Agenda, decisions and minutes

To consider a report the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Election of Chair 2009/10.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report explaining the arrangements for the annual election of the Chair of the Area Committee.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that one nomination for the position of Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor B Chastney.

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That, following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to vote, Councillor B Chastney be elected as Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee for the Municipal Year 2009/10.

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

On behalf of the Area Committee, he personally thanked his predecessor, Councillor J Monaghan, who had chaired the North West (Inner) Area Committee during the period of office from 29^th June 2006 – 2^nd April 2009.

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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:-

  a)  Councillor J Illingworth on the following grounds:-

·  in view of his wife’s capacity as Chair of Bethel Elderley Day Centre Management Committee (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 9 refers)

·  in his capacity as renting a Council owned allotment which was located a few metres from the proposed BMX site on Kirkstalll Road, and in his role as Company Secretary of ‘dig2ride’ which was a charitable company established to provide dirt jumps in the Kirkstall Valley (Agenda Items 12, 13 and 14) ( Minutes 11, 12 and 13 refer)

·  in his capacity as an employee at the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 12 refers)

b)  Councillor M Hamilton in his capacity as an employee at the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 12 refers)

c)  Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Director on West North  West Homes (Agenda Item 15) (Minute 14 refers)

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Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor J Chapman and Councillor L Yeadon.

(a)  To receive a deputation on behalf of North Hyde Park Residents’  Association, South Headingley Community Association and Friends of Woodhouse Moor regarding the proposal to establish barbeque areas on Woodhouse Moor.

(b)  To receive a deputation on behalf of North Hyde Park Neighbourhood 

  Association, South Headingley Community Association and Friends of 

  Woodhouse Moor to protest about the New Generation Transport

  proposal, and the effect that it will have on Woodhouse Moor and the

  area in general.

(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 a spokesperson on behalf of the North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association, South Headingley Community Association and Friends of Woodhouse Moor. The deputation made specific reference to the proposal to establish barbeque areas on Woodhouse Moor and the adverse effect it would have on Woodhouse Moor and the area in general. The deputation also requested tighter enforcement action and byelaws and for Park Wardens to vary their working patterns with the aim of starting their duties earlier in the day.

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the deputation be received and noted.

b)  That the above issue be referred to the appropriate department for 

appropriate action.

ii)  The Committee received a deputation from a spokesperson on behalf of North Hyde Park Neighbourhood Association and Friends of Woodhouse Moor.  The deputation made specific reference to the New Generation Transport proposal and the adverse effect that it would have on Woodhouse Moor and the area in general. The deputation also urged public participation at forthcoming consultation meetings relating to the New Generation Transport proposal, either by attendance or in writing.

RESOLVED:-

  a)    That the deputation be received and noted.

   b)    That the above issue be referred to the appropriate department for

  appropriate action.

  (Councillor S Bentley joined the meeting at 7.35pm during discussions of the item relating to the deputation on the New Generation Transport proposal)

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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 representation or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.

a)  Houses in multiple occupation and possible planning responses: Consultation

Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO informed the meeting that on 13^th May 2009, the Government had  published its consultation paper entitled ‘Houses in multiple occupation and possible planning responses: Consultation’. The Committee noted that the National HMO Lobby was responding to the consultation document and that the proposals were of specific relevance to colleagues within the Strategic Landlord area.

The Chair reminded Members of the importance of feeding in their individual input towards the proposals.

  b)  New Generation Transport (NGT) Trollybuses

Stephen Rennie, Hawksworth Wood Community Centre referred to the New Generation Transport’s proposal to introduce trolleybuses. He commented that there was no provision for a route in West Leeds and outlined the potential problems of trollybuses within the Inner North West area.

  c)  Parking Problems on Brudenell Road and surrounding areas

A local resident raised his concerns regarding the continuing parking  problems on Brudenell Road and the surrounding areas. Specific reference was made to the Mosque building on Brudenell Road and he requested the Area Committee to give urgent consideration to implementing a temporary road closure.

Following discussions, it was agreed to refer this issue to the relevant  ward members for appropriate action.

  d)  Royal Park School Building

Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association/Friends of Woodhouse Moor informed the meeting that lead roofing had been taken from the building on 25^th June 2009. She sought assurances from the Area Committee that the building would be made water tight and restored to it’s former status.

Following discussions, Jason Singh, West North West Area Management agreed to look into the roofing situation and to continue discussions with regards to submitting a report to the Executive Board on the restoration of the Royal Park School building.

e)  Consultation Process regarding the Proposal to Establish Barbeque 

  Areas on Woodhouse Moor

  Bill McKinnon, Friends of Woodhouse Moor referred to the above 

  issue and raised his concerns that the majority of people and

 interested parties had not been consulted on the proposals.

Councillor M Hamilton responded, on behalf of the Chair, and informed the meeting that the consultation process was being considered by the Scrutiny Board (City Development) on 7^th July 2009.

f)  Parking Problems around the West Park shops and surrounding area

  A local resident  referred to the above issue and raised her concerns about

  the continuing parking problems around the West Park shops and

  surrounding area.

  The Chair responded and informed the meeting that a traffic order would be

  published by Highways in the near future which would address the parking

  problems. 

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To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting  held on 2^nd April 2009.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd April 2009 were submitted for approval.

A copy of a proposed amendment to Minute 96 ‘Review of Private Rented Sector Housing’ was circulated for consideration.

The West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that the Head of Governance Services had pointed out that because Housing was not a delegated function of the North West (Inner) Area Committee, the recommendation should have read as follows:-

‘a)  That the content of the report and supplementary information be noted.

b)  That the Area Committee requests the Chief Housing Officer to lobby the Communities and Local Government Departments, MPs the Local Government Association and other appropriate organisations in order to advance legislative change.

c)  That the Area Committee requests the Director of City Development to lobby for reviewing planning policy with regard to HMO’s and student accommodation through the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) process in order to ensure that the authority had robust policies in place.’

Councillor B Atha requested the Area Committee to oppose the proposed amendment and to adhere to the original resolution taken on 2^nd April 2009.

A vote was taken on Councillor Atha’s proposition, and carried, and therefore the Area Committee’s original decision taken on 2^nd April 2009 (Minute 96 refers) stands.

Councillor S Bentley referred to the addendum attached to the minutes entitled ‘Well-being Capital 2009/10’ and informed the meeting that the Weetwood Ward allocation should have stated ‘ Budget Remaining £20,000’ and not ‘Budget Remaining 0’. This correction was noted by West North West Area Management.

RESOLVED:-

a)  That, subject to the following amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd April 2009 be approved as a correct record:-

Addendum to the Inner North West Area Committee Minutes of 2^nd April 2009 – Well-being Capital 2009/10 – Weetwood Ward Allocation – Budget remaining should have read ‘£20,000’

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

a)  Proposed BBQ Designated Area on Woodhouse Moor (Minute 92 (a)

  refers)

  Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and enquired why a

  report on the consultation process was not available at the Area

  Committee meeting.

The Chair responded and stated that this specific issue was being considered at the Scrutiny Board (City Development) meeting on 7^th July 2009 and the outcome of that meeting, together with any supporting documents, would be reported back through the Area Manager’s report.

b)  Sustainable Communities Act (Minute 95 refers)

Councillor J Monaghan referred to the above issue and stated that North West (Inner) Area Committee was the only Area Committee who had taken a leading role on this matter. It was noted that a further report on the views expressed in relation to the Sustainable Communities Act would be reported back through the Area Manager’s report.

c)  Residual Waste Treatment Project: Update and Communications and

  Community Engagement Strategy (Minute 100 refers)

Councillor B Atha referred to the above issue and reiterated that the previous waste treatment facility had suffered from major problems with smells and flies. He informed the meeting that ward members would be greatly reassured if a commitment could be given that any new facility would not suffer from the same problems.

d)  West Park Centre – Long Term Use (Minute 102 refers)

Councillor B Atha referred to the long term use of the West Park Centre and requested the Area Committee to look into the possibility of the centre’s ownership/management by West North West Area Management.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and agreed to look into issue with a report back to the September meeting.

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To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to the community and local engagement category appointments to outside bodies which had been delegated to the Area Committee to decide.

RESOLVED:-

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

b)  That, in respect of the Outside Body schedule, approval be given to the following appointments being made for the Municipal Year 2009/10:-

c)  That in relation to the outstanding vacancies for Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee; Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of Management and Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, the Chief Democratic Services Officer be requested to submit a further report to the next meeting in September for consideration.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on  Area Committee roles for 2009/10.

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

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a  report on Area Committee roles for 2009/10.

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

·  Area Committee Roles for 2009/10 – Area Functions (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Area Committee Roles for 2009/10 – Other Roles (Appendix 2 refers)

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

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

To consider a report of the Director of City Development examining the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the North West Inner Area Committee.

The Director of City Development submitted a report examining the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Service and the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

Phil Staniforth, Senior Area Manager, Parks & Countryside Service, presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• clarification of the Green Flag criteria with specific reference to the measuring of standards and on how this compared with other wedges in the city
• clarification of the mainstream funding within Parks and Countryside and the Area Committee’s role in providing a ‘lobbing’ service as opposed to providing funds for overtime payments
• a concern expressed that many of the playing pitches were of a poor standard and the reasons why the Elida Gibbs site had been omitted from the list in paragraph 3.15 of the report

(The Senior Area Manager responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with a report back to the West North West Area Manager))

• clarification of when Tinshill Beck playing pitches would be available for community use

(The Senior Area Manager responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with a report back to the West North West Area Manager)

• clarification of the funding and work carried at to the tennis courts at The Hollies and the reasons why this detail was not contained within the report

(The Senior Area Manager responded and confirmed that £90,000 had been spent on this site)

• the need to address the social problems at Cragside Walk with the aim of providing adequate football provision
• the need to recognise the damage caused to Kirkstall Valley Park arising from barbeque activity and for immediate action
• clarification of when the next round of the Green Flag assessment would take place and the reasons why Royal Park Greenspace and Alexandra Park were not included within the report

(The Senior Area Manager responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with a report back to the West North West Area Manager)

• a request that any further comments regarding the report be forwarded to Councillor J Matthews in his capacity as Chair of the Environment Sub Group

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the Senior Area Manager, Parks and Countryside Service, in conjunction with the West North West Area Manager, be requested to report back to Members on the specific points raised.

c)  That the specific comments raised at the meeting be fed back to the Director of City Development as this Committee’s priorities for community green space improvements.

d)  That any further comments regarding the report be forwarded to  Councillor J Matthews in his capacity as Chair of the Environment Sub Group.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking Members approval to the updated Inner North West Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2008-11. The report also informs Members of the proposed content and format of the Area Delivery Plan and provides detail of how it will link with the Leeds Strategic Plan.

RESOLVED:-

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

b)  That approval be given to the Inner North West Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 and for its submission to the Executive Board.

c)  That the following Members be elected as ‘Champions’ for each partnership theme:-

·  Culture   Councillor J Monaghan

·  Enterprise and  Economy   Councillor L Yeadon

·  Learning and Young People   Councillor P Ewens

·  Environment   Councillor J Matthews

·  Transport   Councillor B Chastney

·  Health and Wellbeing   Councillor J Chapman

·  Thriving Neighbourhoods  Councillor S Bentley

·  Stronger Communities   Councillor M Hamilton

d)  That this Committee notes that Area Delivery Plan updates would be provided as part of the Area Manager’s report for submission to a future meeting for consideration and to include the development of a section outlining the strategic context for the Inner North West.

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The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking Members’ approval to the updated Inner North West Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2008-11.  The report also informed Members of the proposed content and format of the ADP and provided details of how it would link with the Leeds Strategic Plan.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager and 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:-

• the need to focus on the Vision Statement within the context of the Area Delivery Plan
• the need for proper consultation to be undertaken with residents in relation to Woodhouse Moor linked to the Harmonious Communities theme
• the need to focus on culture events within the Area Delivery Plan i.e. Kirkstall Festival etc
• clarification of how the Area Delivery Plan would be measured

(Chris Dickinson responded and it was noted that information regarding measurement was still outstanding from partners and that it would be added to the Action Plan prior to the September Area Committee meeting)

• the need to address the provision of a riverside route along the A65/A660 with the Chief Highways Officer
• the need to include Leeds City College in the Area Delivery Plan alongside the other higher learning institutions mentioned in the plan

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

RESOLVED:-

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

b)  That approval be given to the Inner North West Area Delivery Plan 2008-11 and for its submission to the Executive Board.

c)  That the following Members be elected as ‘Champions’ for each partnership theme:-

·  Culture  Councillor J Monaghan

·  Enterprise and  Economy   Councillor L Yeadon

·  Learning and Young People   Councillor P Ewens

·  Environment   Councillor J Matthews

·  Transport   Councillor B Chastney

·  Health and Wellbeing   Councillor J Chapman

·  Thriving Neighbourhoods  Councillor S Bentley

·  Stronger Communities   Councillor M Hamilton

d)  That this Committee notes that Area Delivery Plan updates would be provided as part of the Area Manager’s report for submission to a future meeting for consideration and to include the development of a section outlining the strategic context for Inner North West.

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To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing members of progress on a number of projects in Inner North West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11, which is in turn governed by the Area Committee functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes that a report on the Student Changeover and Sub Groups and Forums would be included on the agenda of the September meeting.

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The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of progress on a number of projects in Inner North West Leeds, as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11, which was, in turn, governed by the Area Committee functions and roles, as agreed by Executive Board in July 2008.

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

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

• the need for a report on the Student Changeover to be included on the agenda for the September meeting. Members provided positive feedback on how the changeover had been managed this year and thanked officers for their efforts

(The West North West Area Manager responded and confirmed that the above issue would be included on the agenda for the September meeting)

• the need to focus on 16/18 education and to engage in this initiative in a positive way
• the need to keep the HEART scheme on the agenda
• the need to address the issues relating to the Hyde Park Forum at the next meeting in September

(The West North West Area Manager responded and confirmed that a report on Sub Groups and Forums would be included on the agenda for the September meeting)

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes that a report on the Student Changeover and Sub Groups and Forums will be included on the agenda of the September meeting.

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To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on restructure proposals in relation to the Neighbourhood Wardens service.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That a report on the outcome of the consultation process and proposed structure be submitted to a future Committee meeting for consideration.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report in relation to the Neighbourhoods Wardens’ Service.

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

·  Neighbourhood Warden Line Management Structure – April 2009 (Appendix A refers)

·  Job Description and Personal Details - Community Environment Officer (Appendix B refers)

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

The Committee specifically noted that the Little London and Hawksworth Wood areas would directly benefit from initiative.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That a report on the outcome of the consultation process and proposed structure be submitted to a future Committee meeting for consideration.

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 meeting.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)     That authority be given for the Chair of the Area Committee to write    to the Executive Member for  Development requesting clarification on the S106 contributions for affordable housing and to request that the monies promised by the Headingley & Kirkstall ward members to the Headingley Development Trust project to convert landlord properties into family homes should be fulfilled. If this was not possible, then the Headingley Development Trust scheme should be prioritized for city wide funding from affordable housing S106 monies.

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 in addition to this document, the Chairs’ of the various sub-groups provided a verbal update on the key issues which were duly noted by the Area Committee.

Specific discussion ensued on those issues referred to in paragraph 3.0 of the report.

RESOLVED:-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)   That authority be given for the Chair of the Area Committee to write to the Executive Member for Development requesting clarification on the S106 contributions for affordable housing and to request that the monies promised by the Headingley & Kirkstall ward members to the Headingley Development Trust project to convert landlord properties into family homes should be fulfilled. If this was not possible, then the Headingley Development Trust scheme should be prioritized for city wide funding from affordable housing S106 monies.

(During discussion of this item Councillor B Chastney and Councillor J Matthews indicated that they were Members of the Plans Panel (West) and could possibly be considering matters from this item at a later date in that capacity.  They both stated that they 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, both Councillors Chastney and Matthews agreed that they would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter 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)

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Thursday 17^th September 2009 at 7.00pm at the West Park Centre, Leeds 16.

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Hawksworth Wood Primary School, Cragside Walk, Leeds 5.

Thursday, 17^th September 2009 at 7.00 pm at the West Park Centre, Leeds 16.

(The meeting concluded at  9.25pm)