Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment seeking the Council’s in principle support for the RSPB’s (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) proposed funding bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) for investment into St Aidan’s and Fairburn Ings nature reserves as part of the ‘Wild Aire’ project. The report also seeks approval for the allocation of £805,000 from the St Aidan’s Trust as match funding for the project if the bid is successful. 

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment submitted a report regarding the RSPB’s (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) proposed funding bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) for investment into St. Aidan’s and Fairburn Ings nature reserves as part of the ‘Wild Aire’ project. The report noted that the nature reserves were mostly owned by Leeds City Council and leased to the RSPB, and that in terms of St Aidan’s, an endowment existed which was administered by the St Aidan’s Trust (of which the Council is the Sole Trustee). As such, the report sought the Council’s in principle support for the RSPB’s proposed funding bid to the NHLF and also for the allocation of £805,000 from the St Aidan’s Trust as match funding for the project, should the bid be successful.

The Executive Member highlighted the benefits which would be achieved as a result of the proposals. Responding to a Member’s specific enquiry, assurance was provided that there were no risks to the Council arising from the proposals within the report and that the positive working relationship with the RSPB would continue irrespective of the outcome of the bid.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in principle support be given as landowner, for the RSPB’s proposed £8.5 million bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF) to invest in St Aidan’s and Fairburn Ings, as part of the ‘Wild Aire’ project, for the purposes of improving the visitor offer, engaging more diverse communities, making the sites better for wildlife and helping St Aidan’s become financially sustainable. That this support be demonstrated through the provision of a letter of support delegated to the Chief Officer for Climate, Energy and Green Spaces;

(b)  That if the bid is successful, the allocation of £805,000 from the St Aidan’s Trust as match funding for the project, be approved;

(c)  That approval be given to defer and delegate to the Director of City Development, any requirements to negotiate and agree terms for the variation of the lease of St Aidan’s to the RSPB, to help facilitate the successful delivery of the project.

(Councillor Pryor left and returned to the meeting room during the consideration of this item)