Agenda and minutes

Councillor M Hamilton welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee in the new Municipal Year 2006/07 held at the Burley Lodge Centre.

He informed the meeting that he had decided to stand down as Chair and wished to place on record his appreciation and thanks to all those concerned during the past two years.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Election of Chair for the 2006/7 municipal year

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 J 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 vote, Councillor J Monaghan be elected as Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee for the municipal year 2006/07.

Councillor Monaghan thanked the meeting for electing him as the new Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

On behalf of Members, he paid tribute to Councillor M Hamilton during his time as Chair of the Area Committee.

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 declarations were made:-

Councillors K Hussain and L Rhodes-Clayton in their capacity as members on the Woodsley Road Management Committee (Minute 16 refers)

Councillor J Illingworth in view of his personal involvement with Leeds Organic Growers (Minutes 16 and 17 refers)

The following personal/prejudicial interests were made:-

Councillor J Illingworth in view of his wife being a prospective appointee on the Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee  (Minute 9 refers)

Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park, a not-for-profit limited company which was also a registered charity (Minute 16 refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor B Atha, Councillor J Chapman, Bill Rollinson, Rachel Harkess and Ken Torode.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Proceedure 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:-

Issues of concern in and around the Headingley area

Martin Cook, Headingley Network; Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby; Dr John Dickinson, Weetwood Residents Association and a number of local residents raised issues of concern in and around the  Headingley area.

In summary the following issues were raised:-

·  the urgent need for the Area Committee to take direct action in relation to alcohol abuse and on the growing increase in the number of take away establishments within the Headingley area

·  the urgent need for the Area Committee to have a clear vision about the issues of concern within the Headingley area and to consider making an officer appointment similar to that of the post of Community Planning Officer to be funded from within the well-being budget to specifically tackle the areas of licensing/housing issues etc

·  the concern expressed that Elected Members were losing their control and influence on daily issues within the Council

·  the concern expressed in relation to a proposed entertainment’s licence at Headingley Stadium for the performance of live music and the need for the Council, Police and Noise Nuisance Team to look into this application, together with noise levels generally within the Headingley area with a report back on progress at the next meeting

·  the urgent need to promote the ‘Headingley Vision’ document to residents living in Headingley and to work with citizens in addressing/identifying those areas of weakness

Detailed discussion ensued by Members on the points raised above with specific reference to the Forum/Sub Groups mechanism and clarification of whether the Local Development Framework was incorporated within the ‘Headingley Vision’ document.

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair expressed a sympathetic view towards those issues of concern raised within the Headingley area and reiterated the urgent need to have a wider strategy in place and to make progress on the issues raised.

In concluding, the Chair asked the North West Area Manager to prepare a report on where the ‘defects’ were for consideration at the next meeting in September 2006 and to ensure that, in the interim period, work was undertaken with interested resident groups in Headingley with a view to addressing the whole picture.

Kirkstall Mills

Councillor J Illingworth circulated a paper on Kirkstall Mills and informed the meeting that the future of two historic mill buildings was  now back on the agenda with the publication of an External Audit report into the proposals for Abbey Mills and St Ann’s Mills in Kirkstall.

The Committee also noted that this issue would be discussed at the Executive Board meeting on 5^th July 2006.

Cumberland Road/Application for Change of use of Church into Flats

A local resident raised the above issue and expressed her concerns about  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30^th March 2006

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th March 2006 be approved as a correct record.

(a)  Great Student Run- Sunday 30^th April 2006 (Minute 104 refers)

Councillor D Morton referred to the above issue and enquired if this issue was going to be included within this year’s work programme.

  The Chair responded and confirmed that it would be included within this year’s work programme as a top priority issue.

(b)  Woodhouse Moor – Proposed Car Park (Minute 104 refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and enquired on the availability of a report on Woodhouse Moor.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and informed the meeting that the department were currently awaiting on an application for funding from the Department of Learning and Leisure.

  It was agreed to revisit this issue at the next meeting in September 2006.

(c)  Primary School Review – Proposals for the Far Headingley Primary Planning Area (Minute 104 refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and raised her growing concerns about the future use of Beckett Park Primary School following a decision to close the school by the School Organisation Committee.

(d)  Graffiti Issues in the Inner Area (Minute 106(b) refers)

  Councillor Minkin referred to the above issue and enquired on the availability of a report on Graffiti issues in the Inner Area.

  Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and agreed to write to the Chief Streetscene Officer reminding her of the need to produce a report on this issue for consideration at the next meeting in September 2006.

(e)  Community Planning Officer Monitoring Report (Minute 112 refers).

  The Chair referred to the above issue and enquired if the Development Department were able to fund the post of Community Planning Officer.

  Ian Andrews, Chief Planning and Development Services Officer, Development Department responded and informed the meeting that due to budget restraints within the Development Department, he was unable to fund this post at this present time.

  The Chair responded and agreed that there was a need for Elected Members to discuss this within the political arena with a view to revisiting this issue at the next meeting in September 2006.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the nominations to those organisations which fall into the remit of this Area Committee

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to 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 Bodies Schedule, approval be given to the following appointments being made for the annual year 2006/07:-

(Councillor Illingworth having previously declared a personal/prejudicial interest in respect of Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee left the room prior to discussion of this outside body appointment).

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the Area Function Schedule

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the Area Committee Function Schedules for 2006/07.

Appended to the report was a copy of a joint report prepared by the Directors of Neighbourhoods and Housing and Corporate Services entitled ‘Area Function Schedules 2006/07’ which had been considered by the Executive Board on 14^th June 2006.

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

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report, together with the Area Committee Function Schedules be received and noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing outlining the community centres function which is being delegated to the Area Committees in stages.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report outlining the community centres function which was being delegated to the Area Committees in stages.

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 with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  the need for a proper pricing structure to be in place in view of the major importance of this issue

·  the need for a very clear policy and practice between Learning and Leisure and Neighbourhoods and Housing departments

·  reference to capital receipts arising from the future disposal of any centres and on pending new conditions relating to sale of land etc

·  clarification of the rental support for 2006/07 in respect of Beckett Park Community Centre and the need for a report back on this issue to a future meeting

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the arrangements for the delegation of the Community Centres to the Area Committee as outlined in the report now submitted.

(c)  That a further report be submitted to this Committee later in the year with details of the remaining centres to be delegated.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing feedback on actions identified in the March 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 March Area Committee meeting.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing feedback on actions identified in the March 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 March Area Committee 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 in respect of the Great Student Run, this Committee urges the Council not to support an exact repeat of the same event on such a scale in view of the disruption caused to residents within the North West (Inner) wards.

(c)  That in respect of the speed limit outside Lawnswood High School on the A660, this Committee supports the Planning Group’s proposal of a reduction in the speed limit to 30 mph and requests the Highways Division to take urgent action in this regard.

(d)  That in respect of those two restaurants located on Spen Lane/Otley Road that have encroached their businesses on to the pavements and thereby causing a danger to members of the public, this issue be referred to the Highways Division/Planning Group for urgent consideration.

(e)  That in respect of the remaining £50,000 set aside for CCTV equipment in the North West (Inner) wards, at such time when the proposed two cameras are confirmed, this Committee supports the use of the remaining funds to purchase a third camera.

To consider a report of the Director of Development on progress regarding the re-development proposals along Kirkstall Road around the former Yorkshire Chemicals site, together with progress on the planning framework.

The Director of Development submitted a report on progress regarding the re-development proposals along Kirkstall Road around the former Yorkshire Chemicals site, together with progress on the planning framework.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  clarification as to why Little Woodhouse Student Village was not included within the report

·  the need for officers’ to obtain a copy of the ‘Boulevard’ book in view of the crucial importance of the design proposals

·  the need to ensure traffic speeds were kept low on Kirkstall Road

·  reference to the huge opportunities that existed on the site

·  reference to the role/powers of the Police Architectural Officer in relation to Crime and Anti Social behaviour and the need to engage this officer at an early stage in the pre-application proposals

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted and welcomed.

To consider a report of the Director of Development on information regarding present and future plans for the development of Quality Bus Initiatives and investment in bus infrastructure, particularly in the North West Inner area.

The Director of Development submitted a report on information regarding present and future plans for the development of Quality Bus Initiatives and investment in bus infrastructure, particularly in the North West Inner area.

Chris Bolam, Development Department presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  the need for an officer to be present at the next meeting in September 2006 to undertake a presentation on the initiative

·  the need to address a parking plan prior to implementation of the bus scheme

·  the concerns expressed about the potential loss of green space

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That an officer from the Highways Division be requested to arrange a display stand and to be available to answer questions at a future meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of City Services on information in relation to the Council’s parking enforcement operation, including progress made on parking enforcement activities within the North West Inner area.

Referring to minute 109 of the meeting held on 30^th March 2006, the Director of City Services submitted a report on information in relation to the Council’s parking enforcement operation, including progress made on parking enforcement activities within the North West Inner area.

John Kearsley and Mark Jefford, City Services Department 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.

(b)  That the North West Area Manager and the Director of City Services be requested to look into the possibility of producing a leaflet for the public on parking enforcement outlining the differences of control/powers between the Council and the West Yorkshire Police.

(c)  That the North West Area Manager be requested to investigate the possibility of arranging ward based events on decriminalised parking enforcement with resident participation.

(d)  That regular progress reports be submitted to this Committee on this issue via the Transport Group.

(Councillor Hussain left the meeting at 9.25 pm at the conclusion of the above item).

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the Well-being budget for the North West Inner area.

Referring to minute 108 of the meeting held on 30^th March 2006, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on the Well-being budget for the North West Inner area.

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

(a)  Inner North West Well-being Budget 2006/07 – Projects agreed for 2006/07/Projects for consideration 2006/07 – not yet agreed (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Inner North West Well-being Budget – Capital Programme 2004-2007 – Projects agreed by Area Committee/Projects for Consideration  (Appendix 2 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 consideration of this item be deferred and that arrangements be made to convene a Special Meeting of the Area Committee as soon as possible to discuss the Revenue/Capital projects.

(b)   That a deadline, ahead of the Special Meeting, be set for Well-being applications to be received by North West Area Management.

(c)  That the North West Area Manager be requested to draw up clearer guidelines for the determination of Revenue/Capital projects to assist Members in their future deliberations in this regard.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing Members with a monitoring summary of Wellbeing Revenue and Capital Projects for 2005/06.

Referring to minute 13 of the meeting held on 30^th June 2005, the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing provided Members with a monitoring summary of Wellbeing Revenue and Capital Projects for 2005/06.

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

(a)  Inner North West Well-being Budget 2005 - 2006 – 2005/06 Year End Monitoring Report (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Inner North West Wellbeing Budget – Capital Programme 2004 – 2007 – Monitoring Report for year end 2005/06 (Appendix 2 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 in respect of the Leeds Community Foundation, the Funding Officer be requested to prepare a report on how this organisation was formed/run etc for consideration at the next meeting in September 2006.

(c)  That the Area Committee’s dissatisfaction over the delay in handing over Royal Park Greenspace to the Learning and Leisure Department be noted.

To consider a progress report of the Director of Learning and Leisure on progress in implementing the ten year strategy of the Children’s Centre Plan

The Director of Learning and Leisure submitted a report on progress in implementing the ten year strategy of the Children’s Centre Plan.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be received and noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on progress on the Neighbourhood Management Initiative.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress on the Neighbourhood Management Initiative.

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.

(b)  That this Committee notes the progress with the Little London and Woodhouse neighbourhood management activity

(c)  That approval be given to the Little London and Woodhouse area being the Hyde Park and Woodhouse focus for an improvement plan for 2006/07.

(d)  That approval be given to the first neighbourhood improvement plans being focused on the following three neighbourhoods within Headingley, Kirkstall and Weetwood:-

·  Thornvilles and Harolds

·  Hawksworth Wood

·  Silk Mills/Tinshill (to be confirmed by Ward Councillors)

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing details of the recent changes in structure and staffing arrangements for the Community Safety Co-ordinator and Neighbourhood Wardens, together with updates on Operation Apollo, Headingley DPPO and CCTV Cameras.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report providing details of the recent changes in structure and staffing arrangements for the Community Safety Co-ordinator and Neighbourhood Wardens, together with updates on Operation Apollo, Headingley DPPO and CCTV Cameras.

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 with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  the need for officers’ to be clearer in Committee reports when identifying the area of Burley i.e. ‘the Burley area of Kirkstall’ etc

·  clarification as to why there was no cohesion in the Hyde Park and Headingley areas of Inner North West Leeds

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That in relation to the area of Burley being identified correctly in Committee reports, officers’ be reminded of the need to be clearer in this respect.  i.e. ‘the Burley area of Kirkstall’ etc.

(c)  That Councillor P Ewens be the nominated Area Committee’s representative on the Cohesion Working Group.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on progress in relation to the District Partnership over the last six months.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress in relation to the District Partnership over the last six months.

Appended to the report was a copy of the District Plan 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 and appendices with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  the District Plans failure in not addressing those issues within the ‘Left Bank Vision’

·  the need for Members to be supplied with membership details of who is on the District Partnership

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Chair be requested to convey this Committee’s concerns that student related issues should be fully addressed in the District Plan.

(c)  That this Committee notes the achievements and work of the District Partnership over the last six months.

(d)  That the North West Area Manager be requested to e-mail Members with relevant detail on the membership of the District Partnership for their information/retention.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on progress in relation to the Shared Housing Group, including the development of the Shared Housing Action Plan and on current research being undertaken into student housing.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on progress in relation to the Shared Housing Group, including the development of the Shared Housing Action Plan and on current research being undertaken into student housing.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Shared Housing Action Plan – June 2006’ 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 and appendices with specific reference to the following key issues:-

·  the need for Members to be supplied with a copy of a document containing a series of actions and key outputs for 2006/07 on the Shared Housing Action Plan

·  the need to explore the visionary process in this regard with a view to tackling the problems of student housing

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the North West Area Manager be requested to circulate a copy of the revised Shared Housing Action Plan which includes the outcomes to be achieved through the actions.

(c)  That this Area Committee submits a formal statement against the planning application for 45 St Michael’s Lane, Headingley before it goes to Plans Panel in July 2006.

Thursday 21^st September 2006 at 7.00pm

(venue to be confirmed)

Thursday 21^st September 2006 at 7.00 pm. (Venue to be confirmed).

(The meeting concluded at 10.40 pm).