Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the progress made to tackle a number of derelict and nuisance properties across the city, identified following detailed work at locality level and prioritised for action by Executive Board at its February 2012 meeting. The report also highlights some of the achievements to date and outlines the changes to be made to improve the overall efficiency of enforcement activities within the programme.  Proposals are included to widen the scope of the programme to include the potential for acquisition of interests on a number of sites for the purposes of delivering the Housing Investment Land Strategy. In addition, permission is sought to demolish two council owned buildings, the former South Leeds Sports Centre and the former Royal Park School.

Further to Minute No. 39, 18^th July 2012, the Director of City Development submitted a report detailing the progress which had been made to tackle a number of derelict and nuisance properties across the city. Such properties had been identified following detailed work at locality level and were prioritised for action by Executive Board in February 2012. In addition, the report highlighted some of the achievements to date, outlined the changes to be made to improve the overall efficiency of enforcement activities within the programme and detailed proposals regarding potential links which could be made to the Housing Investment Land Strategy. Finally, the report sought permission to demolish two council owned buildings, the former South Leeds Sports Centre and the former Royal Park School.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Development and the Economy made reference to the late correspondence which had been received and circulated to Board Members, specifically with regard to the proposals around the future of the former Royal Park School.  The Board took such correspondence into regard when considering this matter.

Members received a brief update on the programme and the work which had been achieved in making visible improvements to some identified sites. In addition, it was noted that, linked with other reports on the July Executive Board agenda, there was an opportunity to deliver new housing on some sites across the city.

Responding to an enquiry regarding the future of the former Royal Park School, assurances were provided that consideration had been given to the site being once again utilised as a school, however, the issues around the site’s location and the prohibitive costs involved were noted.

With regard to the site of the former Royal Park School, Members discussed and highlighted the value of additional greenspace in the area. 

Responding to a specific enquiry, officers provided the Board with the void costs to date in respect of the former South Leeds Sports Centre.

In conclusion, noting the comments which had been made, it was highlighted that the Executive Member was willing to engage in further discussions with community groups, should there be any further proposals regarding the former Royal Park School in the short term.  However, this would not delay the recommendation to demolish, if no sustainable proposal was forthcoming.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and the progress made to date on the Derelict and Nuisance Properties Programme be noted.

(b)  That the use of £100,000 of the previously approved funding to be used to fund dedicated officer time to the programme be approved, with the necessary authority for detailed approval being delegated to the Director of City Development.

(c)  That approval be given for officers to identify sites and interests within the programme that could be suitable for development through the Housing Investment Land Strategy and that consultation with the Executive Members for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Support Services and Development & the Economy be undertaken on those sites identified;

(d)  That the demolition of the former South Leeds Sports Centre be approved.

(e)  That approval be given for the demolition of the former Royal Park School and the temporary grassing over of the site until a deliverable primarily public sector, affordable housing or community use is brought forward.