Agenda and minutes

Under the terms of Executive Procedure Rule 2.3, Councillors G Hyde and J Procter were invited to attend the meeting on behalf of Councillors Gruen and A Carter respectively.

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 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 the consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as 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 No. 96 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person or company (including the authority holding that information) which may result in prejudicial trading of that company. It is therefore considered that it is not in the public interest to release this information at this time, as this would compromise the Council’s position.

(b)  Supplementary Information in the form of correspondence referred to in Minute No. 95 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person or company (including the authority holding that information). It is therefore considered that it is not in the public interest to release this information at this time, as this would compromise the Council’s position.

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items as such, however, it was noted that supplementary information had been circulated to Board Members following the despatch of the agenda as follows:-

(a)  Correspondence relating to the report entitled, ‘Leeds Bradford International Airport – Taxi Access’ designated as exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) (Minute No. 95 refers).

(b)  A report detailing the outcomes from the Ofsted Inspection into Safeguarding Services and Safeguarding Outcomes for Children and Young Peoplewhich accompanied the report entitled, ‘Findings of the Announced Ofsted Re-Inspection of Safeguarding Services for Children and Young People in Leeds’ (Minute No. 103 refers).

(c)  A table detailing the suggested amendments to the Council’s response to the Draft National Planning Policy Framework, as resolved by the Development Plan Panel at its meeting on 11^th October 2011, which was in relation to the report entitled, ‘Draft National Planning Policy Framework – Consultation Response’ (Minute No. 100 refers).

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

There were no declarations of interest made at this point in the meeting, however a declaration was made at a later point in the meeting (Minute No. 99 referred).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September 2011.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September 2011 be approved as a correct record, subject to the following:-

(a)  Reference being made within Minute No. 66 (Leeds Holt Park Wellbeing Centre Project – Submission of the Final Business Case and Execution of the Contract for the new Holt Park Wellbeing Centre) to a request that correspondence be forwarded on behalf of the Council to Greg Mulholland MP in respect of the development.

(b)  With regard to Minute No. 67 (Better Lives for Older People: Future Options for Long Term Residential and Day Care Services), that greater emphasis be placed upon the commitment made during the discussion that residents would not be moved until it was confirmed that they were happy with the alternative accommodation proposed.

To consider a report of the Chief Officer Revenues and Benefits outlining how current guidelines relate to the determination of applications for discretionary rate relief for social enterprises, whilst also proposing amendments which would make the process more transparent and encourage increased applications from this sector.

The Chief Officer (Revenues and Benefits) submitted a report which detailed the current guidelines regarding the determination of applications for discretionary rate relief for social enterprises. In addition, the report also proposed amendments which aimed to make the process more transparent, whilst also encouraging increased applications from this sector. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members emphasised the need to ensure that the approach adopted was as enabling as possible.

RESOLVED – That the changes to the Business Rates discretionary relief scheme be approved in order to clarify the criteria by which applications from Social Enterprises will be assessed, and also to increase the maximum level of relief awarded from 50% to 80% in specific cases.

To consider a report of the Director of Resources providing an update on the Government’s Welfare Reform proposals, including information on arising policy developments and the implications for the Council. In addition, the report also provides up to date information regarding the potential impact of the proposals upon Leeds’ citizens.

The Director of Resources submitted a report providing an update on the Government’s proposals regarding Welfare Reform, which included information on current developments in policy and the implications of such developments upon the Council and the citizens of Leeds. In addition, the report also provided information on the consultation process launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government on proposals regarding the replacement of the current Council Tax Benefit scheme with a new localised scheme of support from April 2013. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members welcomed the move to simplify the welfare processes, however, concerns were raised in respect of the disproportionate impact that the proposals could have upon the poorer sections of the community, the lack of incentives which existed in respect of returning people to employment and the intention to pay the rent element of Universal Credit directly to claimants. In addition, concerns were also raised regarding the abolition of Council Tax Benefit and its replacement with a localised scheme of support, with a reduction of 10% in funding for such support and the potential impact upon collection rates, together with the timescales associated with the introduction of the proposed reforms.

The Board considered the specific impact upon a number of case studies provided, and in respect of the implications regarding child protection matters, Members noted that such matters were being picked up by the Child Trust Board.

Members highlighted the need for further update reports to be submitted to the Board, as issues in respect of the proposed welfare reforms developed.

It was requested that stronger emphasis within the final version of the Council’s response to the Government’s consultation paper was placed upon the unrealistic timescales which had been set in respect of the reforms.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the updated information detailed within the submitted report be noted.

(b)  That the proposed response to the localisation of support for Council Tax which is to be submitted on behalf of all Group Leaders be noted, subject to the inclusion of the points raised by the Board during the consideration of this matter.

(c)  That officer-level discussions with West Yorkshire councils be approved, which will explore the scope for commonality in scheme design in relation to localisation of support for Council Tax.

(d)  That a further report on the welfare reform programme be received by the Board in January 2012 which included a strategic plan for preparing for and dealing with the welfare reforms, with further update reports being submitted in the future, as issues in respect of the proposed welfare reforms were developed.

To consider the report of the Director of Resources setting out the authority’s projected financial health position for 2011/12, after five months of the financial year.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out the authority’s projected financial health position, after five months of the 2011/12 financial year. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Having responded to Members’ questions, the Board welcomed the successful resolution of VAT matters with the HMRC.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the authority after five months of the financial year be noted.

(b)  That the budget adjustments, as detailed within paragraph 3.6.1 of the submitted report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Director of Resources setting out a proposal for the introduction of a capital receipts incentive scheme for local areas.

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out a proposal for the establishment of a capital receipts incentive scheme for local areas. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members discussed the proposal for localities to retain a proportion of the capital receipts generated in an area and received assurances that existing commitments would be honoured. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the establishment of a Capital Receipts Incentive scheme, as set out within section 3 of the submitted report, with effect from April 2012, be approved.

(b)  That a period of consultation with elected Members on the proposed scheme be approved.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development providing further information and advice in respect of the provision for taxi access at Leeds Bradford International Airport, following the Executive Board’s previous consideration of the recommendations arising from the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Leeds Bradford International Airport: Provision for Public Hire Taxis’.

Further to Minute No. 217, 18^th May 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report providing further information and advice in respect of the provision of taxi access at Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA), following the Executive Board’s previous consideration of the recommendations arising from the former Scrutiny Board (City Development) inquiry into ‘Leeds Bradford International Airport: Provision for Public Hire Taxis’. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Emphasis was placed upon the differing estimates which had been received in respect of the development of a taxi rank on Whitehouse Lane and it was suggested that such figures be submitted to the relevant Scrutiny Board for consideration.

Members highlighted their concerns in respect of the introduction of a £2 charge for all non-contracted vehicles dropping off passengers at the terminal, considered whether the concession made in respect of the increased waiting time within the ‘voyager’ area had gone far enough and highlighted the extensive costs associated with establishing a rank on Whitehouse Lane. The Board then emphasised the need for the Surface Access Strategy to be progressed in order to address the concerns raised and to ensure that public access to the airport was maximised. In response, Members comments were acknowledged, together with undertaking that discussions in respect of the Airport’s Forecourt Management Plan would continue.

Following consideration of supplementary information in the form of correspondence relating to this matter, 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 contents of the submitted report, together with the work undertaken to identify a way forward in terms of provision for public hire taxis at Leeds Bradford International Airport be noted.

(b)  That the option detailed within the report to develop a taxi rank on Whitehouse Lane not be progressed at this time, with further work being progressed on the Surface Access Strategy, in order to address the concerns raised during the discussion and also to ensure that public access to the airport was maximised.

(c)  That officers be instructed to liaise with LBIA about the development of their Forecourt Management Plan in order to ensure that the negative impact of current parking arrangements on the highway, especially Whitehouse Lane, are mitigated as part of the process of discharging planning conditions relating to the Airport Terminal Building.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development setting out proposals to relocate storage facilities for Leeds’ archives, which is required due to the deterioration of the current store at the former Sheepscar Library.

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

The Director of City Development submitted a report advising of the need to improve storage facilities for Leeds’ archives and outlining proposals to relocate the archives from the former Sheepscar Library to the Central Archive Store in Morley. In addition, the report also sought the necessary authority to declare the former Sheepscar Library surplus to requirements together with an injection into the capital programme as a contribution towards the construction works at the Morley site. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The report detailed the following options which had been identified following a feasibility study undertaken by Norfolk Property Services in respect of future archive provision:

• Option 1 – The relocation of the Sheepscar archives only to the Central Archive Store in Morley;
• Option 2  - The relocation of both the Sheepscar and Nortech archives to the Central Archive Store in Morley.

Following consideration of Appendix 1 to the submitted 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 former library at Sheepscar be declared surplus to requirements.

  (b)  That the sale of the Sheepscar property currently housing the archive be agreed, together with the ringfencing of the receipt value, as identified within exempt Appendix 1, to fund works at Morley West Yorkshire Joint Services.

  (c)  That the funds detailed in the exempt appendix to the submitted report be injected into the capital programme, as a contribution to fund the adaptation of the premises in Morley.

  (d)  That expenditure of the funds, as detailed within the exempt appendix to the submitted report, as a contribution towards the project be authorised.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development summarising the results of the consultation exercise on the South Bank Planning Statement which was approved by Executive Board on 21^st July 2010, providing an update on the proposed changes to the planning statement as a result of this consultation, and seeking approval for the adoption of the document as informal planning guidance for this important area of change in the city centre. The report also provides an update on the work undertaken on the outline business case to facilitate the delivery of developments in the South Bank, including the new City Centre Park.

Further to Minute No. 48, 21^st July 2010, the Director of City Development submitted a report summarising the results of the consultation exercise undertaken upon the South Bank Planning Statement, providing an update on the proposed changes to the planning statement as a result of such consultation, and seeking approval for the adoption of the document as informal planning guidance for this important area of change within the city centre. In addition, the report also provided an update on the work undertaken on the outline business case to facilitate the delivery of developments in the South Bank, including the new City Centre Park. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In responding to enquiries, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with details regarding the number of public car parking spaces which would be lost as a result of the proposed approach.

The Chief Executive suggested that if Government proposals were announced in the future which brought a high speed rail link to the area, then the Board may wish to revisit the issues detailed within the submitted report at this time.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the adoption of the South Bank Planning Statement (October 2011) be approved as informal planning guidance for the area.

(b)  That the future work on the development of an Outline Business Case to assist with the delivery of the City Centre Park on the basis of a phased implementation plan including the potential for a footbridge link to the Sovereign Street area, be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development notifying Executive Board of the proposed Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of Woodkirk High Specialist Science School to Woodkirk Academy Trust.

The Director of City Development submitted a report detailing of the proposed Heads of Terms for the leasehold disposal at nil consideration of Woodkirk High Specialist Science School to Woodkirk Academy Trust. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED - That the disposal of Woodkirk High Specialist Science School for the proposed Academy on a 125 year lease at nil consideration be agreed and that the Director of City Development be authorised to agree the final terms.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development responding to full Council’s resolution of 6^th April 2011 to request the Executive Board to instruct the Council’s Highways Department to ensure that consultation with Ward Members takes place with regard to Planning Applications’ highways matters before the Highways Department passes formal comment to Planning Officers. The report requests that Executive Board agrees a revised proposal to ensure ward Members’ views on highways matters are taken into account before a planning application is determined.

Further to Minute No. 52, 27^th July 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report responding to the Council resolution of 6^th April 2011 which requested the Executive Board to instruct the Council’s Highways Department to ensure that consultation with Ward Members took place on Planning Applications’ highways matters before the Highways Department passed formal comment to Planning Officers. Specifically, the report sought approval of a revised proposal which would ensure that Ward Members’ views on highways matters were taken into account before a planning application was determined. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members discussed the proposal detailed within the report and highlighted the importance of Members being afforded the opportunity to be consulted on such matters, with their comments being considered as part of any decision making process.

RESOLVED - That in response to the Council resolution of the 6th April 2011, the following revised proposal be agreed:-

(a)  Supplement the existing public consultation on planning applications with the additional notification (by e-mail) for all Ward Members of those planning applications which have been sent to Highways and Transportation for a consultation response, giving them the additional opportunity to raise any highways concerns they may have with the highways officer directly and that Members’ concerns be added to the report to be submitted to the relevant Plans Panel.

(b)  That at the end of the three month trial period, a further report be submitted to Executive Board for consideration.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions taken above)

(Councillor Finnigan declared a personal interest in relation to this matter, due to being a member of Plans Panel (East))

To consider the report of the Director of City Development inviting consideration of the City Council’s response to the Draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was published on 25 July.  The responses detailed within the report and appendices summarise the key issues from a Leeds perspective, which have arisen from the consultation document and the proposed response.

The Director of City Development submitted a report inviting consideration of the Council’s response to the Draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was published on 25 July 2011.  The response detailed within the submitted report summarised the key issues from a Leeds perspective, which had arisen from the consultation document and the proposed response. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

A table detailing the suggested amendments made by the Development Plan Panel at its meeting on 11^th October 2011 to the Council’s response to the Draft National Planning Policy Framework was circulated to Board Members at the meeting.

In considering this matter, Members made several comments both in terms of the details within the submitted report and the proposed response. These included:-

• Widening the reference regarding the number of windfall units delivered in Leeds to reflect the figures over the past decade;
• Members highlighted that the draft NPPF did not broadly reflect Council policies and City Priorities;
• Emphasis was placed upon the fact that the NPPF would not simplify and streamline the planning process;
• Members highlighted the lack of recognition made by such an approach towards the diversity of economies which existed across the UK.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the response to the draft National Planning Policy Framework, as set out in the submitted report, be approved subject to the inclusion as appropriate of the comments which had been made by the Board during the discussion, in addition to those previously made by the Development Plan Panel.

(b)  That the submission, as detailed within the submitted report and subject to resolution (a) above, be endorsed as the City Council’s formal response to the national consultation, on an all party basis.

(c)  That the responses, as set out within the consultation questionnaire at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

(d)  That the draft letter, as detailed at Appendix 2 to the submitted report, for MPs and relevant parties, be approved, subject to the inclusion as appropriate of the comments which had been made by the Board during the discussion, in addition to those previously made by the Development Plan Panel.

(e)  That a copy of the report be forwarded to the Secretary of State (Communities & Local Government), shadow party spokesmen, Leeds MPs and other relevant organisations including the Local Government Association.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an update on the development of the Home Insulation Scheme and outlining the impact of changing policies upon the Council’s previous proposed approach.  In addition, the report presents a series of options to progress the initiative and seeks approval of the option which would offer free insulation across the whole city, supported by marketing campaigns targeting excluded people and disadvantaged geographies.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an update on the development of the Home Insulation Scheme and outlining the impact of changing policies upon the Council’s previous proposed approach. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members considered the proposed resource which had been allocated towards this scheme and discussed those sections of the community which may benefit the most from being prioritised recipients.

The report presented the following five options to progress the initiative and sought approval of the option which would offer free insulation across the whole city, supported by marketing campaigns targeting excluded people and disadvantaged geographies:

• Option 1 – Development of the scheme as initially planned (free cavity wall and loft insulation for all private homes regardless of income level, to be delivered over 3-4 years by the Council);
• Option 2 – To stop the insulation scheme entirely;
• Option 3 – Procurement of a partner through DEEP to offer discounted insulation, with no free insulation;
• Option 4 – Procurement of a partner through DEEP to offer free insulation only inn selected wards(with door to door marketing to areas with good technical potential), with the offer of discounted insulation t all other Wards;
• Option 5 – Procurement of a partner through DEEP to offer free insulation across the whole of Leeds. Door to door marketing for selected neighbourhoods with good technical potential in more deprived Wards, backed up by a campaign across the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Option 5, to offer free loft and cavity wall insulation to all private sector households across the whole city, supported by marketing campaigns targeting excluded people and disadvantaged geographies, be supported.

(b)  That the Leeds Neighbourhood Index combined with a high level assessment of insulation potential be used to prioritise Wards for door-to-door marketing campaigns, but to exclude technically unsuitable areas from intensive marketing in order to avoid falsely raising expectations.

(c)  That the outcome of the current Leeds City Region DEEP tender process be used to award a contract to the highest scoring bidder to manage and deliver the Home Insulation Scheme.

(d)  That the cavity wall and loft insulation offer be supplemented with a scheme providing solid wall insulation in some of the most deprived areas via the Community Energy Saving Programme, if suitable areas can be found.

(e)  That £1,000,000 of the existing budget be moved to 2012/13.

(f)  That work be undertaken with Leeds City Region authorities, in order to develop a follow up Green Deal/Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme to be available from 2013.

To consider the report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods advising of the development and review of the Leeds Housing Investment Plan (LHIP), its purpose and its priorities, whilst also seeking approval of the investment priorities set out within the Plan.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report advising of the development and review of the Leeds Housing Investment Plan (LHIP), together with its purpose and priorities. In addition, the report specifically sought approval of the investment priorities, as set out within the Plan. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members received responses to enquiries raised regarding the proposed provision for Gypsy and Travellers. Discussion was also had in relation to the term ‘New East Leeds’ and it was undertook that clarity on this matter would be provided. 

Copies of the LHIP had been provided to Board Members for their information, prior to the meeting.

RESOLVED - That the investment priorities set out within the Leeds Housing Investment Plan, as highlighted within sections 4 and 5 of the submitted report, be approved. 

To consider the report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting the findings of the announced Ofsted re-inspection of safeguarding services for children and young people in Leeds, which followed an on-site inspection that took place between 12^th and 16^th September 2011.  The Ofsted report on the inspection is scheduled to be publication on 10^th October and as such it will be submitted to Executive Board as a late, additional paper and appendix 1 to the covering report enclosed.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report presenting the findings of the announced Ofsted re-inspection of safeguarding services for children and young people in Leeds, which followed an on-site inspection that took place between 12^th and 16^th September 2011. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report. 

Following its publication on 10^th October 2011, Board Members were provided with the Ofsted report which detailed the results from the inspection undertaken in respect of Safeguarding Services and Safeguarding Outcomes for Children and Young People. 

On behalf of the Board, the Chair and the Executive Member for Children’s Services paid tribute to, and expressed their gratitude to all of those who had contributed towards the positive outcomes from the Ofsted Inspection, paying particular attention to the determination shown by all concerned and the cross party support which had been given. Members acknowledged that such good work needed to continue in order to ensure that the city’s aspirations in respect of Children’s Services were achieved.

RESOLVED – That the contents of both the submitted report and the Ofsted announced inspection report, as circulated to Board Members following its publication, be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Roundhay School Technology & Language College.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Roundhay School Technology & Language College and to incur the related expenditure. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

In responding to an enquiry, officers undertook provide the Ward Member in question with details in respect of the consultation which took place with local residents in relation to this matter.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the capital proposals outlined within the submitted report for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Roundhay School Technology & Language College be approved.

(b)  That authorisation be given to the programme expenditure of £4,430,200 from capital scheme number 15822/ROU/000.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval to the capital proposals outlined within the report for additional primary school age accommodation as part of Wykebeck Primary School.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation as part of Wykebeck Primary School and to incur the related expenditure. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

a)  That approval be given to proceed with works to provide additional education accommodation at Wykebeck Primary School at an estimated total cost of £1,584,330.

b)  That approval be given to inject a receipt into the approved capital programme, for the sum of £438,000.

c)  That authority be given to incur expenditure of £1,584,330 from capital scheme number 15822/WYK/000.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation at Bracken Edge Primary School.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation at Bracken Edge Primary School and to incur the related expenditure. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to proceed with works to provide additional accommodation at Bracken Edge Primary School at an estimated total cost of £936,040.

(b)  That programme expenditure of £936,040 from capital scheme number 15822/BRA/000 be authorised.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Carr Manor High School.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report seeking approval of the capital proposals for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Carr Manor High School and to incur the related expenditure. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the capital proposals outlined within the submitted report for additional primary school age accommodation as part of an all-through school development for Carr Manor High School be approved.

(b)  That programme expenditure of £2,574,130 from capital scheme number 15822/CAM/000 be authorised.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing statistical information on admissions into Reception and Year 7 for September 2011, as well as entry into Junior school. The report also presents the findings of a survey undertaken on why parents choose particular schools, and their views on the choices available to them.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report providing statistical information regarding admissions into Reception and Year 7 for September 2011, entry into Junior school, in addition to the co-ordination of in-year transfers. In addition, the report presented the findings of a survey undertaken on why parents choose particular schools, and their views on the choices which were made available to them. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

RESOLVED – That the statistical information on the Admissions round, as presented within the submitted report, be noted, including the following:-

• The percentage of first preferences achieved was 85.4%, with 95.3% achieving one of their three preferences.
• The increasing number of primary appeals, and the further 6% improvement in the successful defence of in year appeals.
• The continued increase in use of the online application system with 70% of parents now choosing to apply online (up from 44% last year).

To consider the report of the Director of City Development informing Executive Board of the principal changes that are proposed by the Parks and Countryside Service to the operation of Home Farm Temple Newsam, in light of the decision taken by full Council to include a saving of £100,000 from reductions in ancillary farming activities.

Further to Minute No. 17, 22^nd June 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report advising of the principal changes that were proposed by the Parks and Countryside Service regarding the operation of Home Farm, Temple Newsam, in light of the decision taken by full Council to include a saving of £100,000 from reductions in ancillary farming activities. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

Members discussed issues including the budgetary savings which were to be made in respect of ancillary farming activities, stock numbers and rotation, the Scrutiny Board recommendations which had been made in respect of the farm, processes in place for the purchasing of tickets and the farming methods proposed.

In response to enquiries, officers offered to provide the Member in question with a briefing regarding the reduction of costs, staffing matters and the achievement of savings.

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

(a)  The rationalisation of the current farming operations to Temple Newsam Estate only.

(b)  The rationalisation of non minority rare breed stock and store animals, whilst maintaining minority rare breeds and a marginal stock of visitor friendly breeds.

(c)  The reduction in supplies and services and bespoke agricultural plant and machinery.

(d)  The implementation of a farm staff restructure, based on the principles outlined within section 3.8.1 of the submitted report.

To consider the report of the Director of City Development informing Executive Board of the issues raised, and the conclusions drawn, from the consultation on the Draft Informal Planning Statement for Whinmoor Grange. In addition, the report seeks approval of the revised Informal Planning Statement as a guide to future potential development proposals for the site, in addition to the incurring of related expenditure.

Further to Minute No. 231, 18^th May 2011, the Director of City Development submitted a report informing Executive Board of the issues raised, and the conclusions drawn, from the consultation exercise undertaken on the Draft Informal Planning Statement for Whinmoor Grange. In addition, the report sought approval of the revised Informal Planning Statement as a guide to future potential development proposals for the site, in addition to the incurring of related expenditure. In determining this matter, the Board took into consideration all matters contained within the accompanying report.

The Board received an update in respect of the proposals regarding the site at Elmete. Following an enquiry, officers undertook to provide the Member in question with details of the specific timescales regarding the proposed development of the site.

In considering the associated consultation process, Members were verbally provided with details of comments which had been raised by relevant Ward Members in respect of the proposals and discussed the process by which Ward Member consultation had been conducted.

The Board noted the comments which had been made in respect of related highways issues and highlighted that such matters would be considered as appropriate in due course.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, including the outcome from the consultation undertaken on the Draft Planning Statement be noted.

(b)  That the revised Informal Planning Statement be approved as a guide to future potential development proposals for the Whinmoor Grange site.

(c)  That approval be given to incur expenditure of £358,753 from scheme ‘Cemetery Exts City Wide 1358/WHM’ for construction works in relation to the development of a 5 acre multi faith cemetery at Whinmoor.

DATE OF PUBLICATION:   14^TH OCTOBER 2011

LAST DATE FOR CALL IN

OF ELIGIBLE DECISIONS:  21^ST OCTOBER 2011 (5.00 P.M.)

(Scrutiny Support will notify Directors of any items called in by 12.00 p.m. on 24^th October 2011)