Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at North West House, West Park Ring Road, Leeds 16.  He apologised for the late change in venue due to a lack of heating in the room at Hawksworth Wood Children’s Centre.  As a result the meeting commenced at 7.15 pm and not 7.00 pm as previously stated on the agenda front.

The Chair informed the meeting that he had received a number of complaints from Members and members of the public in relation to the omission of officers and members of the public from the attendance list within the minutes of the last meeting held on 21^st September 2006.  Following a brief discussion, Members agreed to reinstate the practice of minuting officers and members of the public within the attendance list of future meetings of the Area Committee.

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 a late item of business relating to Leeds Organic Growers (Minute 64 refers).

The report was late in being submitted due to the need to obtain information regarding the current situation which was not available ahead of the official deadline.

To identify items where resolutions may be moved to exclude the public

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during 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 the exempt information so designated as follows:-

The report referred to in Minute 64 under the terms of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3) and on the grounds that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, the reputation of the organisation could be detrimentally affected before they had attempted to satisfactorily resolve this matter.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

The following personal interests were declared at the meeting:-

• Councillor J Monaghan in his capacity as a garden judge for the Headingley area (Wellbeing Budget 2006/07) (Unipol Student Homes)(Agenda Item 10) (Minute 56 refers)

• Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director of Leeds Organic Growers (Leeds Organic Growers) (Agenda Item 18) (Minute 64 refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor J Chapman.

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.

In summary the following issues were raised at the meeting:-

(a)  Transportation Report – Traffic Congestion on the A660 through Weetwood, Headingley and Hyde Park and Woodhouse, including the A65 through Kirkstall

  Councillor J Illingworth informed the meeting that following his successful appeal to the Information Commission for public access to a report on Transportation previously prepared by the Development Department, he requested the Committee to consider an urgent report on this issue.  Following a brief discussion, North West Area Management agreed to prepare a report on this issue for consideration at a future meeting.

(b)  Implementation of a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in Headingley

  Annie Faulder, North Hyde Park Residents Group referred to the above issue and emphasised the need for officers to address the level of resources and effectiveness of the policy.

  It was noted that a report on this issue would be presented to a future meeting.

  (Councillor Morton entered the room at 7.25 pm during discussion of the item on the Transportation report)

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st September 2006.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st September 2006 be approved as a correct record, subject to the following correction:-

  Minute 35(c) Great Student Run – Sunday 30^th April 2006

  - the minute should have read as follows:-

  “Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby raised the above issue and sought the Committee’s approval in relation to the following:-

(i)  that a meeting on the Great Student Run be pursued with urgency

(ii)  that any future meetings be minuted by someone other than Nova International

Following a brief discussion, Members agreed to both points.”

(b)  That the update on issues arising from the North West (Inner) Area Committee minutes of the meeting held on 21^st September 2006 be received and noted.

(a)  Great Student Run – Sunday 30^th April 2006 (Minute 35(c) refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby raised the above issue and enquired on the current position.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and informed the Committee that Nova International had been contacted and a meeting would be convened soon to discuss the Great Student Run.

To receive a presentation from Marketing Leeds.

The North West Area Manager informed the meeting that the Lead Officer, Marketing Leeds had submitted his apologies to the meeting.

A brief discussion ensued by Members on the way forward.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That this issue be discussed at the next meeting in December 2006

(b)  That the Lead Officer, Marketing Leeds be requested to prepare a report on how Marketing Leeds promote North West Leeds.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing feedback on actions identified in September’s Key Messages report and to update members on the feedback of key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee meeting.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing feedback on actions identified in September’s Key Messages report and to update Members on the feedback of key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee meeting.

In addition to the above report, a copy of a document detailing the actions of the Burley Network (11^th October 2006) and Little Woodhouse Community Forum (17^th October 2006) was circulated for the information/comment of the meeting.

Dayle Lynch, 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 appendices be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to re-establishing the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward Forum in accordance with the report now submitted.

(c)  That this Committee accepts that further information regarding the policy of Designated Public Places Orders, and specifically that in Headingley, was required and requests a report on the effectiveness of the Designated Public Places Orders to a future meeting.

(d)  That this Committee supports the West Yorkshire Police in acquiring interim Dispersal Orders to deal with problems caused in local green spaces by rough drinkers within the Little Woodhouse and Little London area.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing Members with the current position of the Well-being fund and on details of applications received since the last meeting.

Referring to minute 37 of the meeting held on 21^st September 2006, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing Members with the current position of the Well-being budget fund, details of projects received since the last meeting and monitoring of projects for quarters 1 and 2 2006/07.

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

(a)  Area Committee Well-being Fund – Expressions of Interest – Community Radio/Radio Asian Fever (RAF) (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Revenue Criteria Matrix in relation to Woodhouse Moor Consultation and Radio Asian Fever (RAF) (Appendix 2 refers)

(c)  Area Committee Well-being Fund – Project Summary – Code of Standards Garden Competition – Unipol Student Homes

(Appendix 3 refers)

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the monitoring of well-being projects as outlined in Section 2 and Section 3 of the report be noted.

(c)  That in respect of those monitoring projects where information was still outstanding, North West Area Management be requested to circulate such detail to Members as soon as possible.

(d)  That the following new revenue fund applications as outlined in Section 4 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

(e)  That this Committee notes that following the last Area Committee meeting held on 21^st September 2006, the Wellbeing Capital Programme for 2004/07 was now fully committed.

 (f)  That the Small Grant budget position as outlined in Section 5 of the report be noted and that in relation to a small grant of £500 to Unipol Student Homes for a garden competition, this application be refused.

(Councillor K Hussain entered the room at 7.45pm during discussions of the above item)

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the benefits of applying for a heritage Lottery Bid and on how the Section 106 monies allocated for improvements in relation to Woodhouse Moor Park.

The Chief Recreation Officer submitted a report on the benefits of applying for a Heritage Lottery Bid and on how the Section 106 monies was allocated for improvements in relation to Woodhouse Moor Park.

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

(a)  Standard Questionnaire for the proposed consultation

(Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  A draft timeline for the Heritage Lottery Bid (Appendix 2 refers)

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the proposal to seek Heritage Lottery funding to improve Woodhouse Moor Park in accordance with the report now submitted.

(c)  That the request to allocate £4,485 from the Wellbeing fund to carry out the consultation exercise which was a requirement of the Lottery bid be refused and that North West Area Management be requested to discuss with Parks and Countryside how the consultation could be alternatively funded.

(d)  That in relation to the draft questionnaire on ‘Recreational Development on Woodhouse Moor Park’ as referred to in Appendix 1 or the report, Ward Members and community groups be requested to discuss this issue further and pass on any comments to Parks and Countryside and that, in the interim period, the questionnaire be also included on the agenda at the next Hyde Park/Woodhouse Forum.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhood and Housing on progress in relation to community safety activity undertaken and planned for 2006/07.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress in relation to community safety activity undertaken and planned for 2006/07.

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the summary of Key Actions 2006/07 as outlined in Section 5 of the report, together with focusing on the current crime statistics in relation to burglary, robbery and vehicle crime as referred to in the appendices.

It was a general consensus of the meeting that the crime figures failed to show any clear pattern of improvement/decline due to the short period of monitoring.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That in relation to the crime figures from quarter 1 in 2005/06 and 2006/07 as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report, North West Area Management be requested to prepare a further report to a future meeting outlining:-

·  crime figures over a longer time period for comparison

·  setting out what the Area Committee had spent to date on community safety and what had been achieved as a result

·  the enforcement of noise nuisance issues by Environmental Health

(c)  That in relation to Operation Apollo, this Committee raises its concern about the lack of Elected Member involvement in this issue.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on progress in relation to the work of the Shared Housing Action Group, including the Shared Action Plan and to present Members with the first draft of the Student Housing Strategy.

Referring to minute 22 of the meeting held on 29^th June 2006, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress in relation to the work of the Shared Housing Action Group, including the Shared Action Plan and to present Members with the first draft of the Student Housing Strategy.

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

(a)  Shared Housing Action Plan – September 2006 – Objections (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Leeds Housing – A Strategy for Housing Students in Leeds 2005-2010 – 1^st Draft 26^th September 2006  (Appendix 2 refers)

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In relation to the draft Student Housing Strategy, the meeting was very supportive of this document and expressed their gratitude to those individuals/ agencies etc who had been involved in the preparation stages.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Members of the Committee be requested to provide any comments on, or suggested amendments to the draft Student Housing Strategy to North West Area Management before 6^th November 2006 deadline.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the planning, implementation and outcomes of the Fresher’s Week Planning Group.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the planning, implementation and outcomes of the Freshers’ Week Planning Group.

Dayle Lynch, 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 be noted and welcomed.

(b)  That in view of the success of the process, the decision to widen next year’s planning work to other areas of North West Leeds be endorsed by the Area Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on progress in relation to the Little London Regeneration Plan and Neighbourhood Management.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress in relation to the Little London Regeneration Plan and Neighbourhood Management.

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

(a)  Little London Area Proposal Map (Appendix 1a refers)

(b)  Little London and Woodhouse Project Update (Appendix 1b refers)

(c)  Little London and Woodhouse INM Scheme – Outputs by Funders (Appendix 1c refers)

(d)  Little London Regeneration Plan – Draft –October 2006 (Appendix 1d refers)

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee welcomes the development of Neighbourhood management in accordance with the report now submitted.

(c)  That Members of the Committee be requested to provide comments to North West Area Management on the draft Regeneration Plan for Little London.

(d)  That a copy of the final version of the Regeneration Plan for Little London be submitted to the next meeting in December 2006 for approval.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on a proposed project plan and related timetable for the development of a ‘vision’ for the area..

The  Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on a proposed project plan and related timetable for the development of a ‘vision’ for Inner North West Leeds.

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• the need to address the continuing problem of large scale student accommodation developments in residential areas
• the need to address on street parking issues
• the need to focus on positive facilities and activities within the whole of the Inner North West area
• the need to focus on action plans/strategies already in place
• the need for the vision to be developed with the community and organisations in the area

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That approval be given to the development of a ‘vision’ document in accordance with the proposed project plan.

(c)  That the vision document be focused on the whole of the Inner North West  Area, including reference to positive facilities and activities within the area.

Thursday 7^th December 2006 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S VENUE

Hawksworth Wood Children’s Centre, Broadway Building, Broadway, Kirkstall, Leeds 5.

Thursday 7^th December 2006 at 7.00 pm at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds16.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing having submitted a report thereon.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That approval be given to option (i) being undertaken, together with option (iii) being considered as part of the budget considerations for 2007/08.

  (The meeting concluded at 9.50 pm)