Agenda, decisions and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

The Chair welcomed everyone to the October meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at Abbey Grange Church of England High School, Butcher Hill, Leeds 16.

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 interests were declared:-

• Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Board Member on West North West Homes (Agenda Items 8 and 9) (Minutes 38 and 39 refer)
• Councillor K Hussain in his capacity as a Board Member on Woodsley Road Management Committee (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 42 refers)

·     Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a non voting Board Member on Woodsley Road Management Committee and also as a Board Member on the Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of Management (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 42 refers)

• Councillor M Hamilton in his capacity as a Director of the Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of Management (Agenda Item 12) (Minute 42 refers)
• Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director of Leeds Organic Growers (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 43 refers) and also in relation to renting a Council owned allotment which was located a few metres away from the proposed BMX site on Kirkstall Road and in his role as Company Secretary of ‘dig2ride’, a charitable company established to provide dirt jumps in the Kirkstall Valley (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 44 refers)

b)  Councillor B Chastney, Councillor J  Matthews and L Yeadon indicated

   that they were Members of Plans Panel (West) and could possibly 

  be considering matters on the agenda at a later date in that capacity. 

  They stated that they would remain in the meeting to listen to and

  take part in the discussions where relevant. In order to avoid any 

  perception of pre-determination, Councillors Chastney, Matthews and

  Yeadon agreed that they would not be bound by any discussion taken

  at the meeting when issues came before Plans Panel (West) 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.

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

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 paragraph 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)  Minutes of the Previous Meeting – 17^th September 2009

Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17^th September 2009. He raised the following points:-

·  that there was no reference to either members of the public or officers within the body of the minutes

·  that in relation to Minute 21(b) ‘Lobby for reviewing Planning Policy with regard to HMO’S and Student accommodation through the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF process) (Minute 7 refers)’, reference to Minute 7 was in- correct and should have stated ‘Minute 6 (a) refers’ within the body of the minutes

·  that in relation to Minute 30 ‘Key Messages from Area Committee Sub Groups and Forums’, there was no specific reference in the minutes to the Planning Sub Groups request that the Area Committee reviews the area delivery plan to include the action to investigate a case for an Area Action Plan for the Inner North West

  The Chair responded and acknowledged the points made and 

  agreed to discuss them under the ‘Minutes of the Previous 

  Meeting’ item (Minute 36 refers).

(b)  Environmental Sub Group – Barbeques on Woodhouse Moor

Martin Staniforth, North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association enquired if the issue of barbeques on Woodhouse Moor had been debated at the Environment Sub Group.

Councillor J Matthews, in his capacity as Chair of the Environmental Sub Group, responded and informed the meeting that there was no progress to report on this issue as the Sub Group had not met since 24^th September 2009. The next scheduled meeting would be held on 19^th November 2009.

  (c)  Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Consultation

Jade Corcoran, Community Planning Officer referred to the Local Development Framework and outlined the Core Strategy consultation process which commenced on 26^th October 2009.

The Chair requested Members of the Committee and members of the public to forward their comments on the document to the Community Planning Officer as appropriate.

(d)   Update on the former Royal Park Primary School

  Ted Winter, RPCC requested an update on the former Royal Park 

  Primary School, with specific reference to the latest position in

  respect of repairs to the damaged roof.

    Jason Singh, Deputy Area Manager responded and outlined the

  detailed recommendations made at the Executive Board meeting

  held on 14^th October 2009. In relation to repairs to the damaged 

  roof, the Committee noted that he had written to Asset

  Management and was currently awaiting a reply.

  Following discussions, the Chair agreed to write a letter, on behalf

  of the Committee, to the Chief Asset Management Officer seeking

  assurances that the repair work would be undertaken without delay.

Gerry Harper, a former Councillor raised the issue of community bids in relation to Royal Park Primary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 17^th September 2009.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That, subject to the following amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th September 2009 be approved as a correct record:-

  Inner North West Committee Sub Groups - Minute 27(e) should have read as follows:-

'' That in respect of the Central Headingley Strategy Group and the Housing Strategy Group, further discussions be undertaken on a way forward for both groups and that in relation to the Shared Housing Group, this Committee notes that this group is not an official sub-group of the Area Committee, but requests that Councillor M Hamilton, in his capacity as Chair of the Shared Housing Group, consults it's members on the future of the group and the delivery of the priorities of the Shared Housing Action Plan.’’

(b)  That at the request of Members of the Area Committee, the practice of including names of officers and members of the public within the body of the minutes be reinstated.

(c)  That in relation to Minute 21(b) ‘Lobbying for reviewing Planning Policy with regard to HMO’s and Student accommodation through the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) process (Minute 7 refers)’, a correction be made to the minute reference number to read ‘Minute 6 (a) refers)’ within the body of the minutes.

(d)  That in relation to Minute 30 ‘Key Messages from Area Committee Sub Groups and Forums’, this Committee acknowledges the request from the Planning Sub Group to include the action to investigate a case for an Area Action Plan for Inner North West and gives it’s assurances that any future key messages arising from the Sub Groups and Forums report requiring the approval of the Area Committee would be contained within the recommendations of future reports.

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

(a)  Protection of Green Spaces and Woodland (Minute 20 (c) refers)

  Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and informed the meeting 

  that he had written to Jean Dent, Director of City Development in

  relation to village green status at Butcher Hill and was currently awaiting  

    a reply from the relevant officer.

(b)  Residual Waste Treatment PFI Project Update and Presentation (Minute 

  24 refers)

  Councillor J Illingworth referred to the above issue and raised his

  concerns of the fact that only brief discussions were undertaken at the

  last Area Committee. He re-iterated that it was imperative that ward

  forums continued to debate this important issue.

(c)  Area Manager’s Report – City of Leeds School (Minute 29 refers)

  Councillor P Ewens referred to the above issue and informed the meeting 

  that the Governors at the City of Leeds School had now finally made

  contact with Education Leeds and that the Area Committee would be fully

  involved with regard to the changes proposed at the school.

To consider a progress report of the Chief Regeneration Officer on the principles of the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) Round 6 Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds project in advance of the formal consultation between November and December 2009.

The Chief Regeneration Officer submitted a report on the principles of the Public Finance Initiative (PFI) Round 6 Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds project in advance of the formal consultation between November and December 2009.

A copy of Appendix 2 entitled ‘PFI Round 6 Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds Community Consultation Plan’ was circulated as supplementary information.

Members noted that in relation to Appendix 1 as referred to in paragraph 3.2 of the report, a list of the agreed sites for Round 6 of the PFI Programme was still under discussion and as a result of this the document was not available at the meeting.

The following officers’ were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Michelle Anderson, Senior Project Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods

Janey Barraclough, Project Officer, Environment and Neighbourhoods

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• clarification of the consultation period and bidding process

(The Senior Project Manager responded and briefly outlined the consultation period and bidding process, with specific reference to the need to produce an Outline Business Case for consideration by the Council’s Executive Board by February/March 2010)

• clarification of the aims of the Lifetime Neighbourhoods for Leeds project which sought to strengthen existing neighbourhood regeneration strategies by focusing on the provision of high quality homes and services for older people (55+)
• clarification of the PFI contract areas

(The Senior Project Manager responded and confirmed that the contract would cover three specific areas; namely Design and Build; Facility Management and Housing Management. The Committee noted that it would not include care and support)

RESOLVED-

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

(b)   That this Committee notes the principles of the Round 6 Lifetime 

   Neighbourhoods for Leeds (LNL) project.

(c)   That this Committee notes that all proposals were also subject to 

consultation with other stakeholders including ALMO Boards and affected tenants and residents and approval of the Outline Business Case (OBC) by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

(d)   That this Committee notes the principles of the project the 

  consultation plan as outlined in Appendix 2.

(e)   That a further report on this issue, including a list of the agreed sites 

  for Round 6 of the PFI Programme, be submitted to the next Area 

  Committee meeting in December for consideration.

To consider a report the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods  updating the meeting on actions and progress on the Procurement process for the provision of Grounds Maintenance from 1^st March 2011 and to seek Area Committee views and input on the development of the specification and consultation process.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the meeting on actions and progress on the Procurement process for the provision of Grounds Maintenance from 1^st March 2011 and to seek Area Committee views and input on the development of the specification and consultation process.

Richard Britten, Environmental Contracts and Performance Manger, West North West Homes was in attendance 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 need to recognise that other ALMO’s had a key involvement in this issue i.e. East North East Homes etc
• clarification of how the new contract would be managed with the aim of achieving value for money and consistency
• the need to prevent grass cutters blowing grass cuttings on to the highway and to stop the practice of depositing cuttings down drains
• the need for chicanes to be monitored (within the Harold’s area in particular) and for greater flexibility to be introduced for the mapping review of sites
• clarification as to why Glendale were being consulted on the procurement process
• the need for the department to focus on developing areas of wild grass in suitable areas
• the concerns raised about the proposed reduction in grass cuts and the need for the department to address the issue of grass cutting operatives being prevented to leave their machines to remove objects when cutting grass

RESOLVED-

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

(b)     That the Environmental Contracts and Performance Manager be  

       requested to feed the above comments into the development of the  

      specification and consultation process for Streetscene Grounds  

      Maintenance.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on  a Community Engagement Paper commissioned by Leeds Metropolitan University.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on  a Community Engagement Paper commissioned by Leeds Metropolitan University.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Leeds Metropolitan University – Community Engagement Paper’ which provided the Committee with information regarding the Universities approach to volunteering, community based learning, campaigning and cultural partnerships, research and consultancy.

Max Farrar, Leeds Metropolitan University was in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• the need to improve relationships between the university and the community, especially within the area regarding car parking problems
• the need for the university to recognise that Councillors were relevant to student’s needs
• the need for the university to share good practice on noise nuisance and to encourage more volunteers to come forward within the student population e.g. Green Streets Programme etc in areas of need i.e. Woodhouse Moor
• the need for the university to strengthen the Good Neighbour’s Section with the aim of achieving more feedback on the consultation process
• the need for the university to respect it’s position within the ward
• the need for the university to develop a communications strategy
• the need to accept and acknowledge, from an economic value, that Leeds benefited from having two universities

RESOLVED-

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

(b)   That the above comments be fed into Leeds Metropolitan University 

  community engagement paper.

(c)   That Members of the Area Committee be requested to forward any

  further comments on the consultation document via the following e

  mail address:- community@leedsmet.ac.uk .

To consider a report of the Director of City Development on progress in relation to the A65 Quality Bus Initiative.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That any further comments on this initiative be referred to the Transport Sub Group for discussion.

The Director of City Development submitted a report on progress in relation to the A65 Quality Bus Initiative.

Appended to the report was a copy of a newsletter published in the Summer on the A65 Quality Bus Scheme for the information/comment of the meeting.

The following officers were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Paul Russell, Principal Engineer, City Development

Andrew Hall, Transport Strategy Manager, City Development

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• the budget problems suffered on the scheme since 1992
• the ongoing problems with regard to the Quality Bus Scheme
• the need for effective measures to be introduced to stop the practice of rat running
• the need to recognise the position of the Kirkstall District Centre within the scheme
• the need to recognise that the junction at Bridge Road/Willow Road was not working
• the need to address the Compulsory Purchase Order problems and to involve ward Members within the process
• clarification of how the Highways section were going to manage the bus priority lanes which narrowed on certain parts of the route
• the need to introduce quieter buses with lower omissions
• the need for the Transport Sub Group to be involved in the complex discussions and process
• the need for the Area Committee to be presented with details of the traffic projections from the contractor to clarify that the junction would be able to carry the predicted traffic flow as part of the Quality Bus Scheme initiative

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That any further comments on this initiative be referred to the Transport Sub Group for discussion.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the management of Community Centres in relation to budgets, property management and maintenance, rental support and pricing and lettings policy.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the development of a local action plan be delegated to a time limited task and finish group involving appropriate Members and officers.

c)  That approval be given to the proposals in relation to Community Centres in accordance with the report now submitted.

d)  That in relation to securing the future use of the West Park Centre for community use, this issue be referred to a time limited task and finish group for consideration.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the management of Community Centres in relation to budgets, property management and maintenance, rental support and pricing and lettings policy.

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

a)  Area Functions Information – 2009/10 – Community Centres (Appendix 1 refers)

b)  Environment and Neighbourhoods (Area Management Schedules 2009-10) – Controllable Costs (Appendix 2 refers)

c)  Corporate Property Management – Community Centre Building Maintenance Expenditure/Status Briefing (Appendix 3 refers)

d)  Backlog Maintenance: Category A centres to transfer to Environment and Neighbourhoods (November 2007) Phase 2 (Appendix 4 refers)

The following officers were in attendance and responded to Member’s queries and comments:-

Liz Jarmin, Neighbourhood Services Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods

Trudie Canavan, Community Issues Officer, Environment and Neighbourhoods

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager provided the meeting with a brief background on the proposals contained within the report.

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

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

• the retention of any savings in relation to the controllable operational cost beyond the proposed  twelve month timescale

(The Neighbourhood Service Manager agreed to take this comment back and discuss with colleagues in finance)

• clarification of what would happen to the capital receipts arising from the disposal of community centre assets e.g. Woodsley Road Community Centre

(The Neighbourhood Service Manager responded that discussions were already taking place with the Area Officers in respect of this matter)

• the need to ensure that the service provided was flexible and catered for evening meetings/events
• the need for officers to focus on the development of a local action plan
• the need for a task and finish group to be established to take this delegation forward, which should include Elected Members
• the need for Burley Lodge Centre to expand their facilities with the possibility of purchasing additional property within the same street

(The Neighbourhood Service Manager responded and agreed to look into this matter further)

• the need for the Committee consider the production of a business plan and feasibility study to secure the future use of the West Park Centre for community use

(Following discussions, Members of the Committee were supportive of this proposal, in principle, however it was agreed that the matter should be referred to the community centres task and finish group for consideration)

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the development of a local action plan be delegated to a time limited task and finish group involving appropriate Members and officers.

c)  That approval be given, in principle, to the proposals in relation to

the delegation of Community Centres in accordance with the report now submitted.

d)  That in relation to securing the future use of the West Park Centre for community use, this issue be referred to a time limited task and finish group for consideration.

(Councillor J Chapman left the meeting at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner North Leeds West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate  to Members of the Committee a copy of the health section which had been recently added to the Inner North West Area Vision document for their information/retention.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to update Members on progress on a number of projects and initiatives in the Inner North West area.  The report was formatted under the themes of the Area Committee’s Area Delivery Plan for 2008/2011.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager presented the report and

responded to Members’ questions and comments.

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

• the fact that Leeds Organic Growers, an organisation that had been part funded by the North West (Inner) Area Committee, had now ceased trading and was being wound up
• the need for the report to reflect that only Councillor J Illingworth from the Area Committee was a member of the Leeds Organic Growers (LOGS) Management Committee and that Councillor B Atha and Councillor S Golton were not members (Section 4.2 refers)

(The West North West Area Manager responded and confirmed that Councillors Atha and Golton were not members of the Leeds Organic Growers Management Committee. He apologised for the error in the report)

• the need for the West North West Area Manager to circulate to Members of the Committee a copy of the health section which had been recently added to the Inner North West Vision document for their information/retention.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate  to Members of the Committee a copy of the health section which had been recently added to the Inner North West Area Vision document for their information/retention.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub groups and ward forums that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That in relation to the key messages arising from the Environmental Sub Group, the Harolds (in addition to the Granby’s) be also identified as the Environmental Action Teams priority area for bin yard improvements for 2009/10.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with an update and summary on progress made at the Area Committee sub-groups and Ward Forums that have taken place since

the last Area Committee meeting.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management presented the report

and responded to Members queries and comments.

Specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• the missing text within the report (Section 3.1 refers)

(Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and apologised for this error)

• the need for the Harolds (in addition to the Granby’s) to be also identified as the Environmental Action Teams priority area for bin yard improvements

(Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to follow up this issue)

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That in relation to the key messages arising from the Environmental Sub Group, the Harolds (in addition to the Granby’s) be also identified as the Environmental Action Teams priority area for bin yard improvements for 2009/10.

Thursday 10^th December 2009 at 7.00pm at Little London Community Centre, Oatland Lane, Leeds LS7 1SP.

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Abbey Grange Church of England High School, Butcher Hill, Leeds LS16 5EA

Thursday 10^th December 2009 at 7.00pm at Little London Community Centre, Oatland Lane, Leeds LS7 1SP (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting finished at  9.35pm)