites, however, there was protection of green space, such as pitches and parks which is fed into site allocation plans.

Further to Minute No. 65, officers ratified the response regarding flooding and building on wetlands as detailed within the ‘Matters Arising’ doc detailed within the agenda.

Members were up dated on the Neighbourhood Development Plan and progress in the North West Outer area. Members’ attention was drawn to Appendix 1 which set out progress made against each area.

Members discussed issues relating to:-

·  Planning and Highways issues specifically capacity on  A65 and A660

·  Planning and Developer issues policy, process and procedures.

·  Flooding assessments for known areas prone to flooding.

Members sought clarification on whether the Inspector’s report in relation to the Core Strategy agreed with the proposal for an additional 70,000 dwellings in Leeds over the next 15 years. The Area Committee raised major concerns that although information had been received in relation to this, it had not been available for the Area Committee meeting.

Members were advised that City Development is aiming to complete modelling over the summer and to publish a draft Site Allocation Plan by the end of 2014 or early 2015.

RESOLVED – The Committee resolved to:

(a)  Note the contents of the report.

(b)  Request that the Infastructure plans be emailed to Councillor Collins

(c)  Request that City Development provide a simple explanation on how the 70,000 new homes had been calculated.

(d)  Approve that the North West (Outer) Area Committee Chair write to the Director of City Development and Chief Planning Officer on behalf of the Area Committee in relation to issues and concerns discussed at the meeting.

(Cllr. P. Latty left the meeting at 16:27)

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) providing the Committee with an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14.  The report highlights the current position of the Small Grants and skips pots and those Small Grants and skips that have been approved since the last meeting. It also provides an update on the Youth Activity Fund and asks the Area Committee to consider applications for funding from this budget.

The Committee received a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) which provided Members with an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14.  The report highlighted the current position of the Small Grants and skips pots and those Small Grants and skips that had been approved since the last meeting. It also provided an update on the Youth Activity Fund and asked the Area Committee to consider applications for funding from this budget.

RESOLVED – The Committee resolved:

(a)  To note the current budget position for the Revenue Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14 as set out in Table 1 of the submitted report and the timetable for project approval for this financial year;

(b)  That the following be agreed in respect of those expressions of interest received for Wellbeing funding detailed at section 3.5 within the submitted report which have been received since the last Area Committee; 

(c)  To note the current position of the Small Grants and skips pots and the skip that has been approved since the last meeting as detailed within  Table 2 of the submitted report; and

(d)  Note the current budget position for the Capital Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14 as detailed within Table 3 of the submitted report.

Cllr. Fox left the room during consideration of the applications for Tree Planting at Bramhope and the Arthington Church Clock. Cllr. Fox had drawn the Committees attention to the fact that he is a member of both Bramhope and Arthington Parish Councils.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities bringing together a range of information relating to Area Committee business into a single report to update the Committee on recent sub group and forum business and also project and service activity.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which brought together a range of information relating to Area Committee business into a single report to update Members on recent sub group and forum business and also project and service activity.

Responding to Members enquiries, officers undertook to provide updates on Haworth Court, Yeadon and Rosemount, Bramhope

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) which formally notifies the Committee that the minutes of Area Chairs Forum meetings will be brought to Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item, and to give a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum meetings.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) submitted a report which formally notified Members that the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meetings will be brought to the Area Committee meetings as a regular agenda item, and to give a brief overview of the Area Chairs Forum meetings.

The Chair advised Members that the next Area Chairs Forum was 28^th February 2014 where a discussion would be held in relation to the Community Hubs.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Monday, 2pm, 24^th March 2014.

The next meeting will be held in the Civic Hall at 2pm on Monday 24^th March 2014.