Agenda, decisions and minutes

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Election of Chair for 2008/9.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report explaining the arrangements for the annual election of the Chair of the Area Committee.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that one nomination for the position of Chair had been received, on behalf of Councillor Monaghan.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to note, Councillor J Monaghan be elected as Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee for the Municipal Year 2008/09.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the July meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at Little London Community Primary School, Leeds 7.

The Chair referred to the recent sad death of Pat Regan who had played a major role within the Inner North West area and as a mark of respect a minutes silence was observed. 

On behalf of the Area Committee, the West and North West Area Manager agreed to send a card of condolence to her immediate family.

The Chair particularly welcomed the following to their first meeting of the Area Committee:-

• Councillor J Matthews – newly elected Ward Member for Headingley
• Councillor L Yeadon – newly elected Ward Member for Kirkstall
• Councillor B Chastney – newly elected Ward Member for Weetwood

He also welcomed Sheila Fletcher, North East Area Management who would be joining North West Area Management with effect from 8^th August 2008.

The Chair also welcomed Inspector Ian Croft and Inspector Fran Naughton, West Yorkshire Police and Ben McDougall, Leeds Metropolitan Student Union.

The Chair again paid tribute to ex-Councillor D Morton, ex-Councillor L Minkin and ex-Councillor B Jennings who had made a huge impact within the Inner North West area.

The Chair informed the meeting that the following people would be leaving and, on behalf of the Area Committee, he thanked them for their valuable contributions made within the Inner North West area:-

• Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management
• Andrew Crates, Community Planner
• Andy Milnes, Area Manager, Streetscene Services
• Jacq McNee, Leeds Metropolitan Student Union

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

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair consented to the submission of the following late items of urgent business:-

• Deputation – Bethel Day Centre (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 5(a) refers).  The deputation had been received outside the seven day notification period which had been waived by the Chair

• Hyde Park and Woodhouse Designated Public Places Order Update (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 11 refers).  The report provided an updated position statement on the present applications for Designated Public Places Orders in Little London and Hanover and Woodhouse Squares following a deputation to full Council on 2^nd July 2008

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

(a)  The following personal declarations were made:-

·  Councillor J Chapman in her capacity as Chair of Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care) - Deputation – Bethel Day Centre (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 5(a) refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 5(b) refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director of Leeds Organic Growers (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 8(d) refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in view of his wife’s capacity as Chair of Bethel Day Centre Management Committee (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 13 refers)

(b)  The following personal and prejudicial interest was declared:-

·  Councillor J Illingworth in view of his wife’s capacity as Chair of Bethel Day Centre Management Committee (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 5(a) refers)

(a)  Deputation – Bethel Day Centre

The Committee received a deputation from Ms Amogene Parris on behalf of Bethel Day Centre.  The deputation made specific reference to the current funding issues between the Centre and the Council and she urged the Council to engage in further discussions with the Bethel Day Centre Management Committee with a view to resolving the matter.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the deputation be received and noted.

(b)  That the Director of Adult Social Services be requested to prepare a short interim progress report for circulation to Members of the Committee on the latest position and that a final report be submitted on this issue to the 25^th September 2008 meeting with the Director of Adult Social Services in attendance.

(c)  That a copy of the short interim progress report be also submitted to officers of the Bethel Day Centre Management Committee for their information/retention and that any exempt information contained within the final report to be debated at the 25^th September 2008 meeting be considered in private at that meeting.

  (Councillor J Illingworth having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, left the room and took no part in the discussions or voting thereon)

(b)  Deputation – Disposal of St Ann’s Mills, Kirkstall

  The Committee received a deputation from Keith Collridge in relation to the disposal of St Ann’s Mills, Kirkstall.

  The deputation made specific reference to the previous deputation presented at the full Council meeting held on 2^nd July 2008 and requested the Committee’s support towards the retention of St Ann’s Mills, Kirkstall and to oppose selling off the land.

  At the request of the Chair, Stephen Rennie, Hawksworth Wood Community Centre updated the meeting on the latest developments.

  RESOLVED –

  (a)  That the deputation be received and noted.

  (b)  That this Committee supports the concept of the retention of St Ann’s Mills, Kirkstall and for no further steps to sell off the land until options for retention as a community facility had been  explored.

  (c)  That this Committee requests Executive Board’s support/approval that the local community be given the opportunity to develop a Community Interest Company and produce a business plan for alternative use of the mills.

  (d)  That the comments made in relation to the restoration of the  flood plain on the site be referred to the Director of City Development by West and North West Area Management for appropriate action.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

(a)  Work of the Sub Groups

  John Dickinson, Weetwood Residents Association referred to the work of the Sub Groups and enquired on the protocol for the appointment of Sub Group Chairs.  He also referred to the Transport Sub Group’s initiatives around resident parking schemes and sought the assurance of the Committee that this issue would be dealt with as soon as possible.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and it was noted that a report was currently being commissioned on the future of the Sub Groups, arising from the new Area Delivery Plan, which could result in a change of title to a number of Sub Groups.

  Following discussions, the Committee noted that the residents parking issue would be addressed by the appropriate Sub Group in the near future and in addition to this, Councillor J Illingworth also stressed the need to progress residents parking schemes in Kirkstall, together with looking into 20 mph zones.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 3^rd April 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd April 2008 be approved as a correct record.

(b)  That the update on matters arising from the previous meeting be noted.

(a)  Section 106 Planning Agreements (Minute 103 refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby made reference to resolution (d) in relation to the above issue and sought the assurance of the meeting that under the terms of SPG3 (Affordable Housing Policy Guidance Note), there were two alternatives available for the Council to consider, namely; to seek either a financial contribution or to seek off site affordable housing provided by the developers.

    It was noted that Affordable Housing was only one of many aspects often dealt with by S106 agreements. Where a development was required to provide Affordable Housing, there was a presumption that the Affordable Housing should be provided on-site. Exceptionally, where the Council and developer agree that it would be preferable,

i) Affordable Housing may be provided off-site, or ii) a commuted sum may be provided in lieu of Affordable Housing provision on site.

  The Committee accepted this statement and supported the proposal to seek off-site provision of affordable housing in addition to or instead of on-site benefits and for this resolution being passed on to City Development.

(b)  Woodhouse Moor – Proposed Bus Lane (Minute 94 refers)

  Councillor B Atha made reference to the above issue and requested the Committee’s support in expressing its total opposition to the scheme for the removal of Yorkshire stone paving for a proposed bus lane on Woodhouse Moor.

  Following a debate, the Chair agreed, on behalf of the Committee, to write a letter to the Chief Highways Officer opposing this scheme on the lines now reported.

(c)  Headingley HEART Project (Minute 98 refers)

  At the request of the Chair, Richard Norton, Headingley Development Trust updated the meeting on the latest developments in relation to the Headingley HEART project.

(d)  Community Compost Project (Minute 98 refers)

  At the request of the Chair, Councillor J Illingworth updated the meeting on the latest developments in relation to the Community Compost project.

To consider a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with full minutes and key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to the Planning Group’s request for support in objecting to the proposed development of purpose built student flats at 45 St Michael’s Lane (the scheme having been previously allowed on appeal, but the new proposals were for a different layout of studio flats).

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with full minutes and key messages from ward forums and sub groups that had taken place since the last Area Committee.

Discussions ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

Specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Student Changeover 2008
• LDF/National Policy Update – Leeds Girls’ High School
• Proposed development of purpose built student flats at 45 St Michael’s Lane
• To Let Sign Directive

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to the Planning Group’s request for support in objecting to the proposed development of purpose built student flats at 45 St Michael’s Lane (the scheme having been previously allowed on appeal, but the new proposals were for a different layout of studio flats).

  (During discussion of this item, Councillor B Chastney, Councillor J Matthews and Councillor L Yeadon  indicated that they were Members of the Plans Panel (West) and could possibly be considering matters from this item at a later date in that capacity.  They stated that they would remain in the meeting to listen to and take part in the discussion of this issue.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, Councillors Chastney, Matthews and Yeadon stated that they would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter came before Plans Panel (West) for determination, but would consider all representations and viewpoints presented at the planning meeting before reaching a conclusion based on the merits of the case).

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the well-being budget.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the revenue projects as detailed in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows, and that any overspend be taken from the remaining small grants budget:-

(c)  That in relation to the forthcoming Shakespeare Festival, this Committee supports the principle of providing financial support, subject to the availability of Well-being funds and all other sources of funding being secured by the festival organisers.

(d)  That the small grants approved since the February Area Committee as detailed in Section 6.2 of the report be noted.

Referring to Minute 82 of the meeting held on 7^th February 2008, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the well-being budget.

The purpose of the report was to provide Members with:-

• information on new projects requesting funding for 2008/09
• an update on the capital budget available for 2008/09 and
• an update on small grants approved since the April Area Committee

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents:-

• Revenue spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 1 refers)
• Capital spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 2 refers)

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

Councillor B Atha made specific reference to the forthcoming Shakespeare Festival and requested the Committee’s support for financial assistance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the revenue projects as detailed in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows, and that any overspend be taken from the remaining small grants budget:-

(c)  That in relation to the forthcoming Shakespeare Festival, this Committee supports the principle of providing financial support, subject to the availability of Well-being funds and all other sources of funding being secured by the festival organisers.

(d)  That the small grants approved since the February Area Committee as detailed in Section 6.2 of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with an updated position with regard to the creation of Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the contents of the progress report, together with the revised

  report on the updated position statement be noted.

  (b)  That based on the options referred to in Section 4 of the revised report, approval be given to the following recommendations, subject to both issues being dealt with as quickly as legally possible:-

i) Defer the current applications as per Legal advice to allow the Executive Board and Licensing Panel time to consider the contents of the Deputation to full Council and provide the Area Committee with any relevant advice on the matter; and

  ii) Duly consider any advice from Executive Board and Licensing Panel on the matter and agree that a deferred application proceeds for the two DPPO’s (excluding Woodhouse Moor) on the condition that ifany evidence of displacement onto Woodhouse Moor of streetdrinkers was found, area management would immediately start discussions for a DPPO to cover the Moor.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a progress report providing the Area Committee with an updated position with regard to the creation of Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward.

In addition to the above report, a late item entitled ‘Hyde Park and Woodhouse Designated Public Places Order Update’ was also considered.

The late item provided an updated position statement on the present applications for Designated Public Places Orders in Little London and Hanover and Woodhouse Squares.  Further to a deputation to full Council on 2^nd July 2008 regarding the current DPPO applications, it updated the Committee on advice received from Legal Services to defer the matter to a later meeting of Licensing Panel and provided the Area Committee with a number of options on how to progress the matter.

Jason Singh, Deputy Area Manager presented the reports in question and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of both documents.

At the request of the Chair, comments were invited from West Yorkshire Police, together with members of the public.

In addition to seeking the above views, individual comments were also received from all Members of the Committee.

Following detailed discussions, Councillor B Atha proposed a motion that approval should be given to the inclusion of Woodhouse Moor within the area to be consulted upon for the proposed Designated Public Places Order.

The motion put by Councillor B Atha was put to the vote and lost.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the contents of the progress report, together with the late item

  on the updated position statement be noted.

  (b)  That based on the options referred to in Section 4 of the late item report, approval be given to the following recommendations, subject to both issues being dealt with as quickly as legally possible:-

i) Defer the current applications as per Legal advice to allow the Executive Board and Licensing Panel time to consider the contents of the Deputation to full Council and provide the Area Committee with any relevant advice on the matter; and

  ii) Duly consider any advice from Executive Board and Licensing Panel on the matter and agree that a deferred application proceeds for the two DPPO’s (excluding Woodhouse Moor) on the condition that ifany evidence of displacement onto Woodhouse Moor of streetdrinkers was found, Area Management would immediately start discussions for a DPPO to cover the Moor

(During discussion of this item, Councillor L Rhodes-Clayton indicated that she was a Member of the Licensing Committee and could possibly be considering matters from this item at a later date in that capacity.  She stated that she would remain in the meeting to listen to and take part in the discussion of this issue.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, Councillor Rhodes-Clayton stated that she would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter came before Licensing Committee for determination, but would consider all representations and viewpoints  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Inner North West Leeds which are not addressed elsewhere on the agenda.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That in relation to the proposed community planning brief for the Leeds Girls High School site, this Committee endorses the document.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Inner North West Leeds.

The West and North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Woodhouse Moor
• Leeds Girls’ High School
• Headingley Primary School

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(b)  That in relation to the proposed community planning brief for the Leeds Girls’ High School site, this Committee endorses the document.

(Councillor J Chapman left the meeting at 9.05 pm during discussions of the above item).

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to the community and local engagement category appointments to outside bodies which had been delegated to the Area Committee to decide.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That in respect of the Outside Body schedule, approval be given to the following appointments being made for the Municipal Year 2008/09:-

(c)  That in relation to filling the annual appointment for Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee, this issue be revisited at the meeting on 25^th September 2008, pending the receipt of a letter received from Mrs D Illingworth requesting the Committee to make an Elected Member appointment to this outside body.

(d)  That in relation to the outstanding vacancy for the Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of Management, and the current vacancy for Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London arising from timing difficulties of attending the meeting by Councillor P Ewens, the current appointee, the Chief Democratic Services Officer be requested to submit a report on these appointments for consideration at the meeting on 25^th September 2008.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on area management income from advertising on lamp posts.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the Director of City Development be requested to prepare a further report with a view to identifying appropriate sites (excluding residential areas) for advertising on street lighting columns within the Inner North West wards for consideration at a future meeting of the Area Committee.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on area management income from advertising on lamp posts.

Discussion ensued on the content of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the Director of City Development be requested to prepare a further report with a view to identifying appropriate sites (excluding residential areas) for advertising on street lighting columns within the Inner North West wards for consideration at a future meeting of the Area Committee.

Thursday 31^st July 2008 at 7.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

(Special Meeting)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Little London Community Primary School, Meanwood Street, Leeds LS7 1SR

Thursday 31^st July 2008 at 7.00 pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds (Special Meeting).

(The meeting concluded at 9.40 pm).

This report was admitted as a late item which provided an updated position statement