Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the November meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at South Parade Baptist Church, Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, Leeds 6.

He made reference to a public open forum in relation to a ‘Drugs and the Community Workshop’ which was held prior to the Area Committee.  He thanked all those concerned for their input and valuable contribution to the open forum.

In concluding, he informed the meeting that Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management would be transferring to the South Area Management office with effect from January 2009.  On behalf of the Area Committee, he thanked her for her support since August 2008.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information 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 press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

  Appendix 1 - Pricing and Lettings Policy for Community Centres Report - Item 15 refers

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in the 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 exempt information so designated as follows:-

Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute 54 under the terms of Access to Information Rule 10.4(3) on the grounds that this document disclosed information on how discounts could be applied to the various groups. In these circumstances it was considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption in relation to this appendix outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, information relating to the financial affairs of the named groups would become public knowledge, which could have a detrimental impact on the organisations.

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 interests were declared:-

·  Councillor J Illingworth in view of him renting a Council owned allotment which was located a few metres from the proposed BMX site on Kirkstall Road – Open Forum (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 44(c) refers)

·  Councillor S Bentley in view of her daughter who had attended musical instrument classes at the West Park Centre – West Park Centre

(Agenda Item 10) (Minute 45 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 53 refers)

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

To hear a deputation in relation to the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre, Leeds 16.

The Committee received a deputation from a spokesperson representing each of the following five local Residents’ Groups; namely Moor Grange Action Group; Spen Hill Residents’ Association; West Park Residents’ Association; West Park Fields Action Group and Supporting The Elderly People. The deputation made specific reference to the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre and requested the Area Committee to support the retention of West Park Centre for community use and West Park playing fields as Green Belt, Urban Green Corridor and Urban Green Space.

RESOLVED – That the deputation be received and noted.

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)  Area Delivery Plan 2008/11

  Annie Faulder, North Hyde Park Residents Group referred to the Area Delivery Plan 2008/11 and sought clarification on the consultation process.

  Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded and referred to the Committee’s resolution taken on the 31^st July 2008 and confirmed that it was a three year plan which would be reviewed again in March 2009.

(b)  Royal Park School

  Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association / Friends of Woodhouse Moor referred to the Royal Park School and enquired on the latest position.

  Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded and outlined the current negotiations and it was agreed to include this issue within the Area Manager’s Report for consideration at the next meeting in December 2008.

(c)  Proposed Replacement BMX Track within North West Inner Ward

  Mike Taylor, BMX Group referred to a number of potential sites for a replacement BMX track within the North West Inner ward.

  Discussion ensued on the proposals outlined and the Area Committee supported the need for a replacement BMX track within the North West Inner ward.

  Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management responded and agreed to convene a meeting with the relevant ward members, Parks and Countryside and the BMX Group to discuss potential sites, together with developing an action plan.

(d)  Waste Disposal Site on Kirkstall Road

  A local resident referred to the redevelopment of a Waste Disposal site on Kirkstall Road and raised her concerns that local residents had not been consulted.

  Following a brief discussion, Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management agreed to look into this issue with a report back on progress at the next meeting in December 2008.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the West Park Centre.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the retention of the West Park Centre for use by the local community and citywide arts organisations.

(c)  That this Committee opposes any development of the West Park playing fields and requests the Executive Board to remove the building from the Council’s current disposal list.

Referring to Minute 26(a) of the meeting held on 25^th September 2008, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the West Park Centre.

The report informed Members regarding:-

• the inclusion of the West Park Centre on the list of capital receipts
• the relocation of some existing users of the facility

Prior to Members discussing the content of the report, the Chair allowed a number of local residents, together with representatives from the Moor Grange Action Group. Leeds Symphony Orchestra and West Yorkshire Police to make representations in support of the retention of the West Park Centre and playing fields.

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report and it was the consensus of those Members present that the West Park Centre should be retained for use by the local community and city wide arts organisations and to oppose any development of the West Park playing fields.

In concluding, reference was also made to the Council’s current disposal list and the Committee agreed to request the Executive Board to remove the building from the disposal list.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the retention of the West Park Centre for use by the local community and city wide arts organisations.

(c)  That this Committee opposes any development of the West Park playing fields and requests the Executive Board to remove the building from the Council’s current disposal list.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting  held on 25^th September 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th September 2008 be approved as a correct record.

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

(a)  Future Plans for Partnership Working (Minute 28(d) refers)

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the above issue and sought clarification in relation to the remit of the Shared Housing Group, Central Headingley Strategy Group and the Housing Strategy Group.

  The Chair responded and outlined the following arrangements for the information of the meeting:-

(i)  the Shared Housing Group was a sub group of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, with a city-wide remit; though it was not a sub-group of Area Committee, its minutes were submitted to the Committee for information

(ii)  the Central Headingley Strategy Group was established by the Headingley, Kirkstall and Weetwood Community Involvement Team in 2004 to produce Headingley Renaissance. After the publication of the Headingley Renaissance, it ceased meeting, but was re-established by Area Committee on 7^th December 2006. A meeting of the group would be convened shortly

(iii)  the Housing Strategy Group was established as a sub-group of Area Committee last year in order to develop a housing strategy for the Area of Housing Mix.  The next meeting of the group would be held on 18^th November 2008

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on progress with regards to community safety issues within the North West inner area.

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting in December 2008)

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting in December 2008)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with full minutes from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee, together with further information of future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That this Committee supports the request from the Planning Group to oppose planning applications relating to the Leeds Girls High School sites.

(c)  That in relation to the Planning Group’s request for the Area Committee to consider the benefits of commissioning an Area Action Plan, the Community Planning Officer be requested to investigate a well-being funding proposal in this regard.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with full minutes from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee, together with further information of future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.

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 request from the Planning Group to oppose planning applications relating to the Leeds Girls High School sites.

(c)  That in relation to the Planning Group’s request for the Area Committee to consider the benefits of commissioning an Area Action Plan, the Community Planning Officer be requested to investigate a well-being funding proposal in this regard.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on the A65 Quality Bus Initiative.

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the A65 Quality Bus Initiative.

The purpose of the report was to provide a brief update to Members of the Area Committee on progress with the design and procurement of the A65 Quality Bus Initiative and also seek any comments on these proposals.

Paul Russell, Principal Engineer, Highways Services made a brief presentation on the proposals and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

·  the need for detailed plans to be made available within the public arena to encourage community engagement

·  the general views of Members that the scheme was not working with specific reference to traffic road noise and the need for noise assessments

(The Principal Engineer responded and agreed to follow up individual issues raised via email)

·  the need for a demonstration in relation to the traffic signal times at the Willow Road/Kirkstall Road junction

(The Principal Engineer responded and agreed to follow up this issue via West North West Area Manager)

·  the need for the Committee to address the issue of bus lanes on the A660 at a future meeting

RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on Woodhouse Moor Park.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the content of the Executive Board’s report and it’s implications concerning Woodhouse Moor park.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on Woodhouse Moor Park.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Response to the deputation regarding the provision of Park Wardens and other issues on Woodhouse Moor Park – Report of the Director of City Development’ previously considered at the Executive Board meeting on 8^th October 2008.

Sean Flesher and Phil Staniforth, Parks and Countryside were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

·  the willingness for the Area Committee to work with Parks and Countryside

·  clarification of the Heritage Lottery Fund arrangements

·  the need for continued public consultation in this area

·  the need to engage all local residents who use the park facilities

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the content of the Executive Board’s report and it’s implications concerning Woodhouse Moor park.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking the agreement from the Area Committee on a process by which it was felt appropriate influence could be made on future delivery of post 16 and adult learning by the new merged College.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking the agreement from the Area Committee on a process by which it was felt appropriate influence could be made on future delivery of post 16 and adult learning by the new merged college.

The following representatives were in attendance:-

Christine George – Learning and Skills Council

Paul Forbes – Learning and Skills Council

Christine George made a brief presentation on the proposed merger and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In response to the presentation, Members supported the proposals

outlined, in principle, and noted that future reports would be presented to the Committee on this issue.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a further report on the outcome of the accommodation/estates review of the new Leeds City College, once completed in 2009 be submitted to this Committee for consideration.

To consider a report on the Well-being budget, together with monitoring updates for quarter 1 and 2 on Well-being projects funded during 2007/08 that have previously not been completed and 2008/09.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That the WNW Area Manager be requested to follow up the following issues raised at the meeting:-

i)  Sandy Lane Footpath – the reasons behind the delay

ii)  Hyde Park Festive Lights – an update on progress

iii)  Woodhouse Moor Users Survey – the omission of the survey from the report

iv)  Yorkstone Paving - the process for deciding areas to be targeted

(c)  That in relation to the on-going developments at Kirkstall Mills,

  together with the other public assets within the area, the WNW Area

  Manager be requested to consult with the Director of City 

  Development with a view to reporting back progress on this issue in

  the Area Manager’s Report for discussion at the next meeting in

  December 2008.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the Well-being budget, together with monitoring updates for quarters 1 and 2 on Well-being projects funded during 2007/08 that have previously not been completed and 2008/09.

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

(a)  Breakdown of Revenue Spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 1 refers)

(b)  Breakdown of Capital Spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 2 refers)

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

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 WNW Area Manager be requested to follow up the following issues raised at the meeting:-

i)  Sandy Lane Footpath – the reasons behind the delay

ii)  Hyde Park Festive Lights – an update on progress

iii)  Woodhouse Moor Users Survey – the omission of the survey from the report

iv)  Yorkstone Paving - the process for deciding areas to be targeted

(c)  That in relation to the on-going developments at Kirkstall Mills, together with the other public assets within the area, the WNW Area Manager be requested to consult with the Director of City Development with a view to reporting back progress on this issue in the Area Manager’s Report for discussion at the next meeting in December 2008.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on proposals for a pricing and lettings policy for Community Centres.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That approval be given to the development of the proposed Pricing and Lettings Policy in accordance with the principles outlined in the report.

(c)  That approval be given to a three month community and user consultation period following approval of the draft policy.

Referring to Minute 62 of the meeting held on 13^th December 2007, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on proposals for a pricing and lettings policy for Community Centres.

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

(a)  A list of current users and how they may be affected by the proposed pricing policy (Appendix 1 refers) (Exempt under 10.4 (3))

(b)  A draft schedule of charges and discounts for community centre pricing and lettings policy in Inner North West Leeds (Appendix 2 refers)

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

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 development of the proposed Pricing and Lettings Policy in accordance with the principles outlined in the report.

(c)  That approval be given to a three month community and user consultation period following approval of the draft policy.

Thursday 18^th December 2008 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

South Parade Baptist Church, Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3LF

Thursday 18^th December 2008 at 7.00 pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at 9.50pm)