Agenda, decisions and minutes

Contact: Stuart Robinson (0113) 24 74360  Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

42.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the December meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held in the Lewis Jones Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds 6.

 

43.

Late Items

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

 

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

Minutes:

The Chair agreed to accept the following documents as supplementary information:-

 

·  Proposal to Build a BMX Trail at Dobby Row, Off Kirkstall Road –additional Information (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 47 refers)

 

·  Woodhouse Community Centre Asset Transfer – Supplementary/ Additional Information (Agenda Item 10 ) (Minute 50 refers)

 

The documents were not available at the time of the agenda despatch, but circulated by e mail and made available to the public on the Council’s web site prior today’s meeting.

44.

Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

The following personal declarations of interest were declared:-

 

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstal Valley Park and also as a Director and Company Secretary of Dig2ride (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 47 refers)

·  Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a School Governor of Leeds Girls High School (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 49 refers)

·  Councillor L Yeadon in her capacity as a Member of Kirkstall Valley Community Association (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 49 refers)

·  Councillor G Harper in his capacity as a Board Member on Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 50 refers)

45.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors B Atha and J Chapman.

46.

Open Forum

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.

Minutes:

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:-

 

a)  Houses in Multiple Occupation- Update

Referring to Minute 31 (a) of the meeting held on 28th October 2010, Dr Richard Tyler updated the Area Committee on developments in respect of proposed changes to HMO legislation.

 

He referred to the recent success of the Council’s White Paper on this issue and updated the meeting on the progress to date in relation to the Article 4 Direction.

 

In concluding, he requested the Area Committee to move a recommendation for fees to be charged for planning applications under Article 4 Directions.

 

The Chair responded and it was agreed to revisit this issue under the item ‘matters arising from the minutes’ and to request the Community Planner to give a verbal update.

 

b)  Leeds Girls High School – Various Issues

Bill McKinnon, Friends of Woodhouse Moor referred to the recent consideration of the Leeds Girls High School planning application at Plans Panel (West) on 14th December 2010. He raised a series of concerns about the quality of decision making at the meeting.

 

At the request of the Chair, Councillor J Matthews responded and confirmed that Elected Members trusted the advice given by officers of the Council when considering planning applications/planning reports.

 

Mercia Southon, North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association thanked Bill McKinnon for his work regarding the Leeds Girls High School planning application. She urged Elected Members to consider the matter carefully.

 

Councillor J Illingworth informed the meeting that he was also present at the Plans Panel (West) meeting on 14th December 2010 and raised his concerns that Rose Court was not included within the planning application. He also raised his concerns that a number of relevant papers were missing from the Council’s website which needed investigating by the Area Committee.

 

Councillor M Hamilton informed the meeting that this was a highly complex issue and suggested that it maybe appropriate to undertake an investigation into the background issues relating to Rose Court.

 

 

 

c)  West Park Centre

Doug Kemp, West Park Residents Association referred to the West Park Centre and raised his concerns that there had been no progress made since 2008 with regards to the future of the building.

 

At the request of the Chair, the Acting West North West Area Manager responded and informed the meeting that approval to proceed with the consultation to inform the feasibility study was still awaited by Councillor K Wakefield, Leader of Council.

 

Councillor J Illingworth raised his concerns of the fact that Education Leeds were withdrawing lettings at the centre signalling that the centre was now being considered for disposal by the Council. He asked that Members be informed why the planned consultation had been delayed.

 

The Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to investigate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

47.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 79 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 28th October 2010.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED-

a)  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28th October 2010 be approved as a correct record.

b)  That the matters arising update from the 28th October 2010 meeting be noted, together with the supplementary information circulated at the meeting in relation to the challenges facing the proposal to build a BMX Trail at Dobby Row, off Kirkstall Road.

 

48.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Minutes:

a)  Houses in Multiple Occupation (Minute 31(a) refers)

Ryan Platten, Community Planner updated the meeting on developments in respect of proposed changes to HMO legislation. He referred to a meeting which took place on 9th December 2010 between the Chief Planning Officer and ward Members where it was agreed to take an Article 4 Direction report to Executive Board on 5th January 2011. He informed the meeting that should these proposals be agreed, the Council would have new powers to limit the number of new HMOs, subject to a 12 months notice period.

 

Following a debate, the Area Committee supported this course of action with a request that it should proceed as quickly as possible.

 

The Chair referred to Dr Richard Tyler’s request for the Area Committee to move a recommendation that fees should be charged for planning applications under Article 4 Directions.

 

Arising from discussions, the Area Committee agreed to the proposal and the Chair agreed to write a letter to the Chief Planning Officer with an input from the Community Planner.

 

b)  Royal Park School (Minute 31 (b) refers)

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Manager updated the meeting on developments in respect of Royal Park School, together with details of the current security arrangements in place.

 

Councillor J Illingworth queried why the caretakers house could not be occupied to provide on site security.

 

Following a debate, the Acting West North West Area Manager agreed to discuss this issue further with the Acting Director of City Development with a view to providing a briefing for Headingley ward Members as soon as possible.

 

c)  Health and Wellbeing Partnership (Minute 33 (d) refers)

Councillor L Yeadon referred to the Health and Wellbeing Partnership and the implications of the forthcoming Public Health White Paper.

 

Arising from discussions, it was agreed to request the Acting West North West Area Manager to arrange a seminar on this issue prior to one of the next Area Committee meetings.

 

d)  Key Messages from Area Committee Sub Groups and Forums

  (Minute 36 refers)

Councillor G Harper referred to his non-attendance at a number of City Centre Plans Panel meetings and explained that this was due to his recent appointment as Lead Member, Development which would have resulted in a conflict in interest. The Committee noted that Councillor N Taggart had now replaced him on the Panel since October 2010.

 

Councillor J Illingworth referred to the general issue of Sub Group representation and the need for local residents to be invited to attend all Sub Group meetings.

 

At the request of the Chair, Councillor J Monaghan responded and stated that Sub Groups should have similar public representation as the Planning Sub Group does, but should not be generally open to the public. He referred to the Transport Sub Group which due to its large attendance of residents, worked more like a public forum rather than a Sub Group of the Area Committee.

 

Arising from discussions, the Chair agreed to leave the issue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

49.

Well-being Fund Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 117 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating the meeting on the Well-being Fund projects approved in February 2010, and on the current Well-being Fund budget position. The report also includes proposals to decommission two projects that have not progressed for some years.

Decision:

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report and the progress made by Well-being funded projects this year be noted.

b)  That approval be given to a small grant application of £500 for the Leeds Girls High School Action Group with the remainder to be funded from MICE monies.

c)  That this Committee notes that the West Yorkshire Police now expect to spend the total Off Road Motorcycle grant this financial year, and not carry forward an under spend as outlined in Section 2.20 of the report.

d)  That approval be given to the following new Well-being applications as outlined in Section 7.1 and 7.2 of the report:-

·  Left Bank Leeds – £18,250 to be funded £9,389 from the central capital pot and £8,861 from the revenue budget

·  Little London Arts - £2,925 revenue funding, agreed in principle, subject to agreement of the project budget by ward members

e)  That this Committee notes the deadline of 31st December 2010 for applications to the 2011/12 Well-being fund revenue budget.

 

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 86 of the meeting held on 25th February 2010, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the meeting on the Well-being Fund projects approved in February 2010, and on the current Well-being Fund budget position. The report also included proposals to decommission two projects that have not progressed for some years.

 

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

 

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report and the progress made by Well-being funded projects this year be noted.

b)  That approval be given to a small grant application of £500 for the Leeds Girls High School Action Group with the remainder to be funded from MICE monies.

c)  That this Committee notes that the West Yorkshire Police now expect to spend the total Off Road Motorcycle grant this financial year, and not carry forward an under spend as outlined in Section 2.20 of the report.

d)  That approval be given to the following new Well-being applications as outlined in Section 7.1 and 7.2 of the report:-

·  Left Bank Leeds – £18,250 to be funded £9,389 from the central capital pot and £8,861 from the revenue budget

·  Little London Arts - £2,925 revenue funding, agreed in principle, subject to agreement of the project budget by ward Members

e)  That this Committee notes the deadline of 31st December 2010 for applications to the 2011/12 Well-being fund revenue budget.

 

50.

Woodhouse Community Centre Asset Transfer pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking the Area Committee’s support for the community asset transfer of the Woodhouse Community Centre.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That approval be given to support the proposal for community asset transfer of the Woodhouse Community Centre on a 50 year peppercorn lease to Oblong, on the condition that capital funding was obtained as indicated in Section 5 and agreement was reached regarding the usage required by Youth Services.

 

 

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking the Area Committee’s support for the community asset transfer of the Woodhouse Community Centre.

 

In addition to the above report, Members received supplementary information on this issue to assist them with their deliberations.

 

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

At the request of the Chair, the following representatives from Oblong were in attendance to provide the meeting with the relevant background information:-

 

·  Duncan Millard

·  Stella Darby

 

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

 

  • the background financial details pertaining to Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, with reference to resources available for rent
  • clarification of how the charging arrangements compare with the HEART scheme and the need to develop a fairer policy for future schemes
  • to note that approval of the Executive Board was required should the transfer be approved at today’s meeting

 

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That approval be given to support the proposal for community asset transfer of the Woodhouse Community Centre on a 50 year peppercorn lease to Oblong, on the condition that capital funding was obtained as indicated in Section 5 and agreement was reached regarding the usage required by Youth Services.

 

 

51.

Area Manager's Report pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Outer North West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2010/11.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be given to the draft Inner North West Community Charter in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That this Committee supports local participation in the spending challenge exercise.

 

 

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in inner North West Leeds as determined by progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11.

 

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

 

  • Inner North West Area Committee – Your Community Charter (Appendix 1 refers)
  • The Leeds Spending Challenge (Appendix 2 refers)

 

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

 

·  clarification of the Spending Challenge protocol; who was the target audience and how it would be monitored?

  (The Acting West North West Area Manager responded and 

  informed the meeting that the Communications Team would be 

  overseeing the monitoring process)

·  specific details around the number of copies to be produced and the production costs in relation to the Community Charter document

(The Acting West North West Area Manager responded indicating that approximately 500 copies would be printed and distributed to the public at key locations in the area)

 

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be given to the draft Inner North West Community Charter in accordance with the report now submitted.

c)  That this Committee supports local participation in the spending challenge exercise.

 

 

52.

Key Messages from Area Committee Sub Groups and Forums pdf icon PDF 80 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing a summary of ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

 

Decision:

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the request from the Planning Sub Group for the Area Committee to support the SUSTRANS ‘Quality Streets for All’ Initiative.

c)  That the following dates of future meetings be noted:-

 

a.  Environment Sub Group -    9th December 2010

b.  Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum - 13th January 2011

c.  Planning Sub Group -  8th December 2010

 

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the request from the Planning Sub Group for the Area Committee to support the SUSTRANS ‘Quality Streets for All’ Initiative.

c)  That the following dates of recent and future meetings be noted:-

 

a.  Environment Sub Group -    9th December 2010

b.  Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum - 13th January 2011

   c.  Planning Sub Group -  8th December 2010

53.

Towards Integrated Locality Working pdf icon PDF 76 KB

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) on proposals towards integrated locality working.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report  informing the Area Committee on the progress of recent work on locality working through a Locality Working Pathfinder in the South East wedge of the city. The report also invited Members to comment and support the initial proposals arising from the Pathfinder.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Locality Working – Draft Design Principles’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

ShaidMahmood, Locality Working Pathfinder Manager, Chief Executive’s Department presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

 

·  clarification as to whether or not the proposals around locality working included the full range of Council services

·  clarification of the proposals: the powers open to members of the public and how it would work in practice at a local level

(The Locality Working Pathfinder Manager responded and informed the meeting that more detailed reports on the practicalities of locality working in Inner North West would follow to the Area Committee in due course, upon the appointment of ‘One Council’ Area Leeds)

·  clarification of timescales in delivering the proposals

·  clarification of the new delegation arrangements regarding Streetscene

·  the need to recognise that locality working was important around the public health agenda and that GP consortia should be invited to attend a seminar before a future Area Committee

 

RESOLVED

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress on the Locality Working Pathfinder to date.

c)  That this Committee supports the approach of a ‘One Council’ Area Leader to lead the integration of services locally, together with the set of design principles as outlined in the appendix to form the basis of what the Council was seeking to achieve through locality working in Leeds.

 

54.

Annual Report for Parks and Countryside Service in North West Inner Area Committee pdf icon PDF 164 KB

To consider a report of the Head of Parks and Countryside Service on developing the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Service and the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

 

Minutes:

The Head of Parks and Countryside Service submitted a report on developing the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Service and the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

 

Appended to the report was copy of document entitled ‘Parks and Countryside contribution to the Leeds Strategic Plan’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

Kris Nenedic, Parks and Countryside Operations Manager, Parks and Countryside, City Development presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

 

  • the need to involve more local groups towards developing new schemes e.g. Sparrow Park
  • clarification of the current position with regards to installing a roundabout at Kirkstall Abbey following MICE money funding

(The Parks and Countryside Operations Manager responded and informed the meeting that the roundabout would be installed by March 2011)

  • clarification of the current position in relation to half a million of unspent Section 106 monies assigned for Open Space provision and the need for progress for a park on Alexandra Road and Hartley Crescent

(The Parks and Countryside Operations Manager responded and agreed to investigate this issue further with a report back to the Area Committee via the Acting West North West Area Manager)

  • clarification of the progress undertaken to date in relation to PPG17 and the details around completion
  • clarification of how the figures were calculated in relation to the number of people who attended parks

 

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the priorities identified in the report for investment in community parks, playing pitches and fixed play facilities be addressed by the Head of Parks and Countryside.

 

 

55.

Date and Time of Next Meeting pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Thursday 24th February 2011 at 7.00pm at St Chad’s Parish Centre,

St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds LS16 5JT

 

MAP AND DIRECTIONS OF TODAY’S MEETING

 

Lewis Jones Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BR

 

The Lewis Jones Suite is part of the ‘Headingley Experience’ and is situated on the top floor of the Carnegie Stand.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Thursday 24th February 2011 at 7.00pm at St Chad’s Parish Centre,

St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds LS16 5JT.

 

 

 

(The meeting concluded at 9.25pm)