Agenda and minutes

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Election of Chair for 2007/08.

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

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that a nomination for the Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor Monaghan and Members were asked to take a formal vote.

RESOLVED –

That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to vote, Councillor James Monaghan be elected Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2007/08 Municipal Year.

To agree that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendix 2 in respect of Item 18 ‘’Community Centre Lettings Policy Review’’

(copy of document to be circulated at the meeting)

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Appendix 2 in respect of Item 18 “Community Centre Lettings Policy Review”.  The appendix was confidential under the Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.3 – ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).

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 Girls’ High School.

The Chair agreed to the submission of this late item to give the Area Committee opportunity to decide on whether to submit a formal response to the current draft planning brief before submission to the Executive Board.

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 Jennings in his capacity as a Governor of St Chad’s Primary School (Well-Being Report)(Agenda Item 14)(Minute 14 refers).
• Councilor K Hussain in his capacity as a Member of the Woodsley Road Management Committee (Community Centre Letting Policy Review)(Agenda Item 18)(Minute 18 refers)

Further interests declared during the meeting are recorded in the minutes.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Chapman and Morton.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which provides a basic overview of the current situation in relation to Leeds Girls’ High School and the disposal of its sites for redevelopment.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided Members with information on the current issues in relation to the redevelopment of land presently occupied and owned by Leeds Girls’ High School.

Paul Gough, Development Department, addressed the meeting and responded to questions from Members. 

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• Consultation had been undertaken with Ward Members and representatives form across the community over the previous 18 months.  Visits to the site and buildings had taken place and there had been productive meetings with the Leeds Girls High School Action Group (LGHSAG).
• Consultation was originally intended to be reported to the Planning Board on 12 July 2007.  Following the high level of interest and feeling, it had been agreed to put this back to the meeting of the Executive Board to be held on 22 August 2007.
• Consultation deadline extended.
• Concern regarding the lack of play space, both formal and informal in inner Leeds and the lack of safe places for children to play.
• Opportunities to make use of recreational facilities, particularly the playing fields and swimming pool.
• Provision of affordable housing.
• Listed buildings on the site and other buildings of interest.
• Building on the protected playing pitches is unacceptable.
• Concerns over heights of buildings.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the formation of a working group be supported.

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)  Student Tower Blocks

Concern was expressed regarding plans to build a student tower block at the Becketts Park Campus when similar plans for the City Centre had been refused.

b)  Woodhouse Moor Park

A representative of the Friends of Woodhouse Park requested that their organisation should have a representation on the working group that was to consider the Leeds Girls High School site and associated issues.  It was also reported that the play area of Woodhouse Park was in need of repair.

c)  Kirkstall Festival

It was reported that extra funding was needed to provide toilet facilities for the Kirkstall Festival.  Concern was also expressed over policing and ambulance costs for the event.  Organisers were asked to discuss arrangements for this with Area Management staff.

Further issues raised in the open forum included a recent Housing Seminar, the Little London & Woodhouse Moor Designated Public Places Order and Woodhouse Moor Bowls Pavilion repairs.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th April 2007.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th April 2007 be approved as a correct record.

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 and appendices 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 –

That the following appointments to Outside Bodies to be made by the Area Committee for the 2007/08 Municipal Year:

Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management      Mrs D Illingworth

Committee

Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of     Cllr K Hussain

Management       Cllr M Hamilton

        Cllr P Ewens

Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little  Cllr P Ewens

London

Ireland Wood Children’s Centre      Cllr S Bentley

Management Committee       

(Councillor Illingworth declared a personal and prejudicial interest during the discussion and voting for the position on Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee as his wife was the nominated appointee.).

To consider a report of the Strategic Landlord to request the Area Committee to nominate two elected members who are not part of the West/North West ALMO Board to sit on the ALMO Area Panel for the area.

The Strategic Landlord submitted a report which requested the nomination of Elected Members to the Area Panels of the West North West ALMO Board.  Members were reminded of the ALMO review which reduced the number of ALMOs and of the Area Panels that had been created and would cover the Inner West area.

RESOLVED – That Councillors Illingworth and Jennings be appointed to the ALMO Panel for the West North West ALMO.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the Area Functions Schedules 2007/8 relevant to this Area Commiittee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which set out the function schedule for services delegated to the North West Inner Area Committee.  It was recommended that a workshop be arranged for Members to discuss how the Committee could make better use of their existing delegated powers.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report and appendix 1 be noted.

(b)  That a workshop be arranged in order to discuss the existing powers that the Committee has over delegated functions.

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

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided Members with an update on key messages from ward forums and sub groups that had taken place since the last meeting of the Area Committee and previous key messages.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• Streetscene Sub Group – improvements to grass verges, replacement of York Stone along footpaths.
• Street Drinkers Group – role of the PCT, deployment of additional outreach workers.
• Planning Group – fencing proposals for Tinshill recreation ground, re-development of the BHS Site, the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order, use of Section 106 monies.
• Children and Young Peoples Sub Group –  community access to any sports facilities developed on the Leeds Grammar School site.

RESOLVED -

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

(b)   That the Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum request to set up a Noise Nuisance Action Group be agreed.

(c)    That the remaining £9,169 road improvement fund be spent on replacing missing York Stone in the North West Inner area.

(d)    That the following Planning group requests be supported:

(i)  That Preferred Option PO-08 of the City Centre Area Action Plan be supported.

(ii)  That the Area Committees concern be expressed about the inclusion of purpose built student accommodation in the proposals for Kirkstall District Centre.

(iii)  That the Area Committee defends the Council’s case in the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the re-development of the   BHS site in Kirkstall.

(iv)  That the Area Committee objects to the renewal application for a purpose built student accommodation scheme on a site at the junction of Park Lane/Hanover Square.

(v)  That the Council be requested to lobby Central Government to revise the Use Classes Order to deal with Houses in Multiple Occupation.

(During discussion of the items relating to resolution (d) (ii and iv) Councillors Minkin and Jennings and Councillors Monaghan and Hamilton indicated that they were Members of the Plans Panel (West) and Plans Panel (City Centre) respectively and could possibly be considering matters from these items 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 these issues.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, they agreed that they would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter came before Plans Panel (West) or Plans Panel (City Centre) 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 Area Manager’s Report.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment submitted a report which provided an update on the Headingley Town and District Scheme, Headingley Primary School, Royal Park Primary School, Little London Regeneration Scheme, Kirkstall District Centre and the District Partnership.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• Review of the District Plan
• Headingley Primary School – it was reported that there had been a setback due to a failed bid for lottery funding.
• Royal Park School – It was reported that options for the sale of Royal Park School would be considered by the Executive Board at its August meeting.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the Well-being budget relevant to this Area Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presented a report regarding The Well-Being Budget.

The purpose of the report was to provide Members with:

• An update on the Well-being revenue budget available for 200/08
• An update on capital budget available
• Information on projects requesting funding for 2007/08
• An update on small grants approved in 2007/08

Appended to the report was details of capital and revenue spending along with details of requests for funding from the Well-being budget.

Detailed discussion on the report and appendices followed and specific reference was made to the following applications:

• Aireborough Summer Activities Scheme – this scheme supported children with learning and physical difficulties.
• Additional staff resources for Woodhouse Moor – it was agreed that although this should be a mainstream funded item, there was a need for urgent additional resources.  Members were informed of a revised amount of funding required.
• Hyde Park Unity Day – that a decision be made on the application for 2007/08 only.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the revenue projects as detailed in the report be dealt with as   follows:

Project  Delivery Organisation  Decision

Making Healthy Lifestyle  World of Fitness  Agreed

Changes in the Community  £5,000

Environment Project  St Chad’s Primary  Agreed

  £2,500

Summer Activities  Aireborough Summer Activities  Agreed

  Scheme  £3,000

Additional Staff Resources  Parks & Countryside  Agreed

for Woodhouse Moor  £5,678

Hyde Park Unity Day  Hyde Park Unity Day  Agreed

  £2,500

2007/08 only

Festive Lights  Gilbert & Sandfords  Agreed 

  Residents Association and  £1,420    Kirkstall Valley Community

  Association

(c)  That the capital projects as detailed in the report be dealt with as follows:

Project  Delivery Organisation  Decision

IT Equipment  Cloth Cat Studios Ltd  Deferred

Woodhouse Moor – All Terrain  Parks & Countryside  Refused

Vehicle

Blenheim Backstreet Project  Groundwork Leeds  Deferred

Environment Project  St Chad’s Primary  Deferred

Grass Verges  Highways and Parks and  Agreed

  Countryside  £10,000

Festive Lights  Gilbert & Sandfords  Agreed

  Residents Association and  £3,800

  Kirkstall Valley Community

  Association

(d)  That a further £5,000 be released for the small grants budget and that the small grants as detailed in the report be dealt with as follows:

Little London Community Day (Community Action Little London)  Agreed

  £500

Leeds Girls’ High School Action Group (NHPNA)  Agreed

  £985

Grove Housing Team – ‘Read Me Use Me’ guide  Refused

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with a year end summary of Well-being projects for 2006-07.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment submitted a report which provided Members with a year end summary of Well-being projects for 2006/07.

The report provided Members with monitoring information on Well-being projects for 2006/07 and included updates on all revenue and capital projects funded during this period.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update in relation to the DPPO for Inner North West.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided an update on the existing DPPO in Headingley and the development of a DPPO for Little London and Woodhouse.

Detailed discussion ensued and specific reference was made to the following issues:

• The DPPO for Little London and Woodhouse was expected to be implemented in October 2007.
• Figures relating to visits to licensed premises were as a result of responses to call outs.
• The reduction in crime was also due to the cumulative effect of other measures such as CCTV.

RESOLVED - That the progress made to date be noted and a further update to be received at a future meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the University of Leeds Inner North West Community Strategy 2007-2012.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presented a report regarding the University of Leeds Inner North West Community Strategy 2007-2012.  The Strategy made three key recommendations in response to the number of students living in the vicinity of the university.  These were:-

• Appointing a Community Relations Officer
• Establishing a Neighbourhood Helpline
• Strengthening the Complaints Procedure

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

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

• How the strategy engaged Councillors and residents.
• A suggestion that Leeds Metropolitan University should be written to regarding any plans they have for producing a similar strategy.
• The involvement and role of other colleges and other higher educational establishments in the area.
• Enforcement issues, anti-social behaviour, untidy premises and recycling.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the Community Centre Lettings Policy Review.

Appendix 2 of this report is designated exempt under Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (3).

The Director of Environment and  Neighbourhoods submitted a report regarding the Community Centre Lettings Policy Review.  Members were informed that the Area Committee was delegated authority over community centres currently managed by Learning and Leisure, to add to its current portfolio of centres.  The purpose of the report was to gain approval to begin a review of the pricing policy across all community centres managed by the Area Committee, including consultation with user groups.

Detailed discussion ensued and specific reference was made to the following issues:

·  How to commence the consultation process

·  Fee setting was the responsibility of the individual Area Committees

·  How fees could be set in relation to how groups charged their users

·  Prevention of Community Centres becoming inaccessible to groups due to potential price increases

·  Current inconsistencies with pricing and letting policies

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a draft pricing and lettings policy be developed for initial consideration by the Committee, ahead of a review being undertaken.

Thursday 13^th September 2007 at 7.00pm (Cardigan Centre – Main Hall)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

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

Thursday 13^th September 2007 at 7.00 p.m., venue to be confirmed.

(The meeting concluded at 9.40 p.m.)