Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the October meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at the Civic Hall, Leeds.

He apologised for the late change of venue which was due to an administrative error at Education Leeds’ Lettings Unit.

As a result the meeting commenced at 7.15 pm and not 7.00 pm as previously stated on the agenda front.

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 admitted to the agenda a late report entitled ‘Council Funding and Police Charges relevant to Community Events’ (Minute 46 refers) (Agenda Item 13). The reasons why this was a late item was due to a delay in the release of information crucial to the report and the figures in relation to the charges levied by the police for community events throughout Leeds were not received until after the Committee report deadline.

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 interest was declared:-

·  Councillor B Jennings in his capacity as a School Governor at St Chad’s Primary School – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 42 refers)

(b)  The following personal/prejudicial interests were declared:-

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 42 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director of Leeds Organic Growers - Well-being Report (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 42 refers)

·  Councillor K Hussain in his capacity as a  Board Member of the Woodsley Road Management Committee – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 42 refers)

·  Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a Board Member of the Woodsley Road Management Committee – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 42 refers)

An apology of absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor L Rhodes-Clayton.

A number of other apologies received from members of the public were also read out at the meeting.

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 issue was raised at the meeting:-

• Non Provision of a Green Bin Service – Community and Voluntary Organisations

Stephen Rennie, Hawksworth Wood Community Association raised his concerns over the non provision of a green bin service to Community and Voluntary Organisations.

Dayle Lynch, North West Area Management responded and agreed to look into this issue with a report back on progress at the next meeting in December 2007.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting  held on 13^th September 2007.

RESOLVED – That, subject to the following minor amendment,  the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th September 2007 be approved as a correct record:-

Open Forum/Student Tower Blocks (Minute 25(b)) should have read as follows:-

‘The Area Committee welcomed the above decision, together with the issue of ‘principles’ which would affect future developments of this nature’.

(a)  Key Messages from Ward Forums and Area Committee Sub Groups (Minute 26 refers)

  Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and wished to place on record his serious concerns that the Chair acted outside his capacity with regards to his involvement in the key messages arising from the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum meeting held on 25^th July 2007, and that these concerns were not recorded in the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13^th September 2007.

  The Chair responded and made reference to the fact that arising from detailed discussions of this issue at the previous meeting, copies of all Ward Forums and Area Committee Sub Groups minutes would be submitted to Area Committee meetings in order to avoid any mis-interpretation of the key messages coming out of Forum/Sub Group meetings.

(b)  St Ann’s Mills/A65 Quality Bus Initiative (Minute 23 refers)

  The Chair referred to the A65 Quality Bus Initiative and it was noted that at the Scrutiny Board (City Development) meeting held on 16^th October 2007, Board Members had agreed to undertake a full inquiry into this issue.

  Councillor J Illingworth updated the meeting on the latest developments in relation to St Ann’s Mills and circulated a copy of a letter sent to the Chief Asset Management Officer dated 18^th October 2007 for the information of the meeting.

  He again stressed the importance of having a proper consultation mechanism in place.

Councillor E Minkin also referred to current exhibitions being run by Highways officers on the A65 scheme. In particular that notification had not been sufficient to allow residents an opportunity to attend these events.

(c)  A65 Corridor (Minute 23 refers)

  Councillor B Jennings referred to the A65 corridor and informed the meeting that unfortunately arrangements to hold a joint Planning Group and Transport Sub Group with relevant Highways officers had been delayed.  The Committee noted that this meeting would be now held within the first two weeks of November.

(d)  Leeds Girls’ High School (Minute 25(a) refers)

  Councillor D Morton referred to the above issue and enquired on the latest position.

  At the request of the Chair, Pam Bone, Leeds Girls’ High Action Group Chair updated the meeting on the latest developments.

  Arising from detailed discussions the Area Committee resolved the following:-

·  to deplore the fact that the current Deputy Leader of the Council had cancelled a meeting at short notice

·  to re-establish the meeting with a clear understanding of who should be in attendance and a list of agenda items to be discussed

·  to ensure that all four Members of the Leeds Girls’ High School Working Group be also invited to this meeting

·  to request the Chair of the Area Committee to speak to the Leader of the Council with a view to conveying the above resolutions

(e)  The University of Leeds Inner North West Community Strategy 2007-2023 (Minute 25(e) refers)

  Councillor E Minkin referred to the above issue and enquired if a response had been received from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To consider a report of 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 meeting.

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

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

• Headingley Forum – Streetscene issues
• Planning Group – Glassworks on Cardigan Road
• Kirkstall Burley Forum – Kirkstall Festive Lights
• Transport Group – Council’s policy for making improvements into road surfaces i.e. pot holes/temporary repairs etc
• the need for a meeting to be set up with senior police officers to discuss district centre policing

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the content of the Forum and Sub Group minutes, together with the associated key messages.

(c)  That this Committee supports the Planning Group in objecting to the principle of developing purpose built student accommodation on the site of the former Glassworks on Cardigan Road.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor B Jennings and Councillor E Minkin required it to be recorded that they abstained from voting on resolution (c) above in their capacity as Members on Plans Panel (West))

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

Referring to minute 14 of the meeting held on 28^th June 2007, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the Well-being budget.

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

(a)  Breakdown of Revenue Spend 2007/08 (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Breakdown of Capital Spend 2007/08 (Appendix 2 refers)

(c)  Project Statement – St Chad’s Primary School Environment Development Project (Appendix 3 refers)

(d)  Projects seeking revenue funding 2007/08 (Appendix 4 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 approval be given to the Youth Service’s request for the balance of the funds as referred to in Section 2.3 of the report being spent on the projects detailed below:-

·  Hawksworth Wood Group (£1,000)

·  Girls’ Group (£1,000)

·  DJ & Music Workshop (£1,000)

and for the remaining £4,000 underspend to be returned to the Well-being fund.

(c)  That the revenue projects as detailed in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

(d)  That the capital project as detailed in Section 5.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

(e)  That in respect of the existing well-being allocations as detailed in Section 7.0 of the report, the following two projects be dealt with as follows:-

(Councillor P Ewens, Councillor K Hussain and Councillor J Illingworth having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest, took no part in the discussions or voting thereon and left the room during consideration of their relevant item(s)).

(Councillor B Jennings left the room 8.50 pm prior to discussing the Leeds Organic Growers application and returned at 9.05 pm at the conclusion of the Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre item).

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on Climate Change.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on Climate Change.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports energy audits of Community Centres within its portfolio.

(c)  That approval be given for work to be undertaken with school governors to try and make schools in the area more energy efficient.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the Student Accommodation Changeover Initiative.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the Student Accommodation Changeover 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 and specific reference was made to the inadequate current council provision of streetscene services in the multi occupancy dominated areas of Inner North West Leeds.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee has no confidence in the current council provision of streetscene services in the multi occupancy dominated areas of Inner North West Leeds and resolves to:-

·  write to the Executive Board asking for this issue to be considered as a high priority for the next budget round

·  invite the relevant Director or Executive Board Member to attend the next Area Committee meeting to discuss the situation in a positive and constructive way

·  request a report on the student changeover be taken to Executive Board

·  request Executive Board to seek assurances from both universities that they will co-operate more fully in resolving/tackling issues at this time of year

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on Headingley Community Centre.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report on Headingley Community Centre.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘HEART Proposal Summary’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Jason Singh, 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 supports the proposal to close Headingley Community Centre and for the transfer of services currently being developed at the site to the new HEART building once refurbishment had been completed.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on an overview of Leeds City Council funding for community festivals across the city, including well-being contributions.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on an overview of Leeds City Council funding for community festivals across the city, including well-being contributions.

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, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• the concerns expressed over the inconsistency of the police charges
• the need for Members to convene an urgent meeting with senior police officers to discuss such concerns
• the need for a meeting to be arranged with senior council officers responsible for the implementation of health and safety guidance at community festivals
• the concern expressed in relation to the charging of ambulances at major events

In conclusion, the Chair invited Inspector Richard Coldwell to comment on the report and the Committee noted that this matter had been referred to the Divisional Commander for action/determination.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee deplores the police charges for Kirkstall Festival and Otley Festival when many other comparable events were not charged, and calls on the police to cancel any charges for 2008 and to refund the sums already paid to date.

(c)  That a meeting be arranged with senior police officers and Members to discuss this matter.

(d)  That a meeting be arranged with senior council officers responsible for the implementation of health and safety regulations at community festivals, and for Members to discuss the implications of the purple book regulations on festivals.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on  the consultation of the Leeds Strategic Plan 2008-11.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report on the consultation of the Leeds Strategic Plan 2008-11.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Leeds Strategic Plan 2008/11: Developing Strategic Outcomes and Improvement Priorities’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

James Rogers, Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) and Jane Stageman, Chief Executive’s Department presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

During discussion of the report, it was noted that a questionnaire on the Strategic Plan would be circulated to Members in the near future.

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

• concern about children and young people not being included in the plan
• the need for planning policies and ‘real’ planning decisions to be reflected in the plan in view of its crucial role within the Council and community
• the need for the plan to make reference to supporting a balanced community and on improving cleanliness (i.e.landlord responsibilities)
• the need for the plan to make reference to the provision of children’s play areas and to also address cutting down the number of road deaths
• clarification of what the three major cultural schemes of international significance were, and what the airport money had been allocated to

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the comments expressed by Members at the meeting be fed back into the consultation process on the Leeds Strategic Plan.

(c)  That a further progress report on this issue be submitted to a future Area Committee meeting.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on West Yorkshire Police Community Contact Points.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on West Yorkshire Police Community Contact points.

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

(a)  Community Contact Points – Examples of Good Practice (Extract) (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Current North West Inner NPT Contact Points (Appendix 2 refers)

At the request of the Chair Inspector Richard Coldwell, West Yorkshire Police, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Members of the Committee be requested to forward their individual comments to the West Yorkshire Police via North West Area Management.

Thursday 13^th December 2007 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Kirkstall St Stephen’s Primary School, Morris Lane, Leeds LS5 3JD

Thursday 13^th December 2007 at 7.00 pm at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16.

(The meeting concluded at  9.45 pm)