Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the North West (Inner) Area Committee meeting held within the new municipal year at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, 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

The following personal interests were declared:

·  Councillor J Chapman in view of her daughter-in-law’s capacity as a Care Assistant who works for a company in the private sector (Agenda Item 15 – Minute 25 refers). 

·  Councillor P Ewens in her capacity as a LEA Governor at the City of Leeds High School (Agenda Item 14 – Minute 29 refers).

·  Councillor J Illingworth in view of his wife’s capacity as a Chair of Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee (Agenda Items 8 & 15 – Minutes 22 & 25 refers);  in his capacity as an employee of the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 11 – Minute 26 refers) and, in his capacity as renting a Council owned allotment which was located a few metres 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  29 refers).

·  Councillor M Hamilton in his capacity as an employee at the University of Leeds (Agenda Item 11 – Minute 26 refers).

·  Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Director of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9 – Minute 23  refers).

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

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)  Hyde Park/Woodhouse Forum

  Richard Halliwell – North Hyde Park Community Association/Friends of  Woodhouse Moor raised concerns regarding the key messages for the   Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum.  Chris Dickinson, Area Management   Officer clarified the protocols and reasons behind this decision.

(b)  Woodhouse Moor Park Barbeque

  Tony Green – For the Campaign to Protect Woodhouse Moor tabled a   copy of an email sent to Members of the Area Committee listing several   questions to be raised as a result of the decision taken at the Executive   Board meeting held on 26^th August 2009 to adopt the recommendations   which delegates the implementation of the barbeque on Woodhouse Moor   Park to this Area Committee. 

  The Chair informed the meeting that the Parks & Countryside Division   would be project managing the implementation of the barbeque for a trial   period.  The details of the project would be submitted to the Committee’s Environmental Sub-Group via the lead officer from the Parks &   Countryside Division.  It was intended that this project would be funded   through Section 106 money and the Parks & Countryside budget.

(c)  Protection of Green Spaces and Woodland

  Peter Owen, Spen Hill Residents Association, raised concerns regarding   problems arising with some woodland in the area presently owned by   Parks & Countryside.  The Residents Association made a request in June   2009 to have the overgrowth cut back and made tidy as the woodland   was now unusable due to overgrown condition on the footpath.  The   Residents Association fear that due to the woodland’s unkempt   condition   it would now attract illegal tipping.  The Residents Association informed   the meeting that they would be willing to  take over the maintenance of   this woodland under certain conditions. 

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

(d)  Royal Park School Building

  Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association/Friends of   Woodhouse Moor referred to Minute 6(d) at the last meeting and informed   the Area Committee that nothing had been done yet to make the building

  water tight and restored to its former status.

  Jason Singh, West North West Area Management informed the meeting that he was still trying to get a response from Asset Management   regarding this issue and would contact Members with an update on this   matter.

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

(a)  The need to focus on 16/18 education (Minute 13 refers)

  Councillor Ewens referred to the above issue and informed the meeting   that there was now a Scrutiny Board Working Group looking at the   provision of training for 16 to 18 year olds.

(b)  Lobby for reviewing Planning Policy with regard to HMO’s and Student   accommodation through the emerging Local Development Framework   (LDF) process (Minute 6 (a) refers)

  Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby reported that local MP’s, Leeds City   Council, individual Councillors, community associations, students union   and Unipol and many others responded to the consultation regarding   legislative change.  Members noted that most of the core cities also   support the legislative change. 

(c)  Sustainable Communities Act (Minute 8b refers)

  The West North West Area Manager updated the Area Committee on its   suggestion to include civil enforcement powers for obstructive parking and   it was a credit to this Area Committee to get this included in the Council’s   proposals . 

(d)  Area Manager’s Report (Minute 13,resolution (b) refers) 

  Councillor Monaghan pointed out that the report on the Student   Changeover would be submitted to the Environment Sub Group.  He felt    that this was an important piece of work and requested that the report be

  circulated to all North West (Inner) Area Committee Members in advance   of the Environment Sub Group meeting. 

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd July 2009 be approved as a correct record.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer updating the meeting on the three outstanding vacancies in relation to Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee; Burley Lodge-Committee of Management and Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London Management Committee.

Pursuant to Minute 9 (Resolution (b)), 2^nd July 2009 the Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a further report updating Members on the three outstanding vacancies in relation to Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee;  Burley Lodge – Committee of Management and Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London Management Committee.

Members offered their congratulations to the success of the 161 volunteers at the Burley Lodge Centre.  The Area Committee were reminded that next year would be ‘The Year of the Volunteer’.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Member Management Committee be recommended to remove Bethel Elderly Day Centre Management Committee from the list of   Appointments to Outside Bodies in accordance with the report now   submitted.

(c)  That the Member Management Committee be recommended to reduce   the representation from three to two, in relation to the Burley Lodge   Centre – Committee of Management in accordance with report now   submitted.

(d)  That the Member Management Committee be recommended to remove Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London Management   Committee from the list of Appointments to Outside Bodies and to   endorse the proposal for the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Members to   attend Management meetings (perhaps on an ad hoc basis) of the Caring   Together in Woodhouse and Little London Management Committee.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods highlighting the annual services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by both mobile and fixed CCTV cameras.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That this Committee requests the deployment of mobile CCTV to   areas of concern via local Task Groups and Neighbourhood Policing   Teams.

(c )  That Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods be requested to   report back to Members on the specific points raised.

(d)  That a further progress report on this issue be submitted to the   Area Committee in six months time.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted an annual report highlighting the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by both mobile and fixed CCTV cameras.

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

·  Financial breakdown of CCTV cameras for Inner West Area Committee (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Legal implications regarding public space surveillance CCTV (Appendix 2 refers)

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

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

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

·  the need for officers to review the list of CCTV cameras as it was felt that the Hyde Park and Woodhouse car park was not in the area.

·  clarification that the two CCTV cameras at Hyde Park Road/Royal Park Road, in addition to the four cameras at the crossroads had been agreed.

·  the need to ensure that the weekly CCTV report be sent to all Ward Members as Councillor Yeadon, Councillor Illingworth and Councillor Chastney all reported that they had never received one.

·  the need for officers to include the hot spot areas that are for acquiring graffiti to be monitored by the mobile units.

·  the need to monitor private hire drivers parking outside ‘The Box’ illegally plying for hire.  It was reported that a separate Police operation

would take place to investigate this matter.

·  that officers arrange for Members to have a look at radio links and hanging cameras.

Jason Singh responded and agreed to consult with Derek Whitehouse, CCTV Co-ordinator on the specific issues raised, with a view to reporting back the specific detail to Members of the Area Committee. 

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That this Committee requests the deployment of mobile CCTV to   areas of concern, including graffiti monitoring by the mobile units via   local Task Groups and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

 (c)  That a further progress report on this issue be submitted to the   Area Committee in six months time.

(Councillor B Atha joined the meeting at approximately 8.00 p.m and Councillor L Yeadon left the meeting at 8.00 p.m. at the conclusion of the above item).

To consider a report of the Head of Waste Management providing an update to the Committee on the programme of communications activity supporting the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project.

Members of the Area Committee received a report and presentation by the Head of Waste Management providing an update on the programme of communications activity supporting the Residual Waste Treatment of PFI project and the opportunity to view the PowerPoint presentation and supporting materials to be distributed to the public.

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

Susan Upton, Head of Waste Management

Tom Smith, Head of Performance Management & Service Improvement

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

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

·  concern that there were still proposals to build a waste transfer station at the Evanston Avenue site which expected to transport 100,000 tons of waste in a residential area.

·  the effect this waste transfer station would have on the amount of traffic on the roads in this area.

·  clarification on what happens at a waste transfer site and why there was a need for this extra link. 

The Chair thanked officers for their presentation.

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That Members concerns be fed into the consultation process.

To consider a report of the Director of Adult Social Services on consultation on Day Services for Older People.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report on proposals for consultation on day services for older people.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Executive Board report entitled ‘From Day Centres to Day Services: Responding to the Needs and Preferences of Older People’ considered at the Executive Board meeting held on 22^nd July 2009 for the information/comment of the meeting.

In addition to the above documents, a copy of a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Day Services Consultation’ was circulated as supporting information.

Sandie Keene, Director of Adult Social Services presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The purpose of the report was to:-

·  explain about the proposals and decision making process for day services;

·  listen to the views of the Area Committee;

·  record the Committee’s concerns as part of the consultation process;

·  offer the meeting more time, if needed, to further discuss their circumstances

Detailed discussions ensued on the content of the report and supporting documents.

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

·  Members felt that there was still an enormous need for Day Centres in social care especially for those elderly people who may be reasonably fit, short of friends and human contact. 

·  concern that Neighbourhood Networks were not addressing the needs of the elderly and lonely.

·  clarification of what would happen to those people who may have opted for direct payment who get to such a stage where they were unable to deal with their own circumstances.

·  concern that some people who may opt for direct payments could be exploited by family members or their carers. 

The Chair thanked Sandie Keene for her attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the content of the report and supporting documents be noted.

(b)  That the above views be fed into the consultation process on day services for older people.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods presenting the Committee with a proposed vision statement for the Inner North West area and to seek approval to the content of the document.

RESOLVED-

(a)  That the contents of the report, its appendices and the comments   now made be noted.

(b)  That a section on health issues be included in the report.

(c)  That, subject to (b) above, approval be given for the inclusion of the   proposed vision statement as part of the Inner North West   Area   Delivery Plan.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report

presenting the Area Committee with a proposed vision statement as part of the Area Delivery Plan 2009.  The report proposes how such a statement could look for Inner North West Leeds.

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

In brief, the main areas of concern were that the vision should be wider than a cultural focus, for example, it should include something on the health aspects for the area and more on rail services in the vision for transport.

The Chair informed the meeting that these issues would also be raised at the

Sub-groups.

RESOLVED-

(a)  That the contents of the report, its appendices and the comments   now made be noted.

(b)  That a section on health issues be included in the report.

(c)  That, subject to (b) above, approval be given for the inclusion of the   proposed vision statement as part of the Inner North West Area   Delivery Plan.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the role and functioning of the various sub-groups of the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

RESOLVED-

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

(b)  That approval be given to the mechanism for securing

    representation as identified in Section 2.5 of the report.

(c)  That the membership of the sub-groups as identified in Section 2.7 of the   report be updated.

(d)  That Councillor M Hamilton be identified as a representative to   attend the Transport Sub-Group in accordance with  Section 2.5.3 of   the   report.

(e)  That in respect of the Shared Housing Group further discussions be   undertaken to establish a way forward pending a review.

(f)  That approval be given to the terms of reference for each sub-  group in   accordance with the report now submitted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report

outlining the role and functioning of the various sub-groups of the of Inner North West Area Committee.

Chris Dickinson, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The main issues raised were:

·  the need to update the memberships of the sub-groups identified in Section 2.7 of the report.

·  the need to review the status of the Shared Housing Group.

·  the need to professionalise and formalise sub groups in order to be more reliable in the delegation of work from the main Area Committee.

·  the need to retain appropriate resident input in future sub group memberships.

RESOLVED -

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

(b)  That approval be given to the mechanism for securing

    representation as identified in Section 2.5 of the report.

(c)  That the membership of the sub-groups as identified in Section 2.7 of the   report be updated.

(d)  That Councillor M Hamilton be identified as a representative to   attend the Transport Sub-Group in accordance with  Section 2.5.3 of   the

  report.

(e)  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.

(f)  That approval be given to the terms of reference for each sub-  group in   accordance with the report now submitted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating the Committee on the Well-being Fund projects approved in April, and the current Well-being budget position. In addition to the update, the Committee is asked to consider a new application for well-being funding.

RESOLVED-

(a)  That the content of the report and the progress made by Well-  being funded projects this year be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to decommission the following projects   and to re-allocate the funding to the 2009/10 Area Committee   budget:-

  (i)  Paragraph 2.5 - Transport Survey  - £5,000 (revenue)

  (ii)  Paragraph 3.7 - Hyde Park Corner Improvements - £5,000   (capital)

(c)  That approval to the request from Parks and Countryside for £6,915   towards the cost of additional staff resources at Woodhouse Moor in   accordance with report now submitted.

(d)  That approval be given to allocating a further £5,000 to the Area Committee’s small grants fund in accordance with the report now   submitted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to update Members on the Well-being fund projects approved in April 2009.  The report provided information on funds identified from projects that had under spent in previous years, and sought to re-allocate funds towards this year’s Area Delivery Plan priorities.  The report also updated Members on the small grants and skip requests approved since April 2009.

The Area Committee discussed at length the merits of the Parks & Countryside application and Area Management proposals. 

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

Members had a positive response to many of the projects listed in the submitted report such as the Seagulls paint scheme.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the content of the report and the progress made by Well-  being funded projects this year be noted.

(b)  That approval be given to decommission the following projects   and to re-allocate the funding to the 2009/10 Area Committee budget:-

  (i)  Paragraph 2.5 - Transport Survey  - £5,000 (revenue)

  (ii)  Paragraph 3.7 - Hyde Park Corner Improvements - £5,000   (capital)

(c)  That approval to the request from Parks and Countryside for £6,915   towards the cost of additional staff resources at Woodhouse Moor in   accordance with report now submitted.

(d)  That approval be given to allocating a further £5,000 to the Area Committee’s small grants fund in accordance with the report now   submitted.

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 and the comments now   made be noted.

(b)  That the following items be included on future agendas of the  Area Committee:

·  an update report on Tinshill Garth

·    an update on the recommendations following the Scrutiny

  Board (Central & Corporate) inquiry into the methods of   consultation used by Education Leeds with regard to the   changes proposed relating to City of Leeds School.

·  A report from Parks and Countryside on how resources for play area maintenance will be secured in the future.

·  A report from Education Leeds on the status of City of Leeds

School.

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:-

·  proposals to look at the possibility of providing a formal play area around the back of the HEART Centre development building.

·  the need to provide an update report on Tinshill Garth.

·  the need to provide an update on the recommendations following the Scrutiny Board (Central & Corporate) inquiry into the methods of consultation used by Education Leeds with regard to the changes proposed relating to the City of Leeds School.

·  to request a report from Parks and Countryside on how resources for play area maintenance will be secured in the future.

RESOLVED-

(a)  That the contents of the report be noted and the comments now   made be noted.

(b)  That the following items be included on future agendas of the Area Committee:

·  an update report on Tinshill Garth

·    an update on the recommendations following the Scrutiny

  Board (Central & Corporate) inquiry into the methods of   consultation used by Education Leeds with regard to the   changes proposed relating to City of Leeds School.

·  A report from Parks and Countryside on how resources for play area maintenance will be secured in the future.

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-  That the contents of the report be noted and the comments now made be noted.

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. 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

Thursday 22^nd October 2009 at 7.00pm at Abbey Grange Church of England High School, Butcher Hill, Leeds LS16 5EA.

MAP OF TODAY’S METING

West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE

Thursday, 22^nd October 2009 at 7.00 p.m. at Abbey Grange Church of England High School, Butcher Hill, Leeds LS16 5EA.

At the conclusion of the meeting the Chair closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance.

(The meeting concluded at 10.15 p.m.)