Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the February meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held in St Chad’s Parish Centre, St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds 16.

He also welcomed Jane Maxwell to the meeting and on behalf of the Area Committee, he congratulated her on her recent appointment as Area Leader.

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 declarations of interest was declared:-

·  Councillor B Chastney in his capacity as a Board Member on West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 70 refers)

·  Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Member of Kirkstall Valley Country Park (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 70 refers)

a)  To receive a deputation by the Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting the Area Committee to fund Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor for another year.

b)  To receive a deputation from the South Headingley Community Association regarding their concerns about plans to close a section of Hyde Park Road to through traffic going southwards.

(Please note that in accordance with Paragraph 6.19 of the Area Committee Procedure rules, each deputation shall not be more than 5 minutes in duration)

a)  The Committee received a deputation from Sue Buckle, Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting the Area Committee to fund Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor for another year.

The Chair reported that budget discussions were still ongoing and no firm commitments could be made until the next Area Committee meeting.

RESOLVED – That the deputation be received and noted.

b)  The Committee received a deputation from Tony Crooks, South 

  Headingley Community Association regarding their concerns about 

  plans to close a section of Hyde Park Road to through traffic going

  southwards.

In the discussion that ensued Members were of the opinion that inadequate consultation had taken place and that the proposed solution would create more problems than it would solve. The scheme as proposed was out of date.

  RESOLVED –

(i)  That the deputation be received.

(ii)  That the Chair with the support of Ward Members write to the Head of Scrutiny Support with a view to seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

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)  Maintenance of the Hollies

Mr John Dickinson, representing the Friends of the Hollies expressed the groups concern about the poor lack of maintenance in recent years of the “Hollies” in Weetwood.

In responding the Chair said he would write to the Chief Parks and Countryside Officer raising the issue of parks maintenance, with specific reference to the “Hollies”

b)  Royal Park Community Centre

Mr David Santa Maria, representing the Royal Park Community Consortium updated the Committee on the activities of the group.

The Chair on behalf of the Committee thanked Mr Santa Maria for the update and expressed best wishes to the group on it’s future endevours.

  c)  Cardigan Centre Leeds

Dr Richard Tyler, Director of the Cardigan Centre sought the assistance and support  of the Area Committee in obtaining a 77 year lease for the Cardigan Centre.

The Chair, said he would write to the Executive Board expressing the Area Committee’s support for a long lease for the Cardigan Centre.

d)  Historic Walks – Eighteenth Century Boundaries of Little   Woodhouse

Mrs Barbara Mitchell, representing the Little Woodhouse Community Association gave details of an Historic Walk around the eighteenth century boundaries of Little Woodhouse taking place on Friday 25^th March 2011 departing from the Swarthmore Education Centre at 4.00pm. Anyone interested in taking part should contact the Association at bamitchell92@gmail.com

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2010

RESOLVED - That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th December 2010 be approved as a correct record.

a) Leeds Girls High School (Minute No. 46 (b) refers)

At the last meeting Members were made aware that the Planning Application in respect of Rose Court was now the subject of a formal compliant against the Council.

Councillor Illingworth asked if feedback on the outcome of the formal complaint could be made known to Members.

b) Royal Park School (Minute No. 48 (b) refers)

At the last meeting of the Area Committee it was reported that The Royal Park Community Consortium could not occupy any part of the site until funding for development of the scheme had been secured.

A number of Members expressed concern about the situation and asked if further clarification could be obtained

It was agreed that the Chair would write to the Chief Asset Management Officer seeking clarification as to why the Consortium had been denied access to the Caretakers House.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

providing the Area Committee with an update on progress towards

achieving delegation of certain environmental services from the next

municipal year (June 2011).The report also presents proposals for the

involvement of Members throughout this preparatory stage.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report

providing the Area Committee with an update on progress towards

achieving delegation of certain environmental services from the next

municipal year (June 2011).The report also presented proposals for the

involvement of Members throughout this preparatory stage.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the

information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Delegation of Environmental Services showing how the proposed delegation will work through working to Service Level Agreements (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Programme of Member Involvement (Appendix 2 refers)

Helen Freeman, Project Manager, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

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

·  A suggestion that robust measures be introduced to remove parked cars when street cleaning was in operation

·  That an emphasis be placed on front line service delivery rather than management

·  A justification for why refuse collection was not being delegated and that more frequent bin collections were needed in areas with high concentrations of HMOs

·  The need for clarity on how decisions about resources will be taken at the wedge level in relation to individual Area Committees

·  That decisions about resource allocation be taken on the basis of need

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee specifically notes the programme of Member involvement as outlined in the report.

c)  That further comments be made known to the Area Management Team by 28^th March 2011.

To consider a report of the Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager

outlining the significant changes taking place locally following the

publishing of the recent government white paper and guidance which

highlights implications for the work of the local Health and Wellbeing area

partnerships.

The Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager submitted a report

outlining the significant changes taking place locally following the

publishing of the recent government white paper and guidance

which highlighted implications for the work of the local Health and Wellbeing

area partnerships.

Tim Taylor, Heath and Wellbeing Improvement Manager, Adult Social Care

presented the report and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

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

·  General Practitioners would take on a much larger role for the delivery of service

·  Localism Bill, significant changes proposed but too early to comment at this stage

·  Implications for Area Committees

·  Concern about the impact of the reforms on the National Health Service 

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes the changes taking place as a result of recent national policy drivers and implications for local authorities.

To consider a report of the Deputy Director – Strategic Commissioning Adult Social Care presenting the Area Committee with information relating to the future options for long term residential and day care services for older people. The report also outlines the consultation process to progress and implement the recommendations of the Executive Board agreed on 15^th December 2010 which is appended and forms the basis of this report.

The Deputy Director – Strategic Commissioning, Adult Social Care submitted a report presenting the Area Committee with information relating to the future options for long term residential and day care services for older people. The report also outlined the consultation process to progress and implement the recommendations of the Executive Board agreed on 15^th December 2010 which was appended and formed the basis of the report.

Michele Tynan – Older Peoples services, Adult Social Care presented the report and responded to Member’s queries and comments.

A map identifying the Elderly Residential & Day Care establishment within the Inner North West Area was circulated at the meeting.

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

·   Members questioned the accuracy of the map circulated and requested a list of residential day care centres in the Inner North West area

·  The changing demographic profile of older people in the city

·  The development of new services as alternatives to residential and day care

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the criteria for determining the most appropriate option for each  facility outlined in the Executive Board report be noted, particularly in terms of any specific local factors.

c)  That this Committee endorses the suggestion for any local voluntary organisations working with older people in the outer north west area as outlined in paragraph 15 of the report.

d)  That this Committee notes that a further report on this issue would be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting in April 2011 for consideration.

To consider a report of the Community Planner on proposed changes to HMO Legislation and Leeds City Council’s Article 4 Direction.

The Community Planner submitted a report on proposed changes to HMO Legislation and Leeds City Council’s Article 4 Direction.

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

·  copy of Leeds City Council’s article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights to convert C3 properties to C4 HMOs (Appendix 1 refers)

·  map showing Leeds City Council’s article 4 direction area (Appendix 2 refers)

·  map showing location of HMOs across Leeds (source: Council Tax data) (Appendix 3 refers)

·  table showing the percentage of properties that are let as HMOs either to students or groups of people (Appendix 4 refers)

·  table showing the number of complaints received by Environmental Health by Ward regarding issues that can be associated with high concentrations of HMOs (Appendix 5 refers)

·  burglary rates by ward (March 2009-2010) (Appendix 6 refers)

Ryan Platten, Community Planner presented the report and responded

to Member’s queries and comments.

  Councillor Illingworth sought clarification as to whether Members of the public were able to comment on the local consultation exercise in relation to the introduction of the article 4 direction.

  In response officers confirmed that the public could offer comment.

  Contact details were provided as follows:-

  ldf@leeds.gov.uk

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

·  To note objections had been received from private landlords

·  To note the comment from Scott Blakeway of Unipol, that the new policy could restrict affordable housing for young people

·  Planning permission would still be required

·  That the proposals were supported by the Area Committee

RESOLVED-

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

   b)  That authority be given for the Chair to submit comments on behalf of

  the Inner North West Area Committee to the Council as part of the

  local consultation exercise in relation to the introduction of the article 4

    direction. Individual Members were also encouraged to make their own representations

c)  That this Committee supports the continued use of the Community

  Planner resource to work on behalf of the Inner North West Area

  Committee to support the Forward Planning and Implementation team.

  where appropriate, in the creation of new local planning policies to

  address issues surrounding Houses in Multiple Occupation.

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services on the support of local elected member engagement with the work of children’s services by providing Area Committees with an update of key data relating to education for the academic year 2009-10 and November 2010 NEET and Not Known data.  The report also provides details of recent key inspections that have taken place across Children’s Services and provides an update on the development of the new Children and Young People’s Plan 2011-2015.

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the support of local elected member engagement with the work of children’s services by providing Area Committees with an update of key data relating to education for the academic year 2009-10 and November 2010 NEET and Not Known data.  The report also provides details of recent key inspections that have taken place across Children’s Services and provides an update on the development of the new Children and Young People’s Plan 2011-2015.

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

·  Ofsted inspection judgments; attainment; absence/ attendance

  and exclusions data (Appendix 1 refers)

·  NI 108 – Key Stage 4 attainment for Black and minority ethnic groups (Appendix 1a refers)

·  NEET and Not Known data (Appendix 2 refers)

Jane Maxwell, Area Leader presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

·  The reduction in fixed term exclusions in secondary schools

·  Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) who were resident in Headingley

RESOLVED –That the contents of the report and appendices be noted and welcomed in order to improve the Area Committee’s role in improving outcomes locally.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining the Area Management Team’s approach to Neighbourhood Management in Hyde Park and seeks the Area Committee’s support for its governance and partnership arrangements.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made to establish a new Neighbourhood Management programme in Hyde Park.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report outlining the Area Management Team’s approach to Neighbourhood Management in Hyde Park and seeks the Area Committee’s support for its governance and partnership arrangements.

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management 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 establishment of a new neighbourhood Management Project for Hyde Park to address some of the area’s challenges with a view to delivering long term improvements

·  The project to be overseen by the Executive Board Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing

·  Twice-yearly reports would be prepared for the Committee on the Hyde Park programme

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made to establish a new Neighbourhood Management programme in Hyde Park.

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 2010/11.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made on the New Generation Transport Scheme, together with the developments relating to the HEART Centre in Headingley.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress in relation to two schemes, namely; the New Generation Transport Scheme and the HEART Centre.

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

Richard Norton, representing the Headingley Development Trust provided further information about the HEART Centre

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

·  The current position of the New Generation Transport Scheme and the HEART Centre

·  That for the time being the HEART Centre would not be open on Sunday’s

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made on the New Generation 

  Transport Scheme, together with the developments relating to the 

  HEART Centre in Headingley.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing a summary of ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the key messages outlined in Section 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the report arising from the Planning Sub Group, Environment Sub Group and Transport Sub Group be noted and approved, where applicable.

c)  That the following dates of recent and future meetings be noted:-

i)  Planning Sub Group – 9^th February 2011

ii)  Little London Forum  - 16^th March 2011

iii)  Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum – 7^th April 2011

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.

Specific reference was made to the key messages outlined in Section 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the report arising from meetings of the Planning Sub Group, Environment Sub Group and Transport Sub Group.

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

·  A number of issues raised within the Planning Sub Group were now not proceeding

·  Concern was expressed that a limited number of Members were present at each of the meetings

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the key messages outlined in Section 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 of the report arising from the Planning Sub Group, Environment Sub Group and Transport Sub Group be noted and approved, where applicable.

c)  That the following dates of recent and future meetings be noted:-

i)  Planning Sub Group – 9^th February 2011

ii)  Little London Forum  - 16^th March 2011

iii)  Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum – 7^th April 2011

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with a 2010 -11 end-of-year budget position, highlighting the projected capital and revenue Wellbeing carry forward into 2011-12. The report also identifies what capital and revenue budgets are available for 2011-12 and presents the Area Committee with proposals for new Wellbeing revenue allocations.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the capital budget reduction as highlighted in Section 3.0 of the report be noted.

c)That the capital budget position as highlighted in Section 3.1 of the report be noted.

d)  That approval be given to the budget reconciliation mechanism as set out in Section 3.2 of the report.

e)  That approval be given to the decommissioning of capital projects as set out in Section 3.3 of the report.

f)   That approval be given to the new capital request as set out in Section 3.4 of the report.

g)  That approval be given to a request from HOPS for £10,000 of capital Wellbeing from the Kirkstall Ward, subject to a suitable application being received.

h)That approval be given to a request from Area Management for £2,375 of capital Wellbeing for the Woodsley Road District Centre Improvement scheme from the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward, subject to a suitable application being received.

i)   That the capital budget position as set out in Section 3.5 of the report be noted.

j)   That a special meeting of the Area Committee be arranged for late March 2011 in order that further clarity may be obtained on the Wellbeing Budget for 2011-12.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with a 2010-11 end-of-year budget position, highlighting the projected capital and revenue Wellbeing carry forward into 2011-12. The report also recommended that capital funding for two projects be decommissioned and one new capital project be considered for Wellbeing funding.

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report.

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That the capital budget reduction as highlighted in Section 3.0 of the report be noted.

c)That the capital budget position as highlighted in Section 3.1 of the report be noted.

d)  That approval be given to the budget reconciliation mechanism as set out in Section 3.2 of the report.

e)  That approval be given to the decommissioning of capital projects as set out in Section 3.3 of the report.

f)   That approval be given to the new capital request as set out in Section 3.4 of the report.

g)  That approval be given to a request from HOPS for £10,000 of Capital Wellbeing from the Kirkstall Ward subject to a suitable application being received

h)That approval be given to a request from Area Management for £2,375 of capital Wellbeing for the Woodsley Road District Centre Improvement scheme from the Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward, subject to a suitable application being received.

i)   That the capital budget position as set out in Section 3.5 of the report be noted.

j)   That a special meeting of the Area Committee be arranged for 23^rd  March 2011 in order that further clarity may be obtained on the Wellbeing Budget for 2011-12.

Thursday 14^th April 2011 at 7.00pm at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE.

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

St Chad’s Parish Centre, St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds LS16 5JT.

Thursday 14^th April 2011 at 7.00pm at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE.

(The meeting concluded at 9.40pm)