Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes.)

No formal late items of business were added to the agenda however the following supplementary information was tabled at the meeting:

Item 9 Business Plan – copy of the 2011/12 East Inner Area Committee Community (EIAC) Charter

Item 10 Fire Cover Proposals – additional statements from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

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.

The following Members declared 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:

Councillors A Khan, Morgan and Maqsood – all declared personal interests as Area Committee appointed members of the East North East ALMO Area Panel in relation to East North East Homes Leeds Estate Investment Bids - (minute 50 refers)

Councillors R Grahame and G Hyde – declared personal interests as Directors of East North East ALMO Area Panel in relation to East North East Homes Leeds Estate Investment Bids - (minute 50 refers)

Councillor R Grahame – West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service – declared a personal interest as a local authority appointed member of West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority (minute 47 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A Hussain, Selby and A Taylor

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.

Time – 10 minutes

No matters were raised under the Open Forum

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th September 2011

(Copy attached) Time – 10 minutes

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the last meeting held 8^th September 2011 be agreed as a correct record, subject to inclusion of the following to minute 30 (Houses in Multiple Occupation) “EIAC noted the comment that community representatives had experienced problems when contacting Planning Services to report illegal HMO’s in order that follow up action could be taken”

Minute 22 Richmond Hill Forum – the Area Manager reported that the issue relating to notice of meetings had now been resolved

Minute 22 Mount St Mary’s and All Saints redevelopment – the Area Manager reported that information had been supplied as requested from Planning Services. The Chair urged local residents to contact local ward Councillors as it was not appropriate for the Area Committee to pursue the matter

Minute 27 Primary School Provision – EIAC noted that the comments made at the previous meeting had been referred to Children’s Services

Minute 33 Garden Gang Project – it was agreed that the information requested by Councillor Grahame would be included within the next Wellbeing report

Minute 35 Insurance Monies – EIAC welcomed the report that Executive Board had agreed proposals to use insurance money forthcoming since the fire at the Pakistani Centre to invest in a new community facility to be included within the expansion plans for Wykebeck Primary School.

(Councillor A Khan joined the meeting at this point)

To consider the report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on CCTV provision in the Inner East Area Committee locality and the specific cost implications for the Inner East Area Committee.

(Report attached) Time – 10 minutes

Further to minute 11 of the meeting held 23 June 2011, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing information on the provision of the council public space surveillance CCTV camera locations in the IEAC locality where there are specific cost implications for the Committee

RESOLVED –

a)  That the work undertaken during the previous 6 months through the Leedswatch Service to support crime reduction and improve public safety within the IEAC area be noted

b)  That the Area Committee agree the request to continue to fund the CCTV cameras as detailed in paragraph 3:7 of the submitted report

Further to minute 11 of the meeting held 23 June 2011, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing information on the provision of the council public space surveillance CCTV camera locations in the EIAC locality where there were specific cost implications for the Committee.

Mr D Pearson attended the meeting and responded to the Committee’s questions regarding provision in specific locations and maintenance issues. EIAC accepted an invitation to visit the CCTV Control Room and requested that they receive copies of CCTV location maps for their own wards. Members considered the likely impact of removal of funding for CCTV and

RESOLVED –

a)  That the work undertaken during the previous 6 months through the Leedswatch Service to support crime reduction and improve public safety within the EIAC area be noted

b)  That the Area Committee agree the request to continue to fund the CCTV cameras as detailed in paragraph 3:7 of the submitted report

To consider the report of the East North East Area Leader providing an overview of spending to date and presenting a number of new project proposals requesting funding from the Wellbeing Budget for consideration

(Report attached) Time – 15 minutes

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing an overview of spending to date from the EIAC Wellbeing Budget and monitoring reports on schemes previously funded. The report also outlined two new proposals seeking funding from the revenue budget as follows

Sing On the Green   £824.00

Denis Healey Friday Night Project  £4,000.00

RESOLVED - To note the contents of the report and

a)  To note the benefits of the capital wellbeing fund

b)  To note the spend to date and current balances for the 2011/12 financial year

c)  To approve the award of the following grants:

a.  Sing On The Green  £824.00

b.  Denis Healey Friday Night Project  £4,000.00 

d)  To request a report back on the outcome of the Friday Night Project in due course

The East North East Area Leader submitted a report providing an overview of spending to date from the EIAC Wellbeing Budget and monitoring reports on schemes previously funded. The report also outlined two new proposals seeking funding from the revenue budget as follows

Sing On the Green   £824.00

Denis Healey Friday Night Project  £4,000.00

Members noted the Youth Service intended to target young people at risk from being involved in anti social behaviour through this scheme. EIAC requested a report back on the outcome of the scheme in due course.

EIAC members also reported on the following previously funded schemes:

• Parklands Memorial Book – Councillor Morgan commented that this had been an excellent memento for the school leavers
• Kentmere Community Centre – Councillor Morgan commended the work done to restore the garden
• Leeds Parish Church Youth Group – Mr Rone reported on the success of the residential visit

RESOLVED - To note the contents of the report and

a)  To note the benefits of the capital wellbeing fund

b)  To note the spend to date and current balances for the 2011/12 financial year

c)  To approve the award of the following grants:

a.  Sing On The Green  £824.00

b.  Denis Healey Friday Night Project  £4,000.00

d)  To request a report back on the outcome of the Friday Night Project in due course

To consider the report of the East North East Area Leader presenting the new annual Business Plan for approval

(Report attached) Time – 10 minutes

The Committee considered the new Annual Business Plan, intended to replace the Area Delivery Plan (ADP), and the progress made in relation to the priorities contained within the Community Charter which covered the EIAC area.

RESOLVED

a)  That the draft East Inner Area Committee Business Plan for 2011/12 be approved subject to the inclusion of references to the East Leeds Regeneration Board and the Regeneration Plan

b)  That the progress made in relation to the Plan be noted

The Committee considered the new Annual Business Plan, intended to replace the Area Delivery Plan (ADP), and the progress made in relation to the priorities contained within the Community Charter which covered the EIAC area. A copy of the Community Charter was tabled at the meeting.

The Committee raised the following issues:

-  The document highlighted the lack of provision of a jobshop in the Burmantofts area. Members were keen to pursue this as Burmantofts is adjacent to the Aire Valley

-  Noted the lack of health care outreach services listed for Burmantofts

-  Agreed to the suggestion that the ABP should refer to local residents new power to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan under the provisions of the Localism Bill

-  Agreed that the ABP should include reference to the East Leeds Regeneration Board and the Regeneration Plan for the EIAC area in the Team Neighbourhood Model

RESOLVED

a)  That the draft East Inner Area Committee Business Plan for 2011/12 be approved subject to the inclusion of references to the East Leeds Regeneration Board and the Regeneration Plan

b)  That the progress made in relation to the Plan be noted

To consider a report on consultation being undertaken by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service on proposals to deliver efficiencies within the Service, in particular, the construction of a new fire station at Killingbeck. Station Commander Mr T Head will attend the Area Committee to present the business case.

(Report attached) Time – 30 minutes

Station Commander T Head, Gipton Fire Station, attended the meeting to present a report and associated consultation document on proposals to deliver significant efficiencies within the service. The proposals included the construction of a new fire station at Killingbeck to replace both the Gipton and Stanks Fire Stations. Supplementary documents were tabled at the meeting and the report included a copy of the business case currently out for public consultation drawn up by WYFRS.

EIAC made the following comments:

-  relocation of the service to a new station could have a detrimental impact on service provision to the Gipton area – which was classed as a very high risk area. Members were very concerned that the new base would be further away resulting in longer response times.

-  Members noted the relocation proposals were intended to provide improved overall cover for the whole of Leeds, however remained concerned that the Gipton area in particular could be vulnerable if units were providing cover to other areas.

-  Noted the size and density of the area covered by Gipton Fire Station

Members reported that they had not received notification of the likely site for the new base, although were aware that one site on the A64 was favoured by WYFRS. It was noted that the modelling used to assess service cover had identified 5 sites and the A64 site was the preferred best location, although it was stressed that this had not been approved. Mr Head reported that WYFRS would continue to ensure an average 5 minute response time was maintained and would continue to seek a reduction in fires through community initiatives and home fire checks which had proved successful in the past. Members noted that both Stanks and Gipton Fire Stations required significant investment which was not available to WYFRS.

EIAC strongly opposed the closure of the Gipton and Stanks fire stations and relocation to one base. Members felt this would undermine the safety, health and wellbeing of constituents if this led to a reduction in service to the area. EIAC urged local community representatives to participate in the consultation and contact their local MP’s. Members thanked Station Commander Head for his presentation and participation in the frank discussions

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and the comments made by the Area Committee

b)  To request officers draw up a formal response on behalf of EIAC based on the discussions noted above, and be submitted to the WYFRS consultation

To consider the report of the Head of Parks & Countryside providing an area profile of key assets, park usage and customer perspective of the Service

(Report attached) Time – 10 minutes

The Head of Parks & Countryside submitted the Annual Report for the Parks & Countryside Service in the EIAC. The report outlined the area profile of key assets and park usage and provided a customer based perspective of the quality of the assets and services. Improvements to the parks, pitches and play areas which had been implemented during the last 12 months were highlighted, along with those proposed for the forthcoming year. A breakdown of events and volunteering in the area was also included.

Mr G Gorner, LCC Natural Environment officer, attended the meeting and discussed the following matters with Members

-  an outreach team had been established to engage local residents in improving events in local parks

-  the outreach team also liaised with local schools and had worked with 3,800 pupils during the last year, particularly during the Autumn term of Key Stage 2 when pupils were encouraged to participate in an annual tree seed collection which aimed to replenish tree stocks

-  the 426 volunteering days recorded in the East Leeds area last year equated to £21k of resources

-  The need to re-establish the role of co-ordinator for the volunteer tree warden scheme

EIAC queried the figures reported for visitors to East End Park and requested these be verified. Members also identified the following as priorities

-  The need to emphasise the work of the In-Bloom groups in localities and what equipment was available from LCC for the groups to utilise

-  Treatment to make safe the bomb shelters at Shaftesbury playing fields which were collapsing. 

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and the discussions and to note priorities identified

(Councillor R Pryke joined the meeting at this point)

To consider the report of the East Leeds Regeneration Programme Manager providing an update on the regeneration programme for East Leeds

(Report attached) Time – 10 minutes

The East Leeds Regeneration Programme Manager submitted a report providing an update on the regeneration programme for East Leeds. The report highlighted the key themes of the programme and provided details of the progress so far and likely future work to be undertaken

A Brannen and K Chiverall, LCC Environment & Neighbourhoods, attended the meeting to present the report and highlighted the proposal to establish an East Leeds Regeneration Board (ELRB) to oversee, guide and monitor the programme, seeking Members views on the consultation process. Members discussed appropriate reporting arrangements for the programme and the request for a nominee from each EIAC ward to sit on the Board

Members discussed the following comments on regeneration issues:

Agnes Stewart development – noted a new planning permission had been obtained with a 5 year time limit for implementation. Members noted the adjacent sports facilities remained unused, and that St Peters School had not been successful in their representation to use them. The planned transfer of ownership of that land for public use had not yet taken place.

Land adjacent to Lincoln Green Medical Centre – noted that planning permission for a 26 storey building had been refused. Members noted a request for information on how to encourage development and the comment that sites awaiting development should be protected from vandalism and rat infestation

 Requests for community use – EIAC noted a report that both the Sudanese and Nigerian Community Groups had been refused permission for exclusive use of Ebor Gardens Community Centre

EASEL – noted information on the breakdown of new homes for sale/rent/social housing and received assurance that those existing homes which had fallen within the areas designated for regeneration (marked brown within the Area Action Plan) would not be affected a the EASEL Area Action Plan had been withdrawn following public consultation. Officers highlighted the need for EIAC and the ELRB to consider the future of proposed EASEL schemes in the Gipton area which had not yet begun development due to the economic downturn

Rise Centre, Seacroft – the Leeds College of Building taster sessions had proved very successful. The College had a city wide catchment and, as the building was modular, the sessions could be provided city wide to complement the current emphasis on training, skills and employment

Arcadia site – noted the Council had produced a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) to identify strategic sites which could be available to meet the homes target.

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Planning/Planning_policy/Strategic_housing_land_availability_assessment_(SHLAA).aspx

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Environment_and_planning/Planning/Planning_policy/Strategic_Housing_Market_Assessment_(SHMA).aspx

No formal planning application had been submitted, although Arcadia had employed consultants to review the future of the site for housing, in line with the Councils SHLAA. Members requested details of the SHLAA covering the EIAC area and it was agreed that Members should undertake site visits with regeneration officers to review the EASEL sites.

Members considered the request for comments on the reporting arrangements between EIAC and ELRB but requested that these matters be scheduled for a full discussion at the next EIAC meeting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

To consider the report of the Director of Housing Services, East North East Homes, on the projects undertaken by ENE Homes and the Residents’ Area Panel

(Report attached) Time – 20 minutes

The Director of Housing Services, East North East Homes, submitted a report providing information on the work carried out by ENE Homes and the Residents Area Panel. The report also detailed projects carried out in the community

Mr S Vowles attended the meeting to present the report and discussed the following issues with Members:

• The role of the Area Panels and the need to engage local residents with the work of the Panels
• The need to encourage residents to participate in consultation on future projects with  ENE Homes
• Measures to use to advertise and inform residents of projects whilst works are ongoing
• The training offered to members of the Area Panels.

EIAC noted that a bus tour of the locality to familiarise Area Panel members with the ENE Homes sites had previously proved beneficial. EIAC also noted a comment regarding the equal division of funding between the ENE Homes areas and the suggestion that this was less favourable to inner city wards with three times as many tenants than the outer wards.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday 1^st December 2011 at 5.00pm, Leeds Civic Hall. (Please note the change to the start time)

The Chair reported that the schedule of meetings had been altered so that meetings started earlier

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the date and time of the next meeting as Thursday 1^st December 2011 at 5.00pm, Leeds Civic Hall

b)  To note the date and times of the meetings for the remainder of the Municipal Year as:

a.  Thursday 2 February 2012 at 5:00 pm, Leeds Civic Hall

b.  Thursday 22 March 2012 at 5:00 pm, SHINE