Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed all in attendance to the first North West (Inner) Area Committee meeting of the new municipal year.

He also paid tribute to the previous Chair of the Area Committee, Councillor B Chastney.

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.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

However, Councillors J Akthar, B Chastney and J Matthews indicated that they were Members of Plans Panel (West) and would be considering matters arising from the Headingley Rugby Club (Minute 4e) refers) at a later date in that capacity. They stated that they would remain in the meeting to listen to these issues. In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, Councillors Akthar, Chastney and Matthews agreed that they would not be bound by any discussion or decision taken at the meeting when this issue 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.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor G Harper.

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 to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:-

a)  City of Leeds High School

  Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association made 

  reference to a recent newspaper article regarding a fourteen year old

  pupil from the City of Leeds High School who had his art work

  exhibited at a recent Art School Open day in Leeds.

  The Committee noted and welcomed this fantastic achievement and

  acknowledged the brilliant work being undertaken at the school, in

  particular for those children with learning difficulties.

b)  Batcliffe House

  John Christie, Queenswood Tenants and Residents Association and 

  Peter Jones, Queenswood Drive resident raised their serious concerns

  about the vandalism being caused to Batcliffe House which was on the 

  border of Kirkstall/Headingley ward, near the junction of Quenswood 

  Drive/Kirkstall Lane. It was reported that the un-occupied building was

  in a bad state of repair and they requested the Area Committee to

  take action in reprimanding the landlord.

Discussion ensued on the need for the police to take action and on 

  protocol and legal standing of the Council of bringing back the property

  into Council ownership.

  Jason Singh, Environmental Locality Manager who was in attendance

  reported on the current actions being taken to resolve the issues.

  In concluding, the Area Committee requested the Environmental 

   Locality Manager to convene an multi-agency meeting as a matter of

  urgency with the Police, Environmental  Health and the Chair to

  address the issues of concern with a report back on progress at the

  next meeting.

  In the interim period, the Chair also agreed to write to the Executive

  Member Development bringing this issue to his attention.

c)  Child Protection Issue – Kendal Carr Area

  A local resident raised his concerns about a registered sex offender

  living in the Kendal Carr area and he requested the Area Committee to

  take appropriate action.

  Jane Maxwell, WNW Area Leader responded and agreed to report this 

  back to Children’s Services.

d)  Leeds Housing Strategy

Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby reaffirmed the need for a Leeds

  Housing Strategy to be established.

  He also referred to the Area Leader’s report on the agenda and 

  commented on the role and effectiveness of the Planning Sub Group, 

  Environment Sub Group and the need to retain the Transport Sub 

  Group in view of the major transport issues that existed within the area.

e)  Leeds Rugby Club Application – Environmental Impact Plan

  Marian Charlton, South Stand Alliance made reference to the current 

  Leeds Rugby Club application and enquired if an Environmental Impact

  Plan had been attached to this development in relation to match day

  crowd control and noise nuisance to the area.

  Discussion ensued on the proposals relating to the South Stand 

  and Councillor M Hamilton put forward a proposal for individual

  Members to write to object to the planning application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th April 2011.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th April 2011 be confirmed as a correct record.

b)  That the matters arising update from the 14^th April 2011 meeting be noted.

a)  Former Royal Park School (Minute 80a refers)

Councillor B Chastney referred to the above issue and requested a report back on developments at the next meeting in September. Following a brief discussion, the Area Committee requested the WNW Area Leader to prepare a progress report on the former Royal Park School for consideration at the meeting in September.

Councillor M Hamilton referred to the former Headingley Community Centre and the Current proposal to sell the existing site to the Headingley Development Trust  to raise capital. It was noted that he had recently written to the Executive Member Development in support of this issue.

  He requested the Area Committee to support the proposal for the

  Council to sell the building to the Headingley Development Trust at 

  guide price and thereby taking the property off the market.

  Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed to this proposal.

b)  Environment Sub Group (Minute 82b refers)

Councillor J Matthews referred to the Student Changeover Group and commented that it had been a most successful year for the group. Despite ongoing problems, he wished to place on record his thanks to the Greens Street Project from the Leeds University Union; Streetscene Services: Chris Firth and West North West Area Management for their excellent contributions.

It was noted that the Student Changeover Group would be looking at the role of landlords and flytipping.

c)  Kirkstall Centre Development (Minute 85 refers)

Councillor L Yeadon referred to the above issue and was pleased to report that Ryan Platten, Community Planner had attended recent meetings on the proposed development. She expressed her concerns about the impact the proposed TESCO site at the Kirkstall Centre would have on the local highways network and requested the support of officers from Highways to consider these proposals.

To consider a report of the Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) on the appointment of Area Committee Chair for 2011/2012 and revisions to Area Committee Procedure Rules.

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report on the appointment of Area Committee Chair for 2011/2012 and revisions to Area Committee Procedure Rules.

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

• Extract from the Area Committee Procedure Rules (Appendix 1 refers)
• Agenda Items (Appendix 2 refers)

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That the Area Committee notes the following specific issues identified within the report:-

·  that Councillor J Akthar was elected as Chair of the North West (Inner) Area Committee for the duration of the 2011/2012 municipal year by Council at its Annual Meeting on 26^th May 2011;

·  the revised arrangements for the annual election of Area Committee Chairs, as approved by Council on the 26^th May 2011 and as reflected within the amended Area Committee Procedure Rules; and

·  the revision to Area Committee Procedure Rule 6.7, as approved by Council on the 26^th May 2011, which now requires the minutes from the Area Chairs’ meetings to be formally considered by Area Committees

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

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report which outlined the procedure relating to local authority appointments to outside bodies and invited Members to consider making appointments to those outside bodies detailed within the report.

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

• Appointment to Outside Bodies Procedure Rules (Appendix 1 refers)
• Appointments Schedule (Appendix 2 refers)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report be noted;

(b)  That approval be given to the following Outside Body appointments being made for the 2011/2012 municipal year:

Burley Lodge Centre – Committee of Management – Councillor J Athtar, together with a need to fill an outstanding vacancy at the next meeting in September following the resignation of Councillor P Ewens

Cardigan Centre – Councillor J Matthews

Ireland Wood Children’s Centre Management Committee – Councillor S Bentley

ALMO Inner North West Area Panel – Councillor J Illingworth and Councillor J Chapman

Divisional Community Safety Partnership –Councillor S Bentley

Area Children’s Partnership – Councillor P Ewens

Area Health and Social Care Partnership – Councillor L Yeadon

Area Employment, Enterprise and Training Partnership – Councillor N Walshaw

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) presenting the meeting with a summary of Area Functions and Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the summary of approved Area Functions and designated priority functions for 2011/12 be noted.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) submitted a report presenting the meeting with a summary of Area Functions and Priority Advisory Functions for 2011/12.

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

• A summary of the delegated functions and priority advisory functions for Area Committees for 2011/12 (Appendix 1 refers)
• Details of the delegated functions and priority advisory functions for Area Committees for 2011/12 (Appendix 2 and 3 refers)

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

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That the summary of approved Area Functions and designated priority functions for 2011/12 be noted.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on an update on progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and its delegation to Area Committees, including relevant information relevant information relating to the current review of street cleansing services.

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and the structure for the WNW Locality Team.

c)  That the progress towards the delegation to Area Committees including initial resource, budget and performance information to support the development of the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) be noted.

d)  That approval be given to the principles (as set out in section 36) on which to base the operational and service delivery proposals to be included in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and to agree that this will form the basis for the July workshops with the final SLA to be presented at the September meeting for approval.

e)  That approval be given to the revised role and membership of the Member Environment Sub-group for Inner NW Area Committee to manage the detailed oversight of the delegated services with officer support.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on an update on progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and its delegation to Area Committees, including relevant information  relating to the current review of street cleansing services.

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

• Area Committee Function Schedules Extract (Appendix A refers)
• Environmental Services – West North West Locality Team Structure (Appendix B refers)

Jason Singh, Environmental Locality Manager for West North West presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

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

• Clarification of the West North West Locality Team Structure with concerns expressed that staffing described as the Headingley Team provided support to the entire student area or Area of Housing Mix, which included parts of all four wards in the Inner North West

(The Environmental Locality Manager responded and outlined details for the deployment of resources. It was noted that the structure as presented included staffing for all of the West North West of Leeds)

• The need for the structure to address the balance of need and to adhere to strict rules of governance with fairness and transparency
• The need for the Area Committee to be supplied with a map of ‘hotspots’ and to be proactive in defending the proposals and resources relevant to their areas

(The Environmental Locality Manager responded and informed the meeting that such detail would be available for discussion at the July workshop)

• Clarification of how this structure would be monitored and the need to work more closely with Housing/ALMOs

(The Environmental Locality Manager responded and outlined the proposed reporting structure arrangements. It was further noted that discussions were ongoing with the Chief Executive of West North West homes Leeds with a view to working more closely with Parks and Countryside and the ALMO)

• The need to be clear on areas of responsibility to ensure that services were achieved effectively

RESOLVED-

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

b)  That this Committee notes the progress towards the establishment of a new locality based Environmental Service and the structure for the WNW Locality Team.

c)  That the progress towards the delegation to Area Committees including initial resource, budget and performance information to support the development of the first Service Level Agreement (SLA) be noted.

d)  That approval be given to the principles (as set out in section 36) on which to base the operational and service delivery proposals to be included in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and to agree that this will form the basis for the July workshops with the final SLA to be presented at the September meeting for approval.

e)  That approval be given to the revised role and membership of the Member Environment Sub-group for Inner NW Area Committee to manage the detailed oversight of the delegated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods  updating the Area Committee on progress of the procurement of the Little London Housing PFI Project; the changes resulting from a Government value for money review and to request that part of a capital receipt held from the sale of community assets be used to meet the cost of improvement works to the Little London Community Centre.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given for the cost of urgent repairs to Little London Community Centre estimated at a cost of £40,000 be met from the capital receipt set aside from the sale of Woodsley Road Community Centre.

c)  That this Committee notes that these demolition and health and safety works would be carried out as a matter of urgency.

d)  That approval be given in principle for a further £105,000 of improvements to be met from the capital receipt set aside from the sale of Woodsley Road Community Centre subject to the outcome of a value for money review to be reported to Area Committee later in the year.

e)  That this Committee notes that users and local residents would be consulted on the exact works to be funded from the remaining £105,000.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating the Area Committee on progress of the procurement of the Little London Housing PFI Project; the changes resulting from a Government value for money review and to request that part of a capital receipt held from the sale of community assets be used to meet the cost of improvement works to the Little London Community Centre.

Appended to the report was a copy of a survey and cost estimates document of Little London Community Centre and Retail Units, Oatland Lane, Leeds 7 prepared for Environment and Neighbourhoods by the Strategic Design Alliance for the information/comment of the meeting.

Toby Meekings, Environment and Neighbourhoods presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Discussion ensued on the proposals and the Area Committee welcomed the initiative, but raised concerns about the amount of money to be spent on such a short lived scheme.

In concluding, the WNW Area Leader informed the meeting that a report on a value for money review would be submitted to a future meeting for consideration.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That approval be given for the cost of urgent repairs to Little London Community Centre estimated at a cost of £40,000 be met from the capital receipt set aside from the sale of Woodsley Road Community Centre.

c)  That this Committee notes that these demolition and health and safety works would be carried out as a matter of urgency.

d)  That approval be given in principle for a further £105,000 of improvements to be met from the capital receipt set aside from the sale of Woodsley Road Community Centre subject to the outcome of a value for money review to be reported to Area Committee later in the year.

e)  That this Committee notes that following an approval from the value for money review, users and local residents would be consulted on the exact works to be funded from the remaining £105,000.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the Inner North West Area Committee of changes in how partner agencies across Leeds deal with reports of Anti-social behaviour resulting from a lengthy city wide review.

(Item withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting on 22^nd September 2011)

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive updating the meeting on the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Improvement Programme.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made in relation to the development of the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Board and Hyde Park Tasking Team as outlined in Section 3.0 of the report.

c)  That this Committee notes the emerging Hyde Park Neighbourhood improvement themes as outlined in Section 4.0 of the report.

d)  That authority be given for the Chair to write, on behalf of the Area Committee, to the Executive Member for Development to express the Committee’s concerns that recent increases in city centre parking charges would negatively impact on parking in Hyde Park and Woodhouse, requesting that S106 funds from university developments should be spent on addressing issues of parking in student areas. 

The Assistant Chief Executive submitted a report updating the meeting on the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Improvement Programme.

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:-

• To acknowledge that resident parking areas were welcome in some areas, but also a problem in other areas
• Clarification of the consultation process and timescales
• To raise concerns that recent increases in city centre parking charges would negatively impact on parking in Hyde Park and Woodhouse, requesting that S106 funds from university developments should be spent on addressing issues of parking in student areas
• The need to recognise that pay and display in the area could be used to generate revenue to fund parking improvements in the area
• The need to develop a better understanding of health inequalities within the area and to request the Scrutiny Board (Health and Well-Being and Adult Social Care) to look into to this as part of their on-going work programme
• The need for public health statistics to be presented to a future Area Committee meeting

In concluding, the WNW Area Leader wished to place on record her thanks to the Hyde Park Tasking Team for their excellent work and commitment in undertaking the recent street audit and neighbourhood survey.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the progress made in relation to the development of the Hyde Park Neighbourhood Board and Hyde Park Tasking Team as outlined in Section 3.0 of the report.

c)  That this Committee notes the emerging Hyde Park Neighbourhood improvement themes as outlined in Section 4.0 of the report.

d)  That authority be given for the Chair to write, on behalf of the Area Committee, to the Executive Member for Development to express the Committee’s concerns that recent increases in city centre parking charges would negatively impact on parking in Hyde Park and Woodhouse, requesting that S106 funds from university developments should be spent on addressing issues of parking in student areas. 

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive on progress in relation to the Wellbeing Budget.

RESOLVED -

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

b)  That this Committee notes the Wellbeing budget statement as outlined in Appendix 1 and agrees its format and content as indicated in Section 3.3 of the report.

c)  That this Committee notes the current status of the small grants approval process as outlined in Section 3.4 of the report.

d)  That West North West Area Management Team be requested to

  prepare an options paper in relation to the proportionality of small

    grants issue for discussion at the next meeting in September 2011.

e)  That approval be given to allocating £500 of small grants monies to the

  Far Headingley Design Statement Project.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on progress in relation to the Wellbeing Budget.

Appended to the report was a copy of the 2011-12 Wellbeing Budget Statement relating to revenue, capital and small grants for the information/comment of the meeting.

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 and appendices.

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

• the need for an options paper to be produced on the proportionality of Wellbeing grants within the Inner North West to enable a more equitable distribution of wellbeing funding in relation to deprivation and geography
• the lack of capacity building support available for groups who need assistance to develop funding proposals
• the need to address the pending decisions of small grants at the earliest opportunity and to consider the Far Headingley Design Statement project application as a matter of urgency

RESOLVED -

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

b)  That this Committee notes the Wellbeing budget statement as outlined in Appendix 1 and agrees its format and content as indicated in Section 3.3 of the report.

c)  That this Committee notes the current status of the small grants approval process as outlined in Section 3.4 of the report.

d)  That West North West Area Management Team be requested to

  prepare an options paper in relation to the proportionality of 

  small grants issue for discussion at the next meeting in

  September 2011.

e)  That approval be given to allocating £500 of small grants monies to the Far Headingley Design Statement Project.

To consider a report of the Assistant Chief Executive providing the meeting with information on a range of Area Committee business including key messages from forums and sub groups, project and service updates and details of proposed Area Committee venues for 2011-12.

.

The Assistant Chief Executive submitted a report providing the meeting with information on a range of Area Committee business including key messages from forums and sub groups, project and service updates and details of proposed Area Committee venues for 2011-12.

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 whether a reply had been received following a letter sent by the Chief Executive to both the University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University to help fund the delivery of student changeover in future years

(Chris Dickinson, WNW Area Management responded and was not aware of a response to date. The meeting noted that the Environment Sub Group would be co-ordinating this issue)

·  The need to protect the Queen’s public house on Burley Road as a Heritage asset

·  The need for a Leeds Housing Strategy to be produced without delay to reflect the housing issues specific to the Inner North West

·  The need to address the continuing problems of Houses in Multiple Occupation

·  The need to address the commencement time of meetings of the Planning Sub Group to make them more accessible

·  The need for a dedicated officer support for administration of the Transport Sub Group

RESOLVED-

a)  That the contents of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the purpose of the Area Update report as outlined in Section 1.0 of the report.

c)  That this Committee notes and actions as appropriate the Key Messages from Forums and Sub groups as outlined in Section 2.4 of the report.

d)  That approval be given to the following ward representation, selection of chair and the resident representation for the Planning Sub Group as outlined in Section 3.4 of the report:-

Councillor N Walshaw (Chair), Headingley Ward

  Councillor M Hamilton, Headingley Ward

  Councillor J Illingworth, Kirkstall Ward

  Councillor S Bentley, Weetwood Ward

  Councillor P Ewens, Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward

e)  That in relation to the Planning Sub-Group’s repeated requests for the Leeds Housing Strategy to reflect the housing issues specific to the Inner North West, the Chair be requested to write, on behalf of the Area Committee, to the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods with a request that this matter be progressed without delay.

f)  That approval be given to the following ward representation, selection of chair and the resident representation for the Environment Sub Group as outlined in Section 3.8 of the report:-

  Councillor J Matthews (Chair), Headingley Ward

  Councillor J Akhtar, Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward

  Councillor L Yeadon, Kirkstall Ward

  Councillor J Chapman, Weetwood Ward 

g)  That approval be given to the following ward representation, selection of chair and resident representation for the Transport Sub Group as outlined in Section 3.13 of the report and to the proposal for the Chair of the Area Committee to write to the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation to request dedicated officer support to provide for the continued administration of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Thursday 22^nd September 2011 at 7.00pm at the HEART Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HN.

MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING

Woodsley Road Multicultural Community Centre, 64-67 Woodsley Road, Leeds LS3 1DU

Thursday 22^nd September 2011 at 7.00pm at the HEART Centre, Bennett Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HN.

(The meeting concluded at 9.05pm)