Issue - meetings

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 paragraphs 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.

In summary the following issues were raised at the meeting:-

(a)  Leeds Metropolitan University’s Proposed Development at Beckett’s Park (Headingley Campus)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby informed the meeting that Leeds HMO Lobby had responded to the consultation on Leeds Metropolitan University’s proposal to develop student residential accommodation for approximately 500 students at Beckett’s Park (Headingley Campus).

On behalf of Leeds HMO Lobby, he requested the Committee to oppose the application on the grounds that it would create an enormous hole in the AoHM policy.

  A debate ensued where it was apparent that some Members of the Committee, especially those within the Kirkstall ward, had not received the consultation questionnaire issued by the Metropolitan University.

  The Committee further noted that Andrew Crates, Community Planner, Development Department had been in contact with LMU about the consultation process and it was agreed that the deadline for responses would be extended to 31^st December 2006.

  In concluding, the Committee expressed it’s concern about the random consultation process and agreed to revisit this issue at the next meeting in February 2007 when further information on the application would be available.

(b)  HMO Licensing – Leeds City Council’s Website

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby informed the meeting that a register of applications submitted by landlords in respect of HMO Licensing was now available on the Council’s website.

  The Committee welcomed this new initiative.

(c)  Streetscene Drop in Session – 4^th December 2006

  Barry Payne, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the streetscene drop in session held on 4^th December 2006 at St Michael’s Parish Church Hall and expressed his gratitude to the Committee on the success of the event.

  Following a debate it was noted that the information raised at the event, including illegal parking would be discussed further with relevant officers and the Headingley Forum in the near future.

(Councillor J Illingworth entered the room at 7.10 pm during discussion of the item on Leeds Metropolitan University’s proposed development at Beckett’s Park (Headingley Campus).