Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the December meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at Woodhouse Community Centre, Woodhouse Street, Leeds 6.

He apologised for starting the meeting at 7.10pm which was due to the late arrival of a number of Councillors who had been involved in other meetings outside the area and of the necessity to ensure that the meeting was quorate.

He informed the meeting that Steve Crocker had now taken up his post as Year of the Volunteer Co-ordinator and as a result Jason Singh was acting as West North West Area Manager for the interim period.

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 S Bentley in her capacity as a Governor at Lawnswood High School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 57 refers)

·  Councillor J Chapman in her capacity as a Governor at Weetwood Primary School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 57 refers)

·  Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a Governor at the City of Leeds Girls High School (Agenda Items 7 and 13) (Minutes

50 d) and 57 refer)

·  Councillor J IllIingworth in his capacity as an employee at the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 6b)) (Minute 49 ii) refers) and as a Governor at Kirkstall Primary School (Agenda Items 6c) and 13) (Minutes 49 iii)  and  57 refer)

·  Councillor J Matthews in his capacity as a Governor at Spring Bank Primary School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 57 refers)

·  Councillor L Yeadon in her capacity as a Governor at Hawksworth Wood Primary School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute  57 refers)

b)  The following personal and prejudicial interests were declared:-

·  Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Governor at Ireland Wood Primary School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 57 refers)

·  Councillor S Bentley in her capacity as a Governor at Iveson Primary School (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 57 refers)

An apology for absence were received on behalf of Councillor K Hussain.

To receive the following deputations:-

a)  The Royal Park Community Consortium in relation to the former Royal Park School building and the concerns for its present safety, and potential future use as a resource for the community of Hyde Park

b)  The South Headingley Community Association regarding the concerns of local residents about noise nuisance problems in the area and the ability of the present system to deal with them

c)  Board of Governors of Kirkstall Valley Primary School regarding the concerns to build a proposed Waste Transfer development on Evanston Avenue

(Please note that in accordance with paragraph 6.19 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, each deputation must not exceed 5 minutes in duration)

i)  The Committee received a deputation from John Lawrence 

on behalf of the Royal Park Community Consortium in relation to the former Royal Park School building and the concerns for its present safety, and potential future use as a resource for the community of Hyde Park.

In addition to the deputation, the Chair referred to a document under the matters arising from the meeting item entitled ‘Royal Park School’ prepared by the Strategic Asset Management Service.

The purpose of the document was to update Members of the Area Committee with progress on seeking a development partner for the restoration of the former Royal Park School within a defined timetable.

The Chair invited John Ramsden, Executive Manager (Strategy), City Development to highlight the key issues within the briefing paper.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the deputation and briefing paper.

Councillor B Atha put forward a proposal, which was seconded by Councillor J Illingworth, requesting the Area Committee to congratulate the Royal Park Consortium and the community on their efforts in saving the building and to request the Council not to pursue the costs associated with the recent Royal Park School court action from those interested parties without delay.

The Committee agreed to this proposal.

  RESOLVED-

a)  That the deputation and briefing note be received and noted.

b)  That the Royal Park Consortium and the community be congratulated on their efforts in saving the building and that the Council be requested not to pursue the costs associated with the recent Royal Park School court action from those interested parties without delay.

(Prior to considering the above deputation, Councillor J Monaghan indicated that he was a member of the Executive Board and could possibly be considering matters from this item at a later date in that capacity.  He stated that he would remain in the meeting to listen to and take part in the discussion of this issue.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, Councillor Monaghan agreed that he would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter came before Executive Board for determination, but would consider all representations and viewpoints presented at the Executive Board meeting before reaching a conclusion based on the merits of the case)

ii)  The Committee received a deputation from Ian Harker on behalf of the South Headingley Community Association regarding 

the concerns of local residents about noise nuisance problems from students in the Hyde Park area and the ability of the present system to deal with them.

  Discussion ensued on the contents of the deputation.

Members were sympathetic of the noise and nuisance problems that existed within the area, but also wished to place on record their appreciation of the Council’s Noise Nuisance Team who were working hard towards tackling this problem.

The Chair invited Amanda Jackson to briefly comment on the protocol in relation to the Universities Neighbourhood Helpline and she confirmed that appropriate action would be taken on those who were offending.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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)  Unauthorised Golf Activity on Woodhouse Moor

Martin Staniforth, North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association informed the meeting that he had witnessed unauthorised golf activity on Woodhouse Moor and as a result he had raised his concerns via e mail to Parks and Countryside.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to raise this issue with the appropriate officer(s).

b)  Tarmac repairs to footpaths on Woodhouse Moor/Brudenell Road

Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association reported her concerns about the in-consistency of work undertaken to a number of footpaths on Woodhouse Moor/Brudenell Road.

A local resident also reminded the meeting of the need for Parks and Countryside to liaise with Friends of Woodhouse Moor on issues relating to Woodhouse Moor.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management agreed to convey this message to Parks and Countryside.

  c)  Proposed Waste Transfer Development on Evanston Avenue 

Gerry Harper, a former Councillor sought clarification from the 

meeting as to why the Council were undertaken a tender exercise prior to obtaining formal agreement to this proposal.

Confirmation that no formal agreement had been made was provided and the problems associated with halting a citywide tendering process were explained.

  d)  Proposed Closure of City of Leeds High School

A local resident  raised her concerns about the lack of consultation  in relation to the proposed closure of the City of Leeds High School.

At the request of the Chair, Councillor P Ewens responded and outlined the current discussions held with Education Leeds on this issue.

Members recognised the importance of this issue and of the need to protect the school and the Council’s assets. It was agreed to request the Acting West North West Area Manager to prepare a briefing note on this issue for consideration at the next meeting to be held on 14^th January 2010.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd October 2009.

A copy of the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd October 2009 were submitted for approval.

In addition to the minutes, a copy of the following documents were also submitted for the information/comment of the meeting:-

• An update on matters arising from the previous minutes
• Royal Park School – Briefing Paper of the Strategic Asset Management Service

Councillor J Illingworth referred to Minute 41 ‘A65 Quality Bus Initiative’ and requested the meeting to give consideration to including an additional bullet point in relation to 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.

The Committee agreed to this proposal.

RESOLVED-

a)    That the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd October 2009 be 

  approved as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of the following 

  additional bullet point to Minute 41 ‘A65 Quality Bus Initiative’:-

•   ‘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’

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

  noted.

c)  That the briefing paper on Royal Park School prepared by the 

  Strategic Asset Management Service be noted.

a)  Future Use of the West Park Centre for Community Use (Minute 35 e) refers)

Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and informed the meeting that following his recent request for an item to be included on today’s agenda in relation to a proposal for this Committee to agree to making a contribution of at least 5k from their ward based initiative money to the West Park Centre to undertake immediate repair needs to the building, he now had received written confirmation from the Head of Governance Services that under paragraph 6.2 of the Council Procedure Rules, the Chair did not have authority to veto an item appearing on the agenda.

Paragraph 6.2 of the Council Procedure Rules made it clear that the notices for all meetings shall be issued from the office of the Chief Executive and no matter shall be considered without the prior agreement of the Chief Executive. In other words, the Chief Executive (or some other appropriate officer under a sub-delegation scheme) had the final word on what goes on the agenda.

To consider a report of the New Generation Transport Team (City Development) outlining progress on the development of the New Generation Transport scheme and providing the Area Committee with feedback from the summer consultation process and recent Major Business Scheme.

A report of the New Generation Transport Team (City Development) was submitted outlining progress in relation to the development of the New Generation Transport scheme and providing the Area Committee with feedback from the summer consultation process and recent Major Business Scheme submission.

Francis Linley, New Generation Transport Co-ordinator, City Development was in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The Committee noted that as part of the ongoing preparatory work for the Transport and Works submission, letters would be going out shortly to all parties directly affected by the proposals and that Ward Members would be given prior notification of these ”requests for information” being sent out in their ward. The Committee also welcomed the intention to carry out  additional public consultation on the more recent decision to seek powers to extend the system to Holt Park as referred to in Section 6.0 of the report.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• to welcome the fact that, following briefings between Elected Members and officers on the revised scheme, a number of their concerns on the proposals had been taken on board
• the need to keep Headingley Ward Members informed of current developments on a regular basis
• the need to discuss the proposals, in detail, at the next Transport Sub Group meeting in January 2010
• the concerns to be addressed include the cost and justification for the Headingley by pass section, the closure of Kepstorn Road and of the Weetwood Lane junction; the impact on the sheltered housing on St Chad’s Road, the loss of trees approaching and beyond Lawnswood Roundabout and the impact on the area’s character of the alignment going straight across the Lawnswood Roundabout

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report, and in particular the forthcoming Request for Information process, be noted.

b)  That the New Generation Transport Co-ordinator be requested to feed back the above comments into the consultation process.

c)  That this issue be discussed, in detail, at the next Transport Sub Group meeting in January 2010 with regular progress reports back to the Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the key priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People Plan to advance at pace integrated working and the strengthening of safeguarding arrangements, and on an outline of the proposed children’s services performance management arrangements for Area Committees.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report regarding the key priorities of the Leeds Children and Young People Plan to advance at pace integrated working and the strengthening of safeguarding arrangements, and on an outline of the proposed children’s services performance management arrangements for Area Committees.

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

• Presentation slides in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working (Appendix A refers)
• A report of the Director of Children’s Services entitled ‘Area Committee Performance Management reporting for Children’s Services’ (Appendix B refers)

Jane Maxwell, Locality Enabler, Children’s Services was in attendance, introduced the slides and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

Members attention was drawn to the presentation slides in relation to improving Safeguarding and Integrated Working and were asked to comment on how Children’s Services can work more closely with the Area Committee and the Children’s Champion to drive forward the necessary improvements relating to children’s services.  An overview of current progress in relation to the Common Assessment Framework was also provided as an example of better integrated working.

In addition to the above documents, Councillor P Ewens briefly outlined her role and aspirations as Children’s Champion.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

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

• the concerns expressed about the number of CRB checks required for different roles and the need for a radical review in this area by the Chief Executive, Education Leeds

(The Locality Enabler, Children’s Services responded and made reference to pending new ISA legislation. She agreed to keep the Area Committee informed of any new developments in this area)

• the need to continue to engage with the Area Committee’s Children and Young Person’s Sub Group and explore expanding this role in taking the proposals forward
• clarification of the ‘inadequate’ figures outlined in the proposed Area Committee Performance Management Report (Appendix 1 refers) which were seen as misleading and the need to add an ‘adequate’ column in this regard

(The Locality Enabler, Children’s Services responded and outlined the current Ofsted framework and scoring arrangements in relation to presenting data. She agreed to revisit this issue with a view to adding an additional column in future reports as requested)

• the need to focus on benchmarking and to provide details in the checklist of the number of Childminders employed within the city to enable comparisons to be made

(The Locality Enabler, Children’s Services responded and agreed to raise this important issue at the Children and Young Person’s Sub Group)

• clarification of  whom would ‘populate’ the settings and institutions performance figures outlined in Appendix 1 of the Proposed Area Committee Performance Management Report

(The Locality Enabler responded and confirmed that this task would be undertaken by staff located in Children’s Services)

• the need to include local indicators around teenage pregnancy and poverty and to focus on those who might be not known/or missing

(The Locality Enabler, Children’s Services drew Elected Members attention to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating the Area Committee on the Wellbeing fund projects approved in April, and seeking the views of Members on how next year’s budget should be allocated.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That in respect of the current Well-being budget as identified in Section 5.1 of the report, approval be given to the proposal to divide the Capital figure of £49,327 between the four wards giving each ward an additional £12,332 to spend on identified projects.

c)  That approval be given to the capital well-being funding for the Woodhouse Masterplan project as outlined in Section 5.5 of the report and that the project be granted £10,000 from the Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward capital allocation following the division of existing capital well-being funding.

d)  That this Committee notes the allocation of £25,000 capital well-being funding to Headingley Development Trust for the HEART centre.

e)  That the West North West Area Management Team be authorised to request application forms from the projects listed 1 to 12 in Section 6.9 of the report, for consideration at the February Area Committee meeting. 

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the Area Committee on the Wellbeing fund projects approved in April, and seeking the views of Members on how next year’s budget should be allocated.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘ Inner North West Area Committee–Wellbeing Budget Report (Appendix 1 refers)’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

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

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

• clarification as to why there were no festive lights on North Lane this year and whether the Area Committee could carry forward the revenue into 2010/2011

(The Area Management Officer responded and commented on the problems associated with needing to wait for the PFI lighting to be completed on North Lane. The Committee noted that the £16,500 revenue for the festive lights on North Lane had been included within the 2010/2011 figure)

• clarification of the proposals in relation to the Funding Officer’s post

and the need for the Area Committee to be supplied with additional information regarding the work rate etc

(The Area Management Officer responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with a view to providing a report to the February Area Committee meeting)

• clarification of the proposals in relation to the Neighbourhood Design Statements and whether the money was required

(The Area Management Officer responded and confirmed that a Wellbeing application for Neighbourhood Design Statements would be submitted for the Committee to consider in February. The application would seek funding to complete existing commitments only)

• clarification as to whether the Area Committee would be receiving a report on the ‘Merry Go Round’ project

(The Area Management Officer responded and agreed to follow up this matter further with a report back to the Area Committee in due course)

• clarification of the monies available to spend on transport themes previously identified in the minutes of a recent meeting of the Transport Sub Group

(The Area Management Officer responded by indicating that each of the sub-groups had been requested to consider submitting applications for Wellbeing funding, but that funds had not been ring-fenced for sub-groups to spend. The applications would be assessed on their own merit and that the Transport Sub Group minutes would be changed to reflect this clarification)

• clarification as to whether or not there was a threat for both capital and revenue monies being recouped back into next year’s budget

(The Acting Area Manager responded and confirmed that there were no guarantees of an under spend carry-over into the 2010/2011 financial year and that a decision was still pending on this issue)

• the need for the Area Committee to consider a proposal of dividing the Capital figure of £49,327 between the four wards giving each ward an additional £12,332 to spend on identified projects

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That in respect of the current Well-being budget as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To consider a report of the Strategic Asset Management Service updating the Area Committee on progress made towards addressing the concerns raised by members of the local community as to the future of the West Park Centre.

Referring to Minute 42 of the meeting held on 22^nd October 2009, the Strategic Asset Management Service submitted a report updating the Area Committee on progress made towards addressing the concerns raised by members of the local community as to the future of the West Park Centre.

John Ramsden, Executive Manager (Strategy), City Development presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

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

• the concern expressed regarding the Council’s condition survey and the need the Area Committee to see detailed figures for the maintenance work at the West Park Centre
• the concern expressed regarding the proposal to relocate the musical centre in view of it’s popularity and success within the area
• the need for the Area Committee to see the full condition survey

(The Executive Manager (Strategy) responded and agreed to supply spare copes of the full report to those Members who were involved with the Task and Finish Group to be held in January 2010)

Arising from the above discussions, it was proposed  by Councillor B Atha and seconded by Councillor J Illingworth that the Area Committee should be committed to the retention of the West Park Centre as a city wide, as well as a local resource, and to that effect, each Member of the North West (Inner) Area Committee be invited to make a contribution of least £5k from their ward based initiative money, if available, or other such monies to be identified, to the West Park Centre to undertake immediate repair needs to the building.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and informed the meeting that Ward Based Initiative funding may not be eligible to be spent on repairs at the West Park Centre. Clarification on the matter would be sought and reported back under matters arising at the next Area Committee meeting in January 2010.

In conclusion, it was the general consensus of the meeting that the West Park Centre should be retained, with immediate repairs to be undertaken, however the lack of available funding was the main issue of concern.

A vote was taken on the proposal and carried.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

 b)  That the Area Committee be committed to the retention of the West Park Centre as a city wide, as well as a local resource, and that to that effect, and subject to clarification on how Ward Based Initiative funding could be allocated, that each Member of the North West (Inner) Area Committee be invited to make a contribution of least £5k from their ward based initiative money, if available, or other such monies to be identified, to the West Park Centre to undertake immediate repair needs to the building.

To consider a report of Chief Executive, Education presenting the Area Committee with the consultation document on proposals for the expansion of 17 primary schools and additional provision for children with special educational needs at 2 primary schools.

The Chief Executive, Education submitted a report presenting the Area Committee with the consultation document on proposals for the expansion of 17 primary schools and additional provision for children with special educational needs at 2 primary schools.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Public Consultation – 2^nd November-11^th December 2009 – Proposals to expand 17 primary schools and create additional provision for children with special educational needs at two primary schools’ was submitted for the information/comment of the meeting.

Councillor J Monaghan was elected to Chair the meeting for this item in the absence of Councillor B Chastney.

George Turnbull, Head of Service, School Organisation, Education Leeds presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Unfortunately, the debate on this important issue was cut short due to the caretakers wish to close the building with immediate effect.

The Chair apologised for this course of action which was outside his control. He therefore recommended Members and members of the public to forward their comments on the proposals to the Chief Executive, Education Leeds before 11^th December deadline.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That Members and members of the public be requested to forward their comments on the proposals to the Chief Executive, Education Leeds as part of the consultation process before the 11^th December deadline.

(Councillors B Chastney and S Bentley having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item, left the room and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon)

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 and the Leeds Strategic Plan.

(Item withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 14^th January 2010)

(Item withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 14^th January 2010)

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.

(Item withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 14^th January 2010)

(Item withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 14^th January 2010)

i) Thursday 14^th January 2010 at 4.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

ii) Thursday 25^th February 2010 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Woodhouse Community Centre, 197 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2NY.

a)  Thursday 14^th January 2010 at 4.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds

b)  Thursday 25^th February 2009 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

(The meeting concluded at 9.30pm)