Agenda, decisions and minutes

Items
No. Item

56.

Chair's Opening Remarks

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the November meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16.

 

He informed Members that the meeting was inquorate due to no Members being present from the Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward.  As a result the meeting commenced at 7.10 pm and not 7.00 pm as previously stated on the agenda front.

 

He reminded the meeting that Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management would be transferring to the South Area Management office on 12th January 2009. It was noted that Chris Dickinson, from renew, had been appointed to the position. He again thanked her for her support to the Area Committee since August 2008.

 

In concluding, the Chair announced that it was Councillor L Yeadon’s birthday and Members conveyed their best wishes.

 

57.

Declarations of Interest

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

 

Minutes:

The following personal interests were declared:-

 

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park – A660 Otley Road Cycling Study (Agenda Item 11) (Minute 65 refers) and A660 Corridor Transport Issues (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 66 refers)

 

58.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

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

 

(Councillor Ewens joined the meeting at 7.11 pm at the conclusion of the above item.  The Chair informed Members that the meeting was now quorate)

 

59.

Open Forum

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.

Minutes:

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)  West Park Centre – Village Green Status – Remaining Pieces of Land

  Peter Owen, Spen Hill Residents Association referred to the remaining pieces of land surrounding the West Park Centre and requested the support of the Area Committee in registering the land as Village Green Status.

 

  At the request of the Chair, Jade Corcoran, Community Planning Officer, City Development outlined the legal procedures for the information of the meeting.

 

  Following a brief discussion, the Committee instructed the West North West Area Manager to write to the Chief Legal Officer with a request to proceed in registering the land as Village Green Status.

 

(b)  The Future of the West Park Centre

 

  Doug Kemp, West Park Residents Association referred to the future of the West Park Centre and requested the support of the Area Committee in having a dialogue in place between the community groups and the Council.

 

  The West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that following the deputation at the last Area Committee meeting, no response had been received to date from the Council/Executive Board.

 

  Following a brief discussion, the Committee fully supported the proposal of having a dialogue in place between the community groups and the Council in relation to the future of the West Park Centre.

 

(c)  Noise Nuisance Complaints

  Amanda Jackson, University of Leeds informed the meeting that the Neighbourhood Helpline was working well. However she suggested that the perpetrators of many of the complaints received might not be  students and therefore she requested the assistance of the Area Committee in identifying the perpetrators.

 

  Following a brief discussion, it was agreed to request the West North West Area Manager to investigate the current problems in this area with a report back on progress.

 

(d)  Royal Park School

  Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association/Friends of Woodhouse Moor enquired on the latest developments in relation to the Royal Park School.

 

  The Chair responded and reminded the meeting that this issue would be discussed within the Area Manager’s Report (Minute 69 refers).

 

(e)  Queenswood Drive –Highways Issues

  John Christie, Queenswood Drive Residents Association referred to the increasing number of road traffic accidents on Queenswood Drive due to the road being unsafe. He requested the support of the Area Committee in taking urgent action, together with the removal of grass verges as a possible solution in this regard.

 

  Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to refer this issue to the ward members and the Streetscene sub group for further investigation.

 

(f)  Anomie in Headingley

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to a recent BBC News report on a survey by Sheffield University on the strength of community throughout the UK. Following the devise of an “anomie index” measuring the lack of sense of community in every part of the country,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

60.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 99 KB

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13th November 2008.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 13th November 2008 be approved as a correct record.

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

 

61.

Matters Arising from the Minutes

Minutes:

(a)  West Park Centre Deputation – Area Committee Attendance List

-13th November 2008

  A local resident queried why a number of people from the West Park Centre Deputation party had not been recorded in the Area Committee  attendance list.

 

  At the request of the Chair, Mr S Robinson, Chief Executive’s department responded and apologised for this omission.

 

  The Chair reminded members of the public of the importance of recording their name on the attendance list should they wish to have their details recorded within the minutes.

 

(b)  Proposed Replacement BMX Track within North West Inner Ward (Minute 44(c) refers)

  Councillor L Yeadon informed the meeting that a BMX working group consisting of Members and Parks and Countryside representatives, together with relevant stakeholders was currently being set up by Sarah Charlton from North West Area Management.

 

  The Committee supported this development and emphasised the need for the working group to proceed without delay.

 

(c)  Waste Disposal Site, Evanston Avenue/Kirkstall Road (Minute 44(e) refers)

  Councillor B Atha  referred to the above issue and sought clarification on the further work that was in progress on the Evanston Avenue site to assess the suitability of this site and any potential alternatives.

 

  At the request of the Chair, Jade Corcoran, Community Planning Officer, City Development responded and agreed to follow up this issue through North West Area Management with a report back on progress at the next meeting on 5th February 2009.

 

(d)  Forum and Sub Group Update Report (Minute 49 refers)

  A local resident enquired on the latest position in relation to the Leeds Girls High School planning applications. 

 

  At the request of the Chair, Jade Corcoran, Community Planning Officer, City Development responded and informed the meeting that Leeds Girls High School had not come back with any substance to date on the applications.

 

  The Committee noted that Councillor M Hamilton would be meeting with the Chair of the Leeds Girls High School on 22nd December 2008.

 

(e)  Well-being Report (Minute 53 refers)

  Councillor P Ewens referred to the Hyde Park Festive Lights issue and reminded the meeting that Woodsley Road should be also included within the lights programme.

 

  Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management responded and acknowledged this comment.

 

 

 

62.

Forum and Sub Group Update Report pdf icon PDF 73 KB

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.

Additional documents:

Decision:

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

Minutes:

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.

 

The Chair referred to the following two key messages contained within the Planning Group’s minutes of the meeting held on 5th November 2008, namely:-

 

·  for the Area Committee to consider the benefits of commissioning an Area Action Plan

·  for the Area Committee to review the process of decision making, priority ordering and community involvement in relation to S106s.

 

The Committee noted that the Area Action Plan was currently being addressed by Area Management officers and that a specific meeting of the Planning Group would be held in January 2009 to address the S106 issue.

 

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

 

63.

Revised Children's Services arrangements for more effective locality working with families pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services on revised children’s services arrangements for more effective locality working with families.

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on an overview of the evolution of locality children’s trust arrangements with the aim of informing Committee of developments in recent months, together with confirming the direction of travel for revised arrangements and seeking Member involvement in ensuring that priorities and actions were relevant and delivered by the Leadership Teams.

 

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

 

·  Leeds Children’s Trust Arrangements (Appendix 1 refers)

 

Jane Maxwell, Locality Enabler, Children’s Services 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 and welcomed.

(b)  That Councillor P Ewens be nominated to:-

·  work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager (on behalf of the Area Committee) to take these developments forward and

·  represent the Area Committee on the North West Children Leeds Partnership, subject to Member Management Committee approval

 

64.

The Children and Young People's Plan 2009-14 and the development of local priorities for action pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services setting out a proposed structure for the new Children and Young People’s Plan.

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report outlining the draft city-wide Children and Young People’s Plan framework and priorities and seeking the involvement of the Area Committee in identifying local priorities for children and young people to drive the work of Children’s Services in this Area Committee .

 

Jane Maxwell, Locality Enabler, Children’s Services presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That Councillor P Ewens be nominated to work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager on behalf of the Area Committee to develop the local context for these priorities and develop local actions for the Area Delivery Plan 2009/10.

 

65.

A660 Otley Road Cycling Study pdf icon PDF 64 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the outcome of a Cycling Study of the A660 Otley Road commissioned by the Leeds Cycling Action Group.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

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

(b)  That the recommendations outlined in the A660 Otley Road Cycling Study - Cycle Audit report produced by the Leeds Cycling Action Group be endorsed and that the report be referred to the Chief Highways Officer for consideration.

(c)  That the Transport Sub Group be requested to monitor the progress of this issue with regular reports back to this Committee.

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the outcome of a Cycling Study of the A660 Otley Road commissioned by the Leeds Cycling Action Group.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Stage 2 – A660 Otley Road Cycling Study – Cycle Audit – Leeds Cycling Action Group – Final Report – October 2008’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

At the request of the Chair, Tim Pheeby, Transport Initiatives/Leeds Cycling Action Group presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

The presentation briefly covered the following specific issues:-

 

·  Background / Methodology

·  Stage 1 – Cycle Skills Network Audit

·  Examples of Bikeability levels

·  Stage 2 – Ride and Recommended Cycle Audit

·  Cycle Flows and Accidents along the A660

·  Recommendations for Leeds City Council to consider:-

- Traffic lane reduction

- Junction improvements

- Reallocating road space

- Off road cycle routes

- Maintenance issues

- Cycle monitoring/promotion

- Conclusions

 

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

 

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

 

·  the fact that signage and lining had already been addressed on Lawnswood Roundabout

·  the dangers of walking across Lawnswood Roundabout/Shaw Lane junction and the need for effective safety measures to be introduced

·  clarification of the category in relation to shared lanes and bus lanes which appeared on the list and the need for Highways to be involved in this area with a progress report back in two months time

·  the importance of managing traffic flows

·  the need to train drivers of motor vehicles towards cyclists and to build this within the discussions

·  clarification as to why the A660 route was selected for this particular study, with specific reference to other busy cycle routes within the NW Inner area i.e. Kirkstall Road/Meanwood Road etc

 

In view of the public interest in this issue, the Chair invited selected comments from members of the public/community groups which were duly noted by those relevant officers who were in attendance.

 

RESOLVED

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

(b)  That the recommendations outlined in the A660 Otley Road Cycling Study - Cycle Audit report produced by the Leeds Cycling Action Group be endorsed and that the report be referred to the Chief Highways Officer for consideration.

(c)  That the Transport Sub Group be requested to monitor the progress of this issue with regular reports back to this Committee.

 

66.

A660 Corridor Transport Issues pdf icon PDF 87 KB

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on the A660 Corridor Transport Issues.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED –

 

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

(b)  That in respect of the Design and Cost Report dated 24th November 2008 submitted by the Chief Highways Officer and Director of Resources for the detailed design and public consultation on the A660 Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road, Woodhouse Proposed Inbound Bus/Cycle Lane and Junction Improvement Measures, this report be referred to the Scrutiny Board (City Development) for discussion, together with addressing the rationale behind a decision by officers to cancel the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) Call-In meeting on 22nd December 2008 to consider the officer delegated decision on this scheme from the Director of Resources.

(c)  That in respect of the former officer delegated decision of the Chief Highways Officer in relation to the A660 Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road, Woodhouse Proposed Inbound Bus/Cycle Lane and Junction Improvement Measures, this Committee requests that this decision be withdrawn by the Chief Highways Officer.

(d)  That this Committee unanimously opposes the first phase of the design proposals of works to be undertaken along the A660 corridor and requests the Chief Highways Officer to cancel this scheme.

(e)  That this Committee supports the principle of improvements to the A660 corridor within the North West Inner area and requests full consultation to be undertaken on the proposals.

(f)  That this Committee supports the proposal for a Inner North West Transport Strategy being developed, with specific reference to parking provision, cycle and bus use to reduce unnecessary car journeys along the A660 and that this issue be debated at the Transport Sub Group.

Minutes:

The Director of City Development submitted a report on the A660 Corridor Transport issues.

 

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

 

  • A660 Corridor – Areas for Transport Study (Appendix 1 refers)
  • A660 Woodhouse Lane/Cardigan Road, Leeds Proposed Highway Improvement Scheme – General Scheme Arrangements (Appendix 2 refers)

 

Andrew Hall, Transport Strategy Manager and Nicholas Borras, Senior Engineer, City Development presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

 

Prior to the presentation of the proposals, the Chair for the benefit of Members of the Committee and members of the public, outlined the latest developments in relation to a Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) Call In meeting on 22nd December 2008 regarding an officer delegated decision by the Director of Resources to release funds on the improvement scheme.

 

The Committee noted, with concern, that the meeting had been cancelled by Council officers.

 

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

 

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

 

  • the unanimous opposition expressed by Members of the Committee in relation to the first phase of the design proposals of works to be undertaken along the A660 Corridor
  • the need for the Chief Highways Officer to cancel the above scheme and for officers to draw up a different scheme for consideration by the Area Committee
  • the need to refer the Design and Cost Report dated 24th November 2008 submitted by the Chief Highways Officer and Director of Resources for the detailed design and public consultation on the A660 Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road, Woodhouse Proposed Inbound Bus/ Cycle Lane and Junction Improvement Measures to the Scrutiny Board (City Development) for discussion, together with addressing the rationale behind a decision by officers to cancel the Scrutiny Board (Central and Corporate) Call In meeting on 22nd December 2008 regarding an officer delegated decision by the Director of Resources to release funds on the improvement scheme
  • the need to request the Chief Highways Officer to withdraw the former officer delegated decision in relation to the A660 Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road, Woodhouse Proposed Inbound Bus/Cycle Lane and Junction Improvement Measures
  • the need to support the principle of improvements to the A660 Corridor within the North West Inner area and to request full consultation to be undertaken on the proposals
  • the concerns expressed over the funding of the scheme and of the fact that the proposals were not proportionate to the area
  • the need to focus on pedestrian safety within the North West Inner area
  • the need to address climate change/reduction in carbon omissions within the Area Committee’s Forward Plan
  • the need to develop an Inner North West Transport Strategy, with specific reference to parking provision, cycle and bus use to reduce unnecessary car journeys along the A660 and for this issue to be debated by the Transport Sub Group

 

In view of the public interest in this issue, the Chair invited selected comments from members of the public/community groups which were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

67.

Community Safety 2004-2008 pdf icon PDF 139 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 and March 2008, together with highlighting key activities during the last twelve months.

Decision:

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

Minutes:

Referring to Minute 48 of the meeting held on 13th November 2008, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 to March 2008, together with highlighting key activities during the last twelve months.

 

Zahid Butt, North West Area Management, in conjunction with Inspector Ian Croft and Inspector Fran Naughton, West Yorkshire Police, 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 issues:-

 

·  the need to look at the redistribution of police officers in respect of the Weetwood ward as it was currently covered by two Neighbourhood Policing Teams

(Inspector Croft responded and agreed to investigate this issue further)

·  clarification if the police were monitoring the DPPO process on Woodhouse Moor

(Inspector Naughton responded and stated that police resources would continue to be deployed on Woodhouse Moor, with regular patrols enhanced when required)

·  the concerns expressed over rising crime in the Weetwood ward

(Inspector Croft responded and stated that this was due to a seasonal problem resulting from dark nights and inadequate security measures.

However, it was noted and welcomed that there had been five recent arrests related to this)

 

At the conclusion of the presentation, Members of the Committee placed on records their thanks and gratitude to West Yorkshire Police for a broad reduction in crime within the NW (Inner) area.

 

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

 

68.

Community Engagement pdf icon PDF 115 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals for community engagement in Inner North West Leeds, together with describing how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, and thereby enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED-

 

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

(b)  That approval be given to the community engagement framework for 2009/10 in accordance with the report now submitted.

Minutes:

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining proposals for community engagement in Inner North West Leeds, together with  describing how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, and thereby enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.

 

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Tools for engaging citizens’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

 

The West North West Area Manager 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 issues:-

 

·  the need to publicise the forums more effectively i.e. reference to the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum which was advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post, but not within other Council publications

·  clarification of the protocol between Members of the Committee and the West North West Area Manager in relation to existing monthly meetings i.e. streetscene issues/ward related issues/Members surgeries work etc.

·  the need to publicise venues of Area Committee meetings

(The Chair requested the West North West Area Manager to be more proactive in this regard and to ensure that, with effect from the new municipal year, all venues must be confirmed in advance to coincide with the dates and times of Area Committee meetings)

·  the need for the Council to be more sensitive to areas of public concern i.e. Royal Park School, Kirkstall Mills etc and to engage more quickly and effectively in the future

 

In view of the public interest in this issue, the Chair invited selected comments from members of the public/community groups which were duly noted by the West North West Area Manager.

 

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That approval be given to the community engagement framework for 2009/10 in accordance with the report now submitted.

 

69.

Area Manager's Report pdf icon PDF 91 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing the meeting of progress on a number of projects and issues in Inner North West Leeds not addressed elsewhere on the agenda.

Decision:

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

 

 

Minutes:

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

 

 

70.

Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix pdf icon PDF 66 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the final draft of the Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix.

Additional documents:

Decision:

(Withdrawn - to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

Minutes:

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

71.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) pdf icon PDF 67 KB

To consider a report of the Director of City Development updating Members on the recent work carried out for Communities and Local Government in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation.

Additional documents:

Decision:

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

Minutes:

(Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 5th February 2009)

72.

Date and Time of Next Meeting pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Thursday 5th February 2009 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

 

 

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

 

West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE

Minutes:

Thursday 5th February 2009 at 7.00 pm (venue to be confirmed)

 

 

 

 

(The meeting concluded at 9.45 pm)