Issue - meetings

To note a report by he Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing giving an update on the EASEL regeneration initiative and what it is trying to achieve.

(Report attached)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report updating Members on the progress of the East and South East Leeds (EASEL) regeneration initiative. The Board heard that the programme had commenced in 2004, when the Council and the ALMOs had undertaken to attract a development partner to assist in bringing about change to the area, with a focus on housing market renewal. Following a competitive procurement process, Bellway Plc had been appointed as preferred bidder, although the report stressed that negotiations were still ongoing at this stage.

The report outlined the steps that had been taken to date to implement the initiative and informed Members that it was anticipated that work could begin on sites in Gipton and Seacroft in 2007, subject to the completion of successful negotiations with Bellway Plc. The Board heard that a Regeneration Investment Plan would need to be devised as part of the process. This would set out what the Authority and Bellway were committed to achieving within the first five years of the scheme, which was anticipated to run for around twenty-five years.

Phil Joyce, Project Development Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing, attended the meeting to present the report and respond to Members’ questions and comments.

The Board discussed the following points in relation to the report:

-  The expected timeframe for concluding procurement negotiations with Bellway Plc;

-  The areas identified for regeneration works and the need to ensure that all sites undergo early works to boost community confidence in the scheme;

-  The need to focus on issues such as education and leisure provision, employment and the environment alongside the drive for housing market renewal;

-  The benefits and disadvantages of embarking upon such an ambitious programme, spanning a wide geographical area;

-  The need to improve consultation with local communities affected by the proposals and further raise awareness, particularly due to the scale of the project.

The Chair thanked Officers for their attendance and contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

(Councillor Rafique joined the meeting at 11:15 am during consideration of this item.)