Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the September meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at Hawksworth Wood Primary School, Cragside Walk, Leeds 5.

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

The following personal declarations were made:-

·  Councillor J Chapman in her capacity as a Director of West/North West Homes ALMO (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 30 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Member on the ALMO Inner North West Area Panel (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 30 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as an unpaid Director of Leeds Organic Growers in relation to the collection and composting of green garden waste (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 34 refers)

·  Councillor M Hamilton in his capacity as an employee of the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 35 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as an employee of the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 35 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in view of his wife’s capacity as Chair of the Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee (Agenda Item 15) (Minute 36 refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor K Hussain and Councillor L Rhodes-Clayton.

A number of apologies received from West Yorkshire Police and 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.

(a)  Proposed Disposal of the West Park Centre etc

  Linda Cullen, Moor Grange Action Group raised her concerns about the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre and requested the Area Committee to delay the disposal until public consultation had taken place.

  Bill McKinnon, Friends of Woodhouse Moor also raised his continuing concerns about the future of the Abbey Grange playing fields which were noted and acknowledged by the Area Committee.

Peter Owen, Spen Hill Residents Association updated the meeting on the current position in relation to the negotiations by Wades Charity regarding West Park playing fields.

  Following a brief discussion, it was moved by Councillor B Atha and seconded by Councillor L Yeadon that the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre be not supported, but to retain the building as an arts centre.

  An amendment was moved by Councillor P Ewens and seconded by Councillor M Hamilton that this matter be deferred until the November meeting to enable the Area Committee to receive a report on the full facts of this proposal.

  The amendment was voted upon and carried.

  In relation to the West Park playing fields issue, Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management agreed to investigate the matter further and at the request of the meeting to write to the Diocese conveying this Committee’s opposition to the selling off of the site.

(b)  HMO Licensing in the Area of Housing Mix

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the meeting held on 14^th August 2008 of the Leeds Shared Housing Group to discuss issues around additional HMO licensing. It was reported that the group had agreed that there was a general agreement from those present that the Inner North West Area was not a priority for consideration as a Mixed Community Area and that hence additional licensing was currently not a priority for the NW Inner area.

  Dr Tyler stated that he was not present at the meeting, that there was no representation from the Headingley ward and he did not support the resolution of the Shared Housing Group and argued in favour of  Additional HMO Licensing.

  In concluding, on behalf of Leeds HMO Lobby, he requested that the Area Committee should return to the matter, through its Housing Strategy Group.

Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to address this issue at a forthcoming meeting of the Housing Strategy Group.

(Councillor J Chapman joined the meeting at 7.20pm during discussions of the item regarding the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre)

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meetings held on 3^rd July 2008 and 31^st July 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2008 and 31^st July 2008 be approved as a correct record.

(b)  That the update on matters arising from the previous minutes be noted.

(a)  Section 106 Planning Agreements (Minute 8(a) refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby informed the meeting that the Council were due to publish a Supplementary Planning Document on 29^th September 2008. The Committee noted that there would be a six week consultation period and Dr Tyler urged Members to respond to the proposal to seek off-site provision of affordable housing.

(b)  Woodhouse Moor – Proposed Bus Lane (Minute 8(b) refers)

  The Chair informed the meeting that he had received a reply from the Transport Strategy Department regarding plans for a proposed bus lane on Woodhouse Moor.

  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to discuss this issue at the next meeting of the Transport Sub Group, together with issues relating to the A65 as suggested by Councillor J Illingworth.

(c)  Area Delivery Plan 2008/11 (Minute 20 refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the above issue and enquired why the document had not been circulated to interested parties.

  Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management responded and informed the meeting that following an Area Delivery Plan Member working group, amendments had been made to the document which would then be circulated to the Chair for his approval. Following this, the Area Delivery Plan would be circulated to Members and interested parties.

(d)  Future Plans for Partnership Working (Minute 21 refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby made reference to the Ward Forums and Area Committee Sub Groups and enquired why the Housing Strategy Group, Central Headingley Strategy Group and Private Rented Sector Strategy Group were omitted from the report.

  Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management responded and agreed to investigate the matter further with a report back at the next meeting in November 2008 on progress.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting the Area Committee with details of their area function schedules and roles in relation to these service areas for 2008/09.

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

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report presenting the Area Committee with details of their area function schedules and roles in relation to these service areas for 2008/09.

Appended to the report was a copy of the following document for the information/comment of the meeting;-

‘Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 – Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods – Executive Board – 16^th July 2008’

Steve Crocker, West and North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

·  that departmental representatives should be invited to Area Committee meetings to ensure monitoring of activity

·  that the Area Committee should undertake a review of delegated community centres to ensure that they meet the local needs

·  that wherever possible, future presentations to the Area Committee should be staggered to compensate for additional workloads etc.

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

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods with a view to clarifying proposals for partnership arrangements that were presented at the Special Area Committee meeting on 31^st July 2008. Members are also requested to confirm their agreement for representatives to those partnership groups outlined in the report.

RESOLVED -

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

(b)  That this Committee confirms their agreement for representations to the partnership groups as outlined in paragraph 7 of the report and subject to corporate approval through the Member Management Committee.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report with a view to clarifying proposals for partnership arrangements that were presented at the Special Area Committee meeting on 31^st July 2008. Members were also requested to confirm their agreement for representatives to those partnership groups outlined in the report.

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

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

Specific reference was made to the concerns expressed that the Health and Well-Being partnership had not yet been established as partnership arrangements were currently being worked up with the Primary Care Trust.

RESOLVED -

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

(b)  That this Committee confirms their agreement for representations to the partnership groups as outlined in paragraph 7 of the report and subject to corporate approval through the Member Management Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on progress in relation to Headingley Primary School.

  RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee supports the transfer of funding allocated to Headingley under the Town and District Centre Regeneration Scheme to fund the proposed redevelopment of the former Headingley Primary School.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on progress in relation to Headingley Primary School.

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

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

Specific reference was made to the consultation undertaken on proposals to transfer funding allocated to the Town and District Centre Regeneration Scheme to Headingley Development Trust.

It was reported that initial analysis had indicated approximately 10-1 in favour of the transfer to fund Headingley Development Trust’s proposals to develop the former primary school and the Area Committee’s support for this was now required.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the transfer of funding allocated to Headingley under the Town and District Centre Regeneration Scheme to fund the proposed redevelopment of the former Headingley Primary School.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on progress in relation to the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Designated Public Places Order.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the approach of creating two DPPOs covering Little London and Little Woodhouse immediately with consultation for a further DPPO to cover Woodhouse Moor and nearby residential areas and greenspaces to be commenced in September/ October 2008.

Referring to Minute 11 of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2008, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on progress in relation to the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Designated Public Places Order.

Jason Singh, Deputy Area Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

At the request of the Chair, Martin Patterson from St George’s Crypt was also in attendance.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

·  clarification of the timing and impact on Woodhouse Moor with the need for a baseline to be established to move the process forward and to include evidence in presented to Licensing Committee

·  the need for the DPPO to cover Woodhouse Moor and surrounding greenspaces and for further work to be undertaken with West Yorkshire Police to establish boundaries

·  clarification of the temporary relocation of St George’s Crypt, should the DPPO be temporary or permanent

(The Deputy Area Manager responded and stated that the legislation required a DPPO to be formally cancelled, rather than to be set up temporarily)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the approach of creating two DPPOs covering Little London and Little Woodhouse immediately with consultation for a further DPPO to cover Woodhouse Moor and nearby residential areas and greenspaces to be commenced in September/ October 2008.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with full minutes and key messages from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

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

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

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices and Councillor J Illingworth made specific reference to St Ann’s Mills, Kirkstall where it was agreed that the issues of concern would be debated at the next meeting of the Planning Sub Group.

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

To consider a report of Streetscene Services on streetscene services within the North West (Inner) area.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report, together with the service delivery  information that Streetscene provided for the North West Inner area be noted.

b)  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer be requested to meet with each ward member of the Committee to discuss their individual priorities within the NW Inner area and to prepare a further report for consideration to a future meeting on the resource implications arising from these discussions.

c)   That the work to be undertaken by the Leeds Student’s Union around educating people in relation to recycling initiatives be fed into the Streetscene Sub Group.

A report of Streetscene Services on streetscene services within the North West (Inner) area was submitted.

The following officers’ were in attendance:-

Andrew Mason, Chief Environmental Services Officer

Stephen Smith, Head of Environmental Services

Ruth Lees, West North West Environmental Action Team Manager

Andrew Mason, Stephen Smith and Ruth Lees presented the report highlighting the key services provided by streetscene services within the NW Inner area.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices and for ease of reference, the Chair invited each Member to make representations on the report content.

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

·  the poor service provided when the public contacted  Streetscene and the general attitude of front line staff

·  the need to provide a better service around bin collections and to consider additional resources in this regard

·  the continuing problems associated with landlords illegally dumping skips and the on-going difficulties encountered during Freshers’ Week

·  the need to provide more bins within the NW Inner area and to encourage people to report their complaints using different methods of communication

·  the concerns expressed about the long delay in producing this report to this Committee and that parts of the report were factually incorrect

·  the need for weekly street cleaning and to commit more resources to the NW Inner area in view of its unique problems

·  the concerns expressed about the increasing number of e mails received by Elected Members on a weekly basis from members of the public complaining about the service and the on-going communication problems within streetscene sevices

·  the need to identify specified areas for enforcement within the NW Inner area

·  the need for recycling measures to be made clearer with a view to helping the public

·  the need for a more regular programme in relation to street gully cleaning

·  the need to involve the universities and students’ union more in streetscene issues and to address the shortfall of resources, especially within the Headingley Ward

The Chair then invited a ‘sample’ number of comments from members of the public prior to concluding discussions on this issue. 

Officers from Environmental Services responded to the specific details raised at the meeting and gave an undertaking that such issues would be addressed without delay.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report, together with the service delivery  information that Streetscene provided for the North West Inner area be noted.

(b)  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer be requested to meet with each ward member of the Committee to discuss their individual priorities within the NW Inner area and to prepare a further report for consideration to a future meeting on the resource implications arising from these discussions.

(c)  That the work to be undertaken by the Leeds Student’s Union around educating people in relation to recycling initiatives be fed into the Streetscene Sub Group.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with an overview of the increased services in operation across the student areas from 20^th June to 18^th July 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report, together with the initiatives undertaken and feedback received be noted.

(b)  That this Committee supports the continuation of the Student Changeover initiative.

(c)  That this Committee supports the recommendations for next year as outlined in the report now submitted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with an overview of the increased services in operation across the student areas from 20^th June to 18^th July 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report, together with the initiatives undertaken and feedback received be noted.

(b)  That this Committee supports the continuation of the Student Changeover initiative.

(c)  That this Committee supports the recommendations for next year as outlined in the report now submitted.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer requesting the Committee to consider and appoint to those outside bodies where an outstanding vacancy appears.

Referring to Minute 13 of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2008, the Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report requesting the Committee to consider and appoint to those outside bodies where an outstanding vacancy appeared.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That in respect of the outstanding vacancy on the Burley Lodge Centre-Committee of Management, this appointment be filled at a later date by the Committee.

(c)  That in respect of the outstanding vacancies for Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee and Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, these appointments be referred to the Party Whips

for determination.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on advertising on lamp posts within sites of Inner North West to be included in the contract.

  RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the site proposals outlined in Section 2.3 of the report be not supported and that the West and North West Area Manager be requested to convey this decision to the Director of City Development.

Referring to Minute 14 of the meeting held on 3^rd July 2008, the Director of City Development submitted a report on advertising on lamp posts within the sites of the Inner North West to be included in the contract.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the site proposals outlined in Section 2.3 of the report be not supported and that the West and North West Area Manager be requested to convey this decision to the Director of City Development.

Thursday 13^th November 2008 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Hawksworth Wood Primary School, Cragside Walk, Leeds LS5 3QE

Thursday 13^th November 2008 at 7.00 pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at 9.25 pm)