Agenda, decisions and minutes

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the Election of Chair 2010/11.

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

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that a nomination for the position of Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor B Chastney and those Elected Members present at the North West (Inner) Area Committee meeting were asked to take a formal vote.

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 2010/11.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held within the new municipal year in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

In particular, he also welcomed Councillor J Akthar to the meeting following his election to the Council as a representative for the Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward.

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 P Ewens in her capacity as a School Governor at City of Leeds High School (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 6 b) refers)
• Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as Company Secretary of ‘dig2ride’ which was a charitable company established to provide dirt jumps in the Kirkstall Valley (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 8 d) refers)
• Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Board Member of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 10 refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors J Chapman and G Harper.

The Committee received a deputation from Tara Cleveland on behalf of the Royal Park Community Consortium in relation to the former Royal Park School building as a resource for the community of Hyde Park.

She briefly outlined details of the revised bid in financial terms; the intended use(s) of the building and the intentions to improve communications between students and local residents.

In concluding, she requested the support of the Area Committee on this issue prior to a report being considered by the Executive Board in the near future.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the deputation and Members conveyed their full support to the retention of the building as a resource for the community of Hyde Park and recommends to the Executive Board that the that the building should be handed over to the Royal Park Community Consortium.

It was further agreed that a copy of the latest bid, in a pdf format, be circulated to Members of the Area Committee for their information/retention.

The Acting West North West Area Manager responded and agreed to 

follow up this issue.

  RESOLVED-

a)  That the deputation be received and noted.

b)  That this Committee recommends to the Executive Board that that the building should be handed over to the Royal Park Community Consortium.

c)  That the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate a copy of the latest bid in a pdf format to Members of the Area Committee for their information/retention.

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 a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:-

a)  New Laws on Shared Houses (HMOs)(Houses in Multiple Occupation)

Further to Minute 94 a) of the meeting held on 22^nd April 2010, John Dickinson, Weetwood Residents Association/Leeds HMO Lobby raised his concerns that Central Government were consulting on proposals to change the new laws on Shared Houses (HMOs) which would have a major impact on wards within the North West (Inner) area and would remove all liabilities from local planning authorities.

In concluding, he requested the support of the Area Committee in making representations to Grant Shapps, Housing Minister, together with asking for an urgent meeting with the Chief Planning Officer with the support of the Leeds HMO Lobby.

Detailed discussion ensued on this issue and it was the consensus of the meeting that the new laws on Houses in Multiple Occupation agreed by the previous Government should not be changed. It was further noted that a report on Houses in Multiple Occupation would be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting in September and that the Community Planner was addressing the current issues.

In concluding, it was agreed for the Chair to write a letter, on behalf of the Area Committee, to Grant Shapps, Housing Minister requesting his support towards the retention of the previous laws on Houses in Multiple Occupation and for a copy of this letter being circulated to Members of the Area Committee.

b)  Proposed Closure of the City of Leeds  High School – Stand Up for the

City

  Adele Beeson, Stand Up for the City reported on the latest

  developments in relation to the campaign for the retention of the City of

  Leeds High School.

She requested the support of the Area Committee in signing the petition and it was further noted that Councillor J Blake, Executive Member, Children’s Services would be meeting with interested parties at the High School on Monday 12^th July 2010 at 3.00pm.

Councillor P Ewens also reported on her involvement with the campaign.

c)  North West Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team – Open Day – Sunday

  11^th July 2010

  Simon Jessop, West Yorkshire Police circulated a copy of a leaflet in 

  respect of the North West Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team Open

  Day to be held on Sunday 11^th July 2010 at the Headingley Carnegie   

  Stadium. He briefly outlined the guests of honour and details of the 

  event.

  d)  Moving Target - Advertising Issues

  Councillor J Illingworth reported his current concerns with regards to

  advertising issues linked to the company Moving Target and of the

  need for such companies to make representations to the Area

  Committee.

The Chair responded and requested the Community Planner to investigate this matter further and encourage Members to report any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd April 2010.

RESOLVED-

a)  That, subject to the deletion of the following minute, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd April 2010 be approved as a correct record:-

‘Open Forum – Minute 94 (c) 649 Kirkstall Road’

b)  That the matters arising update from the 22^nd April 2010 meeting be noted.

a)  Royal Park School (Minute 94 b))

Councillor J Matthews referred to the above issue and enquired on the latest position with regards to repairs to the building.

Jason Singh, Acting West North West Manager responded and informed the meeting that temporary repairs had been made to the section of the roof by Property Management before the scaffolding was removed.

b)  West Park Centre (Minute 96 refers)

Councillor S Bentley referred to the above issue and informed the meeting that the consultation process on the future use of the West Park Centre would commence from July to October 2010.

Councillor M Hamilton queried why the West Park Centre was still on the Asset register.

At the request of the Chair, Councillor B Atha responded and confirmed that it would be removed from the list in due course.

c)  Licensing Act 2003 Policy and Cumulative Impact Policy (Minute 99 

  refers)

  Councillor J Matthews referred to the above issue and reported on the   

  a very successful meeting with Licensing in relation to

  Cumulative Impact policies covering Headingley/Hyde Park areas with

  other areas being considered.

d)  Area Manager’s Report – Proposed BMX Trail on Disused land known

   as Dobby Row, off Kirkstall Road (Minute 101 refers)

  Councillor J Monaghan referred to the above issue and queried the

  proposed timescale.

  Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management responded and

  confirmed that the matter would be progressed within six to nine

  months in view of the feasibility study.

  The Area Committee re-affirmed the need to progress this issue

  without delay and Chris Dickinson agreed to consult with Parks and

  Countryside.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods updating the Area Committee on the Well-being Fund projects approved in February 2010, and the current Well-being Fund budget position. The report also includes proposals to decommission three projects that have not been progressed for some period of time.

  RESOLVED

a)  That the contents of the report, together with the progress made by Well-being funded projects this year be noted.

b)  That approval be given to defer and delegate to the Acting West North West Area Manager for the decommissioning of the following projects and re-allocating the funding to the 20010/11 Area Committee budget:-

4.3  St Chad’s Primary School playground improvements -£10,000 to central capital pot and £2,500 back to central revenue budget

4.4  Wrangthorne Church parish centre improvements –

  £5,000 revenue

4.5  Hyde Park Picture House ramp access - £4,389 -

£2,194.50 to Headingley capital pot and £2,194.50 to central capital pot

c)  That approval be given to an additional £5,689 Well-being capital funding for Silk Mill shopping area improvements in accordance with the report now submitted.

d)  That in respect of the 2009-10 additional Capital allocation of £20k, approval be given to the continuation of splitting this figure of £5,000 per ward.

e)  That in respect of developing derelict land at Sparrow Park, approval be given, in principle, to using the Headingley allocation of £10,814 for this purpose, and that a funding application be prepared by the Acting West North West Area Manager to support this proposal.

f)  That is respect of developing a park on Alexandra Road, the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to follow up the proposal to establish a Friends of Park Group with Parks and Countryside with a report back on progress at the next meeting in September 2010.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the Area Committee on the Well-being Fund Projects approved in February 2010 and the current Well-being Fund budget position. The report also included proposals to decommission three projects that have not been progressed for some period of time.

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 of the funds previously allocated to the central capital pot

·  a request for the continuation of splitting the 2009 -10 additional Capital allocation of 20k by £5,000 per ward

·  a request for using the Headingley allocation of £10,814 in respect of developing derelict land at Sparrow Road

·  the need for further action/progress in respect of the proposal  regarding the development of a play park at Alexandra Road

  RESOLVED -

a)  That the contents of the report, together with the progress made by Well-being funded projects this year be noted.

b)  That approval be given to defer and delegate to the Acting West North West Area Manager for the decommissioning of the following projects and re-allocating the funding to the 20010/11 Area Committee budget:-

4.3  St Chad’s Primary School playground improvements -£10,000 to central capital pot and £2,500 back to central revenue budget

4.4  Wrangthorne Church parish centre improvements –

   £5,000 revenue

4.5  Hyde Park Picture House ramp access - £4,389 -

£2,194.50 to Headingley capital pot and £2,194.50 to central capital pot

c)  That approval be given to an additional £5,689 Well-being capital funding for Silk Mill shopping area improvements in accordance with the report now submitted.

d)  That in respect of the 2009-10 additional Capital allocation of £20k, approval be given to the continuation of splitting this figure of £5,000 per ward.

e)  That in respect of developing derelict land at Sparrow Park, approval be given, in principle, to using the Headingley allocation of £10,814 for this purpose, and that a funding application be prepared by the Acting West North West Area Manager to support this proposal.

f)  That in respect of developing a park on Alexandra Road, the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to clarify the current position of the scheme with a report back on progress at the next meeting in September 2010.

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 progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11.

RESOLVED

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

b)  That the Scrutiny Board Statement on Youth Services be noted.

c)  That Members of the Committee be encouraged to forward any items for inclusion on future forums and sub group agendas to the Acting West North West Area Manager.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in inner North West Leeds as determined by progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Area Delivery Plan 2009-11.

Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Scrutiny Statement – Youth Service surveys – Scrutiny Board (Children’s Services) April 2010’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Jason Singh, Acting 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:-

• clarification of the recent Area Management Office move to Horsforth

(The Acting West North West Manager responded and informed the meeting that the move had been successful and that contact numbers would be updated on the Intranet in due course)

• an acknowledgement of the tremendous success of the recent Hawksworth Wood Operation Champion initiative, in association with West Yorkshire Police, with thanks expressed to all the partners who participated
• the need for a progress report in relation to having an illuminated Council Policy looking at youth provision

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the Scrutiny Board Statement on Youth Services be noted.

c)  That Members of the Committee be encouraged to forward any items for inclusion on future forums and sub group agendas to the Acting West North West Area Manager.

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 that the Council be requested to give greater priority to resident parking zones and related parking operations in the allocation of funding relating to local transport.

c)  That the Area Committee supports the efforts by Planning to consider the development of an Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on housing mix targets using the Nottingham plan as a model, and offer the Inner North West Community Planning Officer to assist with this activity.

d)  That the Area Committee confirms the sub-group representation and chairing arrangements and nominates additional ward members as referred to in Sections 9.2 to 9.7 of the report.

e)  That in relation to discussing Housing Strategy issues, such matters be referred to the Planning Sub Group for determination, providing this proves to be operationally manageable. 

f)  That a report on the success of the Student Changeover Group, as commissioned by the Chair of the Group, Councillor J Matthews, be submitted to the next meeting in September 2010 for discussion.

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 that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

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:-

• a suggestion for Housing Strategy issues being referred to the Planning  Sub Group for determination
• a request for a report on the success of the Student Changeover Group, as commissioned by the Chair of the Group, Councillor J Matthews being submitted to the meeting in October 2010

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That that the Council be requested to give greater priority to resident parking zones and related parking operations in the allocation of funding relating to local transport.

c)  That the Area Committee supports the efforts by Planning to consider the development of an Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on housing mix targets using the Nottingham plan as a model, and offer the Inner North West Community Planning Officer to assist with this activity.

d)  That the Area Committee confirms the sub-group representation and chairing arrangements and nominates additional ward members as referred to in Sections 9.2 to 9.7 of the report.

e)  That in relation to discussing Housing Strategy issues, such matters be referred to the Planning Sub Group for determination, providing this proves to be operationally manageable. 

f)  That a report on the success of the Student Changeover Group, as commissioned by the Chair of the Group, Councillor J Matthews, be submitted to the meeting in October 2010 for discussion.

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 2010/11:-

c)  That in respect of the Area Employment, Enterprise and Training 

  Partnership, this Committee notes the request received from

  Councillor L Yeadon to find a volunteer replacement for her on this

   body, and requests Members of the Area Committee to notify the 

  Acting West North West Area Manager of any willing volunteer(s).

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the meeting with an audit of venues suitable for North West (Inner) Area Committee meetings.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the meeting with an audit of venues suitable for North West (Inner) Area Committee meetings.

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

Following a brief discussion, Members also put forward the following additional venues for consideration which were noted by West North West Area Management:-

Headingley ward (New Headingley Club)

Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward (City of Leeds High School)

Kirkstall ward (West Park Centre)

Weetwood ward (Holy Name Parish Rooms/ St Chad’s Parish Centre/ 

Weetwood Primary School)

Kirkstall Members also requested that Hawksworth Wood Primary School and Children’s Centre be removed from the list.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That approval be given to allocating the following venues for the remainder of 2010/11 on a ward by ward rotation :-

• Headingley - Thursday 23^rd September 2010 – St Michael’s Church, Headingley
• Hyde Park and Woodhouse - Thursday 28^th October 2010 – Woodsley Road Community Centre
• Weetwood - Thursday 16^th December 2010 – Lewis Jones Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stand
• Headingley- Thursday 24^th February 2011 – St Chad’s Parish Centre, Headingley
• Kirkstall – Thursday 14^th April 2011 – West Park Centre, Spen Lane

(located in Weetwood at the specific request of the Kirkstall ward)

c)  That the Committee rotates its meetings to ensure that meetings are

held in all four wards and that the Civic Hall be only used where no suitable venue was available. 

d)  That, should a venue become un-available during the course of the year, the Acting West North West Area Manager be requested to contact the relevant Councillors of the ward in which it was to be scheduled.

Thursday 23^rd September 2010 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)

Thursday 23^rd September 2010 at 7.00pm at St Michael’s Church, Headingley.

(The meeting concluded at 8.45pm)