Agenda and minutes

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:

(a)  Appendix 1 to the report referred to in minute 38 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that publication could prejudice the City Council’s commercial interests as the appendix includes matters where negotiations of a confidential nature will ensue.  In these circumstances it is considered that the public interest in disclosing this commercial information outweighs the interests of disclosure.

(b)  Appendix B to the report referred to in minute 41 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and (4) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information as it relates to the financial or business affairs of the parties identified in the report, and of the Council and that publication could prejudice the Council’s commercial interests as it includes financial  information relating to contracts that if published could influence negotiations between the Council and potential contractors.

(c)  Appendices 1 and 2 of the report referred to in minute 44 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because publication could prejudice the City Council’s commercial interests as, both the appendix and the final business case include matters where final negotiations on the contract are not yet complete, and these negotiations are confidential between the City Council, the LEP and Environments for Learning (E4L). In addition both the Appendix and the Final Business Case contain sensitive commercial information supplied to the City Council by the LEP and E4L.

(d)  The appendix to the report referred to in minute 55 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the information is not publicly available from the statutory registers of information kept in respect of of certain companies and charities. It is considered that since this information was obtained through one to one negotiations for the acquisition of the property/land then it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this point in time as this could lead to random competing bids which would undermine this method of negotiations and affect the integrity of acquisition of property/land by this process.  Also it is considered that the release of such information would or would be likely to prejudice the Council’s commercial interests in relation to other similar transactions in that prospective purchasers of other similar properties could obtain information about the nature and level of consideration which may prove acceptable to the Council.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

The Chair had admitted the following late items to the agenda as follows:

The National Challenge: Schools achieving less than 30% of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths (minute 42)

The DCSF deadline for submission of the plan was the end of July 2008 and it was considered appropriate that the Board should endorse the proposed approach prior to its submission

South Leeds Expression of Interest (minute 43)

The proposal in this item was directly related to the National Challenge item and it was logical that both reports be considered at the same meeting of the Board.

Transport Innovation Fund Pump Priming Bid (minute 51)

The report could not be prepared for distribution with the agenda pending advice that government would support the bid, and as the two year programme of work was scheduled to commence in the month of this meeting, it was appropriate that the matter be admitted to the agenda.

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

Councillor Wakefield declared a personal interest in the items relating to The National Challenge (minute 42) and the South Leeds Expression of Interest (minute 43) as a member of the Learning and Skills Council.

Councillor Blake declared a personal interest in the item relating to Older People’s Day Services (minute 46) as a member of Middleton Elderly Aid and a personal and prejudicial interest in the item relating to Otley Heavy Goods Vehicle Traffic as the owner of a property in Otley (minute 49)

Councillor Harrand declared a personal interest in the item relating to Older People’s Day Services (minute 46) as a member of Moor Allerton Elderly Care and Councillor Brett as a member of Burmantofts Senior Action Committee.

Further declarations made during the meeting are referred to in minutes 53 and 59 (Councillor Smith)

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 11^th June 2008.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th June 2008 be approved.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on a proposal to extend the life of approximately 50 properties in the Beeston area by 30 years utilising £1,500,000 of Single Regional Housing Pot funding.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on a proposal to extend the life of approximately 50 properties in the Beeston area by 30 years utilising £1,500,000 of Single Regional Housing Pot funding.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given for the injection into the capital programme of £1,350,000 of Regional Housing Board money and of £150,700 from owner occupiers and that scheme expenditure to the amount of £1,500,700 be authorised.

(b)  That the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods brings a further report on progress at the appropriate time.

To consider a report of the Director Environment and Neighbourhoods on the proposed improvement of the Leedswatch CCTV scheme in partnership with Metro subject to agreed Heads of Terms at a cost of £973,500.00.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the proposed improvement of the Leedswatch CCTV scheme in partnership with Metro subject to agreed Heads of Terms at a cost of £973,500

The report presented four options of taking no action, replacing VCR with DVD, digital storage and management solution, and digital storage and management solution in partnership.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to option four as detailed in the report.

(b)  That approval be given to the injection of £973,500 of unsupported borrowing into the Environment and Neighbourhoods Capital Programme and that expenditure in the same amount be authorised.

(c)  That approval be given to enter into a partnership with Metro subject to agreed Heads of Terms.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the range of proposed increased roles for the Area Committees for 2008/09.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining the range of proposed increased roles for the Area Committees for 2008/09.

Revised appendices to the report had been circulated subsequent to the issue of the agenda.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Area Functions to be delegated to Area Committees for 2008/09 as summarised in the report and detailed in Appendix 1 be approved.

(b)  That the enhanced roles of Area Committees as summarised in the report and detailed in Appendix 2 be endorsed.

(c)  That this information be reported to the Area Committees at the next cycle of meetings.

(d)  That the Area Functions referred to in (a) above be incorporated into the Council’s Constitution at the next available opportunity.

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) informing of a Key Decision taken under ‘Special Urgency’ provisions contained in the Constitution and recommending that the Board forward this report to Council as the quarterly report on such decisions in accordance with paragraph 16.3 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report informing of a Key Decision taken under ‘Special Urgency’ provisions contained in the Constitution and recommending that the Board forward this report to Council as the quarterly report on such decisions in accordance with paragraph 16.3 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules.

RESOLVED – That the report be approved for submission to Council as the quarterly report in accordance with Access to Information Procedure Rule 16.3.

To consider the report of the Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service on the capital funding allocations for 2008 -11 that will support the implementation of the 10 Year Strategy for Childcare by way of capital expenditure of £11,324,414 on payments to Early Years providers and schools to enable the delivery of extended services and the statutory duties of the Childcare Act 2006.

The Acting Chief Officer for Early Years and Integrated Youth Support Service submitted a report on the capital funding allocations for 2008-11 that will support the implementation of the 10 Year Strategy for Childcare by way of capital expenditure of £11,324,414 on payments to Early Years providers and schools to enable the delivery of extended services and to meet the statutory duties of the Childcare Act 2006.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the injection of £8,229,414 Quality and Access for all Young Children (Capital scheme number 14776) and £3,095,000 Extended Services (Capital scheme number 14777) Capital Grants into the Children’s Services Capital Programme and that authority be given to incur this expenditure on payments to Early Years providers to meet the statutory duties of the Childcare Act 2006 as outlined in the guidance and in the report.

(b)  That the proposals for allocation of grant and monitoring of outcomes for the DCSF by Partnership Boards established under Leeds City Council corporate governance for the purpose be approved.

(c)  That an annual report on programme outcomes and expenditure be brought to this Board.

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the production of the formal Joint Area Review action plan, and the arrangements for its implementation and performance monitoring.

Further to minute 11 of the meeting held on 11^th June 2008 the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the production of the formal Joint Area Review action plan, and the arrangements for its implementation and performance monitoring.

RESOLVED – That the report be received, that the action plan be approved for submission to Ofsted and that updates on progress against the action plan be brought to this Board as part of the annual performance assessment reporting in December 2008.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision)

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on the proposed revised scope and affordability of the Independent Living Project for Children’s Services.

With reference to minute 53 of the meeting held on 22^nd August 2007 the Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the proposed revised scope and affordability of the Independent Living Project for Children’s Services.

Following consideration of appendix 1 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the reduction in scope of the Children’s Services PFI Project be approved.

(b)  That the Children’s Services PFI Project to build a new 12 bed short break unit be approved.

(c)  That the project be implemented as a City Council Change in accordance with the financial parameters in Appendix 1 to the report.

(d)  That the Chair of the Independent Living Project Board be authorised (in consultation with two other members) to give approval to the terms of the City Council Change Notice and to approve (or reject) the Contractor’s final responses under the Project Agreement Change Protocol.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the principle of the proposed demolition of the existing Bankside Primary School with a rebuild on the current site subject to later consideration of a detailed design and cost report by this Board.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on the principle of the proposed demolition of the existing Bankside Primary School with a rebuild on the current site subject to later consideration of a detailed design and cost report by this Board.

RESOLVED – That the content of the report in detailing the proposed scheme be noted and that approval in principle be given to the rebuilding of Bankside Primary School, subject to a design and cost report being brought to a future meeting of this Board.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision)

To consider the report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds on the outcome of statutory notices published on the proposal to make a prescribed alteration to permanently increase the admission number at Harehills Primary School from 60 to 90 reception places.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on the outcome of statutory notices published on the proposal to make a prescribed alteration to permanently increase the admission number at Harehills Primary School from 60 to 90 reception places.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to proceed with the proposal to permanently increase the admission number for Harehills Primary School from 60 t0 90 reception places with effect from September 2009.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision)

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services on a proposal to build a new secure children’s home to replace East Moor House.

Appendix B to this report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and (4).

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on a proposal to build a new secure children’s home to replace East Moor House.

Following consideration of appendix B to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and (4) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED – That the Director of Children’s Services be requested to commence a process of negotiations with the Youth Justice Board, the Department of Children, Schools and Families and other key stakeholders to consider building a new secure children’s home to replace East Moor House.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report outlining the proposed response of Education Leeds to the government’s ‘National Challenge’ that every school should have more than 30% of students achieving five good grades at GCSE including English and Maths. The report included the assessment made by Education Leeds of each school’s prospects of achieving the floor targets and of the type of support and actions needed to achieve them.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the risk assessment set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report be agreed as the basis of the Council’s response to the DCSF and the requested action plan.

(b)  That the continued exploration of a range of options for those schools at risk of not achieving the  floor target by 2011 be supported.

(c)  That the plans to ensure that the majority of schools will continue to make good progress towards and past the floor target be supported.

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report on a proposal to progress an expression of interest into a detailed feasibility and consultation process to allow a full examination of the issues surrounding the establishment of an academy to serve Beeston and Holbeck, City and Hunslet and Middleton Park wards of inner South Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to progress to a detailed feasibility and formal consultation process that will allow a full examination of the issues surrounding the establishment of an academy to serve the Beeston and Holbeck, City and Hunslet and Middleton Park wards of inner South Leeds.

(b)  That a further report be brought to this Board in Autumn 2008 on the outcome of the feasibility and formal consultation process to enable the Board to come to a final decision on the value of establishing an academy to replace South Leeds High School.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the proposed submission of the final business case to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and proposed injection into the capital programme for the development of off-site highway works at Morley and Armley leisure centres in addition to a multi-use games area at Armley.

Appendices 1 and 2 to this report are designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and will be tabled at the meeting.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the proposed submission of the final business case to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and proposed injection into the capital programme for the development of off-site highway works at Morley and Armley leisure centres in addition to a multi-use games area at Armley.

Following consideration of appendices 1 and 2 to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it  was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the submission of the Final Business Case to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport be approved. The Final Business Case covers the New Leaf Leisure Centres Armley and Morley, as part of the City Council’s BSF Wave1 Programme and financed through the Government’s Private Finance Initiative.

(b)  That approval be given to the financial implications for the Council of entering into the Project, and to the maximum affordability ceiling for the City Council in relation to the PFI contract of £3,688,000 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report (but subject to paragraph (g) below should the SWAP rate exceed 5.8% at financial close).

(c)  That approval be given to the arrangements to Financial Close and implementation of the Project to include (but not by way of limitation) the award/entry into a PFI Project Agreement to a special purpose company to be established under terms agreed between the City Council and the Leeds Local Education Partnership (LEP) and in connection therewith, grant delegated powers to the Deputy Chief Executive (or in his absence the Director of Resources) to make any necessary amendments to the Final Business Case and given final approval to the completion of the Project, including (but not by way of limitation) the terms of the following:

  i.  The Project Agreement

  ii.  The Funders Direct Agreement

  iii.  Arrangements to appoint an independent certifier to assess the quality of the contractors’ work

  iv.  Appropriate collateral warranties and

Together with any other documentation ancillary or additional to the above necessary for the completion of the Project (‘Project Documents’)

subject to

(A)  DCMS approval of the Final Business Case

(B)  the Deputy Chief Executive (or in his absence the Director of Resources) being satisfied that the Project remains within the affordability   constraints set out in Appendix 1 to the report

(C)  Receipt of a report satisfactory to the Deputy Chief Executive (or in his absence the Director of Resources) from the Council’s external legal advisers, as described in paragraph 5.4 of the report and

(D)  The Director of Resources (or in his absence the Chief Officer – Financial Management) assessment on the balance sheet treatment in   relation to the PFI contract as set out in paragraph 4 of Appendix 1 of the report.

(d)  That the Director of Resources, as the statutory officer under section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972, or in his absence the Chief Officer - Financial Management, be authorised to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on the current position with regard to development of the proposed Sports Trust and on options for moving forward.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the current position with regard to development of the proposed Sports Trust and on options for moving forward.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the development of a Trust to manage the Council’s Sports and Active Recreation Service be not proceeded with.

(b)  That further work be undertaken and reports brought forward for consideration by this Board as to medium and long term options to address the challenges faced by the service as presented in the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Adult Social Services on the proposed service plan to deliver increased choice and more personalised day activities for older people.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report on the proposed service plan to deliver increased choice and more personalised day activities for older people.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That endorsement be given to the model of flexible, individualised and socially inclusive approach to the provision of day opportunities for older people with care needs and that the work now underway to modernise the day service for older people in Adult Social Care be noted.

(b)  That the phased approach which forms the basis of further work with stakeholders in relation to planning and implementation for each area of the city be agreed.

(c)  That the programme be developed with the involvement of local members and their Area  Committees thus ensuring effective and efficient local implementation.

(d)  That the phase 1 proposals set out in the report be adopted as a basis for consultation and ongoing work. This includes the specific proposed reprovision detailed in respect of Richmond Hill and the Peripatetic Unit in paragraph 6.3 of the report in respect of which a further report be brought to this Board on the outcome of the consultation relating to the  future of those units by November 2008.

(e)  That further reports be brought to this Board in 2009 on the outcome of the wider consultation about locality plans and the results of the ongoing work as the modernisation of older people’s day services progresses.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision)

To consider a report of the Director of Resources providing a review of the Treasury Management Strategy and operations for 2007/08. 

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing a review of the Treasury Management Strategy and operations for 2007/08.

RESOLVED – That the treasury management outturn position for 2007/08 be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Director of Resources and Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on a proposal to work with the Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) to establish a new City of Leeds Fund to provide support to community groups by the transfer of resources from redundant existing trust funds and bequests administered by the Council to the new Fund. The report also proposes ring-fencing arrangements for intermittingly active trust funds proposed for transfer, and in principle agreement to Leeds City Council representation on the Grants Panel of the new Fund, in addition to agreement to review the trusts under control of the Council with a view to transferring any further dormant/obsolete/inactive trusts to the new Fund in due course.

The Director of Resources and Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a joint report on a proposal to work with the Leeds Community Foundation to establish a new City of Leeds Fund to provide support to community groups by the transfer of resources from redundant existing trust funds and bequests administered by the Council to the new Fund. The report also proposed ring-fencing arrangements for intermittingly active trust funds proposed for transfer, and in principle agreement to Leeds City Council representation on the Grants Panel of the new Fund, in addition to agreement to review the trusts under control of the Council with a view to transferring any further dormant/obsolete/inactive trusts to the new Fund in due course.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to the establishment of the new City of Leeds Fund to be administered and managed by the Leeds Community Foundation.

(b)  That the trusts identified in Part One of Appendix A to the report[three dormant Education trust funds] be transferred to Leeds Community Foundation to an endowment fund within the new City of Leeds Fund under Section 74 of the Charities Act.

(c)  That that the trusts identified in Part Two of Appendix A to the report should be freed from any restrictions applying to the expenditure of capital.

(d)  That the trusts identified in Part Two of Appendix A to the report [13 dormant trust funds] be transferred to Leeds Community Foundation to a flow-through fund within the new City of Leeds Fund under Section 75 of the Charities Act 1993.

(e)  That approval in principle be given to the transfer of the Joseph Emmott trust fund to Leeds Community Foundation to an endowment fund within the City of Leeds Fund with power to formally approve the transfer under a Scheme, once sanctioned by the Charity Commission, delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance).

(f)  That that ring-fencing arrangements shall apply to the funds of the Holbeck Mechanics and Joseph Emmott trust funds within the new Fund.

(g)  That Leeds Community Foundation be requested to agree that City Council representation on the Grants Panel of the new Fund be increased to three and that approval of the specific nominees be made at a later date following final approval of the proposals by the Charity Commission

(h)  That officers continue to review the trusts under control of the Council with a view to transferring any further dormant/obsolete/inactive trusts to the new Fund in due course.

(i)  That Leeds Community Foundation be requested to make annual reports back to this Board on progress of the fund.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on proposals for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) management in the Otley area.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on proposals for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) management in the Otley Area.

The report examined options as follows:

a  No further action

b  Voluntary arrangements with local HGV operators

c  Freight Quality Partnership

d  Traffic management (signs, markings and engineering measures)

e  HGV traffic restrictions by Order – comprehensive measures on key routes in North Otley and on alternative  local routes in North Yorkshire

f  HGV traffic restrictions  by Order – comprehensive measures on key routes into Leeds District including North Otley and the A658 at Pool

g  HGV traffic restrictions by Order – limited measures to restrict traffic in North Otley to quieter times of the day outside peak time for travel to school etc

h  HGV traffic restrictions by Order – limited measures to restrict traffic in Otley to single direction (similar to the former voluntary arrangement) HGV traffic would travel southbound through Otley and return northbound by alternative routes

i  Weight restriction on Wharfe Bridge at Otley

In presenting the report the Executive Member (City Development) referred to a letter from North Yorkshire County Council requesting that consideration of this matter be deferred.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report be noted and that the Director of City Development and Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) be authorised to undertake further work in respect of option (h) with a view to assessing the effects and impact which adoption of that option would have on the area and that a further report in that respect be brought to this Board.

 (b)  That contacts between senior members be established and those between officers be maintained with the representatives of the adjacent local highway authorities, including North Yorkshire County Council, until the proposals or alternative arrangements have been implemented.

(Councillor Blake having declared a personal and prejudicial interest, left the meeting during consideration of this matter)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development  on progress of  the New Generation Transport proposals and how these fit strategically into a wider transport strategy for Leeds and the wider City Region.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on progress of the New Generation Transport proposals and how these fitted strategically into a wider transport strategy for Leeds and the wider City Region.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted and that the findings of the Strategic Fit work, identified in appendix 1 to the  report be endorsed.

(b)  That a capital programme injection of £1,400,000 and a transfer from scheme 99926 of £1,050,000 funded from Section 106 developer contributions be approved and that authority be given to spend of £2,450,000 as the Council’s contribution towards scheme development costs, to cover design fees and the preparation and consultation costs necessary to develop the work through to a Major Scheme Business Case submission.

(c)  That a further progress report be brought to this Board once scheme development has progressed.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the government decision to support the Leeds Transport Innovation Fund Pump Priming Bid to allow options for a future transport strategy for Leeds to be explored and evaluated.

The Executive Member (City Development) reported that the formal government announcement in respect of this funding had been made on the same day as this meeting

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the proposed future transport strategy work facilitated by the Transport Innovation Fund pump priming funding be endorsed.

(b)  That approval be given to the capital contribution to the development costs of £386,750 to be funded from the Integrated Transport Scheme 99609 within the approved Capital Programme and eligible for 100% government funding.

To consider the report of the Director of the City Development describing the West Garforth Integrated Urban Drainage pilot project, which has just been completed, and explaining the recommendations and action plan included in the project report, in the context of the existing work and priorities of the Council.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the West Garforth Integrated Urban Drainage pilot project, which had recently been completed, and explaining the recommendations and action plan included in the project report, in the context of the existing work and priorities of the Council.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the final report to DEFRA on the West Garforth Integrated Urban Drainage pilot project be noted.

(b)  That the recommendations for local action as identified in paragraphs 3.10 to 3.14 of the report be endorsed.

(c)  That the action plan items for Leeds City Council as identified in paragraphs 3.17 to 3.21 of the report be endorsed.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on progress by the Water Asset Management Working Group in implementing lessons learned from flooding incidents in Leeds between August 2004 and January 2008 and on the impending outcomes from the independent Pitt Review of the national impact of flooding whose final report was due at the end of June. 

The Director of City Development submitted a report on progress by the Water Asset Management Working Group in implementing lessons learned from flooding incidents in Leeds between August 2004 and January 2008 and on the impending outcomes of the independent Pitt Review of the national impact of flooding whose final report was due at the end of June.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That progress in implementing actions previously approved be noted.

(b)  That a further report be brought to this Board on the final contents of the Pitt Review, Government’s response and the officers recommendations regarding the impact on the Council’s responsibilities and activities.

(Councillor Smith declared a personal interest in this item as a member of Greenpeace)

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on changes to housing policy and practice to be applied to planning applications on and after 21^st July 2007. The changes relate to an increase in affordable housing targets and to guidelines to influence the mix of types and sizes of dwellings in new housing developments

The Director of City Development submitted a report on changes to housing policy and practice to be applied to planning applications on and after 21^st July 2008.  The changes related to an increase in affordable housing targets and to guidelines to influence the mix of types and sizes of dwellings in new housing developments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That informal planning policy as set out in appendices 1 and 2 to the report to broaden housing mix and increase the affordable housing targets be approved.

(b)  That officers apply the changes to applications received on or after Monday 21^st July 2008.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development advising of a revised offer for the Sovereign Street site

The appendix to this report is designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3).

Further to minute 255 of the meeting held on 7^th April 2004 the Director of City Development submitted a report advising of a revised offer for the Sovereign Street site.

The report identified four options as follows:

i)  Continue to negotiate with Simons on the basis of the revised conditional offer recently received.

ii)  Invite Simons to submit an unconditional offer for the site.  An unconditional offer would be an offer with no conditions attached to it and future control over the scheme proposals would be via the planning process.

iii)  Remarket the site, either immediately or at some time in the future, inviting offers and scheme proposals.

iv)  Terminate the contract with Simons and continue to use the site for car parking, which generates substantial revenue income (detailed in the confidential appendix) by virtue of the rents received on an annual basis from the two car park operators.

Following consideration of the appendix to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED – That the revised offer received from the Council’s preferred developer of the Sovereign Street site, be not accepted and that the Council continue to receive the rental income from the site, which is generated from car parking, in the short term, with future options for the site being considered during this time.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development seeking approval to spend £260,000.00 of Town and District Centre Regeneration Fund monies to contribute to the highway improvement in Yeadon Town Street.

The Director of City Development submitted a report seeking approval to spend £260,000 of Town and District Centre Regeneration Fund monies to contribute to the highway improvement in Yeadon Town Street.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That authority be given for an injection of £40,000 from s106 funds into scheme 12154/YEA/000.

(b)  That authority be given to spend £260,000 for works to the Town Hall square and other additional costs items as detailed in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.5 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the successful outcome of the Council’s application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to implement two Townscape Heritage Initiative Regeneration Schemes in Armley and Chapeltown.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the successful outcome of the Council’s application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to implement two Townscape Heritage Initiative Regeneration Schemes in Armley and Chapeltown.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Townscape Heritage Initiative schemes be supported.

(b)  That approval be given to an injection of £1,090,319 into Armley Town and District Centre Scheme (scheme no: 12154/ARM/000) fully funded from external sources provided by Heritage Lottery Fund

(c)  That  approval be given to an injection of £802,500 into Chapeltown Town and District Centre Scheme (scheme no: 12154/CHA/000) fully funded from external sources provided by Heritage Lottery Fund.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development on an opportunity which has arisen to acquire land off Lowfields Road, to the rear of Elland Road Football Ground and on proposed terms of the acquisition.

Appendix 1 to this report was designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3)

The Director of City Development submitted a report on an opportunity which had arisen to acquire land off Lowfields Road, to the rear of Elland Road Football Ground and on proposed terms of the acquisition.

Following consideration of the appendix to the report designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the provisionally agreed terms for the acquisition of land at Lowfields Road as detailed at 3.0 in the exempt appendix be approved.

(b)  That approval be given to the allocation of  the sum identified in the exempt appendix and authority be given to spend the same amount from the Strategic Development Fund within the capital programme for the acquisition of land at Lowfields Road.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking approval to the principles of the evaluation methodology for the comparison of bids received during the procurement phase of the residual waste project. The report also provides an update on the residual waste project affordability and project scope since a report was submitted to Executive Board in November 2007 and seeks approval to the commencement of the procurement of a Residual Waste Treatment Facility.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the proposed principles of the evaluation methodology for the comparison of bids received during the procurement phase of the residual waste project. Further to minute 119 of the meeting held on 14^th November 2007 the report also provided an update on the residual waste project affordability and project scope and proposed the commencement of the procurement of a Residual Waste Treatment Facility.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted and that officers be authorised to begin procurement of this project through placement of OJEU and other appropriate contract notices.

(b)  That approval be given to the principles of the evaluation methodology to be used during the procurement as set out in the report and  that the Deputy Chief Executive as Chair of the Residual Waste Treatment Project Board be authorised to finalise the details of the evaluation methodology.

(c)  That bids submitted which cost more than the ‘do nothing’ cost set  out in table 3 of the report will not be considered further and that the reference project costs set out in table 2 of the report will be a target to be indicated to bidders.

(Councillor Smith declared a personal interest in this item as a member of Greenpeace)

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5 Councillor Wakefield required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on this decision)

DATE OF PUBLICATION:  18^TH JULY 2008

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN:  25^TH JULY 2008 (5.00 PM)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items Called In by 12.00 noon on Monday 28^th July 2008)

The National Challenge: Schools Achieving Less Than 30% of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths

Because the DCSF deadline for submission of the plan is the end of July and it is considered appropriate that the Board should endorse the proposed approach prior to its submission.

South Leeds Expression of Interest

Because the proposal in relation to the South Leeds Expression of Interest is directly related to the National Challenge item and it is logical that both reports be considered at the same meeting of the Board.

The report was admitted as a late  item to the agenda as the report could not be prepared for distribution with the agenda pending advice that government would support the bid and, as the two year programme of work is scheduled to commence this month, the Chair has agreed to admission as a late item to the agenda.