Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the February meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at Iveson Primary School, Iveson Rise, Leeds 16.

In particular, he also welcomed Councillor G Harper to the meeting following his election to the Council as a representative for the Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward.

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

The following personal declarations were made:-

• Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as an employee at the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 6) (Minute 82 refers)
• Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a School Governor at the City of Leeds High School (Agenda Items 6 and 7) (Minutes 82 and 83 refer)
• Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Board Member on West North West Homes ALMO Board (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 85 refers)

There were no apologies for absence received from Members of the Committee.

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 members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:-

a)  Council’s Policy regarding gritting on pavements

David Salinger, a local resident informed the meeting that he had not received any clarification in relation to the Council’s policy regarding gritting on pavements in view of the dangers to the public, especially for those with specific mobility problems.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded that the policy was outlined under Matters Arising, and that a copy of the Council’s winter service plan would be sent to Mr Salinger.

b)  Planning Matters/Wellbeing Budget/Neighbourhood Index

Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby made reference to the following  issues:-

Planning Matters

·  HMO Consultation – he reported that the results of the consultation process had been announced on 27^th January 2010 and following this announcement, the Use Classes Order would now be amended, subject to HMOs planning control. It was noted that the consultation was overwhelmingly in favour of this amendment and was due to come into effect on 3^rd April 2010

·  Core Strategy Consultation –  he reported that the responses were overwhelmingly in support of the Council’s proposals on Specialist Accommodation (which included students’ housing and new policies on housing mix). He requested the Area Committee to lobby planners to implement these policies as soon as possible which was duly supported by Members.

The Chair agreed to bring back a paper on this item when appropriate

·  Community Planner – he reported that Jade Corcoran was resigning as Community Planner in early March and on behalf of residents he wished to place on record his thanks for her valuable support over the last two years

The Chair responded and agreed to write, on behalf of the Area Committee, to Jade Corcoran conveying the Committee’s appreciation of the work undertaken within the NW Inner area. The Committee also supported the retention of the Community Planning Officer post which would be debated later in the meeting under the wellbeing item

·  Wellbeing Budget – he reported his concerns that 25% of revenue was to be allocated in tackling student - generated problems (Woodhouse Moor, waste collection, Leave Leeds Tidy). Since the city benefited from the universities, he suggested that these costs should be born by the city as a whole

·  Neighbourhood Index – he reported his concerns that the Index was suspect and disadvantageous to Inner NW Leeds. He made reference to the work undertaken on this issue by Leeds HMO Lobby which highlighted that the Index misrepresented the character of the area

c)  HMO Issues

Councillor M Hamilton referred to HMO issues and praised the work undertaken by Jade Corcoran in this area. He also wished to place on record his appreciation to Dr Richard Tyler who had  been a major player in HMO issues. He informed the meeting that there had been a recent meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting  held on 14^th January 2010.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th January 2010 be approved as a correct record.

a)  Former Royal Park School (Minute 65 refers)

Councillor B Atha enquired on the latest position with regards to the former Royal Park School.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and confirmed that a report on Royal Park School would be submitted to the Executive Board meeting on 10^th March 2010.

In summary, it was noted that the report was recommending the Executive Board to :-

·  the sale of the property at best consideration in a manner which brings about its restoration as soon as possible

·  using the Council’s Well Being powers to facilitate community use for part of the building

·  and seeking the views of Members on a request from Inner North West Area Committee that the Council does not persue collection of its legal costs from members of the Royal Park Community Consortium group which were awarded by the Court

   The Committee noted and welcomed the current position.

b)  Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum (Minute 66 (d) refers)

Councillor G Harper enquired on the latest position with regard to convening a meeting of the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to follow up this issue.

c)  2010 Year of Volunteering in Leeds – The Area Committee Input (Minute 69 refers)

Councillor L Yeadon referred to the above issue and confirmed that she was prepared to act as ‘Area Committee Year of the Volunteer Champion’ on behalf of the Area Committee.

She stated that, to date, nobody had made contact with her with regards to what this specific role entails.

Jason Singh, the Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to contact Steve Crocker, Leeds Year of Volunteering 2010 Co-ordinator to ensure that Councillor Yeadon was suitably briefed on this issue.

d)  Annual Community Safety Report 2009 (Minute 70 refers)

The Chair referred to the above issue and read out the contents of a letter he had received from the Chief Inspector, West Yorkshire Police regarding Police and Community Together meetings (PACT). It was noted that there were attempting to be more streamline in relation to these meetings, but were not allowed to lose their branding status.

Councillor L Yeadon enquired why Ward Councillors meetings with Inspectors had not taken place for some time. Members agreed that there was a need to re-introduce this process.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to follow this issue.

In concluding, Members noted that Inspector O’ Brien had recently taken over from Inspector Naughton.

To consider a report of the Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environmental Action Services concerning the restructure of the new warden service, the new Community Environment Officer/Community Environment Support Officer posts and the initial deployment of the new posts.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the recommendations contained in the report be referred to the Area Committee’s Environmental Sub Group for consideration.

Referring to Minute 14 of the meeting held on 14^th July 2010, the Chief Officers for Regeneration and Health and Environmental Action Services submitted a report concerning the restructure of the new warden service, the new Community Environment Officer/Community Environment Support Officer posts and the initial deployment of the new posts.

Graham Wilson, Head of Environmental Action and Parking, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• clarification of the deployment process outlined in Section 12 of the report and the need to retain those posts based in Hyde Park and Woodhouse and Kirkstall wards
• clarification as to why there were 1.5 posts in Hyde Park and Woodhouse and not 2 posts
• the view expressed that the deployment of posts should be on a need and flexible basis and not on a ward by ward basis
• the need to congratulate and acknowledge the work undertaken by  the Hawksworth Wood warden
• clarification of the role of wardens employed within Parks and Countryside and whether they had any specific enforcement powers
• the need to look at changing the demographic area around the Haddons in Burley
• the need to refer the recommendations contained in the report to the Area Committee’s Environmental Sub Group for consideration

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the recommendations contained in the report be referred to the

  Area Committee’s Environmental Sub Group for consideration.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the 2010/11 Wellbeing revenue and capital budgets and presenting new funding applications for the Area Committee to consider.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That  approval be given to the following new projects as detailed 

  in Sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 of the report from the 2009/10 Well-

  being revenue budget:-

·  Harolds and Thornvilles Home Zone Consultation - £2,990 revenue

·  Granbys Bin Yard Improvements - £9,018 capital

·  Tinshill Garth Play Area - £6,266.11 capital

c)  That, arising from recent discussions with the Chief 

  Regeneration Officer, approval be given to funding the following 

  projects from the Weetwood allocation of the Area Committee’s

  Well-being capital budget:-

·  Raynel Approach Shop Front Improvements - £10,479

·  Silk Mill Shop Front Improvements - £18,086.89

d)  That approval be given to funding  the following projects from 

  the Area Committee’s 2010/11 Well-being revenue allocation 

  once the budget has been confirmed at Executive Board in

  March 2010:-

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining the 2010/11 Wellbeing revenue and capital budgets and presenting new funding applications for the Area Committee to consider.

Appended to the report was a copy of a report entitled ‘List of applications for funding from the 2010 revenue Wellbeing allocation’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Kate Sibson, West 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 the Voluntary Action Leeds Funding Advice Officer project and seeking clarification around project costs and standard redundancy payment issues.

Jason Singh, the Acting West North West Area Manager responded and informed the meeting that under the terms of the Voluntary Action Leeds funding agreement, the organisation was responsible for redundancy costs.

Councillor L Rhodes – Clayton sought clarification of Ward Based Initiative funding and the Acting West North West Area Manager agreed to follow up this issue with a report back to Councillor Rhodes-Clayton.

Kate Sibson, West North West Area Management also referred to recent discussions between the Chief Regeneration Officer and Area Management which had resulted in two further projects being put forward for consideration from the Weetwood allocation of the Area Committee’s Well-being capital budget, namely:-

·  Raynel Approach Shop Front Improvements - £10,479

·  Silk Mill Shop Front Improvements - £18,086.89

Prior to considering the projects outlined in the report, the Committee specifically noted that the final budget of £217,029 was available, which included £3,834 underspend from the Community Planning post.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That  approval be given to the following new projects as detailed 

  in Sections 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 of the report from the 2009/10 Well-

  being revenue budget:-

·  Harolds and Thornvilles Home Zone Consultation - £2,990 revenue

·  Granbys Bin Yard Improvements - £9,018 capital

·  Tinshill Garth Play Area - £6,266.11 capital

c)  That, arising from recent discussions with the Chief 

  Regeneration Officer, approval be given to funding the following 

  projects from the Weetwood allocation of the Area Committee’s

  Well-being capital budget:-

·  Raynel Approach Shop Front Improvements - £10,479

·  Silk Mill Shop Front Improvements - £18,086.89

d)  That approval be given to funding  the following projects from 

  the Area Committee’s 2010/11 Well-being revenue allocation 

  once the budget has been confirmed at Executive Board in

  March 2010:-

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with a brief as to what the Neighbourhood Index is and how it can be used to better understand the demographic of, and the issues facing, the individual neighbourhoods throughout the city.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the individual comments made at the meeting be fed back to the report author by the Acting West North West Area Manager and that the work undertaken on this issue by the HMO Lobby be passed to the Neighbourhood Services Team with a request to develop the Neighbourhood Index further to more accurately reflect the issues around demography, crime and deprivation in certain parts of the inner North West area.

c)  That Members of the Area Committee be also requested to forward any further comments on the document to Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management as soon as possible.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with a brief as to what the Neighbourhood Index was and how it could be used to better understand the demographic of, and the issues facing, the individual neighbourhoods throughout the city.

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

• Leeds Neighbourhood Index – In-depth report (Appendix 1 refers)
• Neighbourhood Index data for Inner North West (Appendix 2 refers)

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

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

• the concern that the report did not sufficiently reference the demographic imbalance within the NW Inner area
• the concern that some of the locations referenced in the neighbourhood profile sections were inaccurate
• the concern that the report did not reference some of the more significant sport and cultural assets in the area
• the need to congratulate Leeds HMO Lobby on their work undertaken on this issue and to pass on this detail to the Neighbourhood Services Team with a request to develop the Neighbourhood Index further to more accurately reflect the issues around demography, crime and deprivation in certain parts of the inner North West area
• the need to focus on city-wide school provision within the document
• the need for Members to forward any further comments on the document to West North West Area Management as soon as possible

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the individual comments made at the meeting be fed back to the report author by the Acting West North West Area Manager and that the work undertaken on this issue by the HMO Lobby be passed to the Neighbourhood Services Team with a request to develop the Neighbourhood Index further to more accurately reflect the issues around demography, crime and deprivation in certain parts of the inner North West area.

c)  That Members of the Area Committee be also requested to forward any further comments on the document to Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management as soon as possible.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating the meeting on the Residual Waste Treatment PFI Project bid evaluation process, on communications undertaken to date and the proposed forward communication and consultation programme.

Referring to Minute 24 of the meeting held on 17^th September 2010, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the meeting on the Residual Waste Treatment PFI Project bid evaluation process, on communications undertaken to date and the proposed forward communication and consultation programme.

The following documents were appended to the report for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• A map showing the site locations (Appendix A refers)
• Figures on the estimated level of refuse collection vehicle deliveries (Appendix B refers)
• A map providing an indication of the routing of vehicles city-wide under the same two scenarios (Appendix C refers)

Arising from discussions, a member of the public sought clarification of the consultation process on the future of the Household Waste Sorting Site.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to follow up this issue with an update to be included within the matters arising document at the next meeting.

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

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with a summary of ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee, together with providing information on future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be given to the revisions to the community centre pricing and lettings policy as outlined in Appendix 1.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with a summary of ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee, together with providing information on future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Inner North West Community Centre Pricing Review (directly managed centres)’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

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

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

• the need for further clarification as to why a decision had been made in delaying a meeting of the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum due to purdah before 18^th February 2010 by-election (Section 1.2 refers)

(Kate Sibson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to make some further enquiries in this regard with a report back at the next meeting)

• clarification of the consultation arrangements to date in relation to the West Park Centre and the need for the Area Committee to be involved within the process (Section 6.1 refers)

(Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and informed the meeting that the official three month consultation period on the future of the West Park Centre was due to commence from the beginning of June 2010)

• the need for the Culture Sub Group to focus on major arts venues/facilities within the city i.e. music facilities at the West Park Centre and the Kirkstall Festival

(The Chair responded and informed the meeting that at the Culture Conference held on 28^th January, the theme of the conference was to celebrate those smaller unknown schemes within the city)

• to welcome the recent allocation of Wellbeing funds for two Enforcement Officers for Woodhouse Moor and  to seek clarification as to whether or not the barbeque pilot on Woodhouse Moor would be implemented

(Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to liaise with Parks and Countryside on this issue with a report back at the next meeting)

• the need to finalise a date of the Environmental Sub Group as soon as possible
• the need to re-introduce the Young People’s Sub Group following recent discussions with the Locality Enabler in Children’s Services

(Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to convene a meeting with Councillor P Ewens and the Locality Enabler with a view to progressing this matter)

• clarification as to why ‘themed’ meetings were not being held anymore prior to Area Committee meetings

(The Chair responded and informed the meeting that these meetings had not been very productive with poor attendance. However the Committee did acknowledge that the timing of the meetings had not been user friendly for working families etc. The Chair also noted that if it was the desire of Members to re-instate such meetings, he was open to Members bringing forward appropriate ‘themes’ to future meetings)

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

Thursday 22^nd April 2010 at 7.00pm (venue to be notified)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Iveson Primary School, Iveson Rise, Leeds LS16 6LW

Thursday 22^nd April 2010 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at  8.45pm)