Agenda, decisions and minutes

OFFICERS:  Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Management

  Stuart Byrne, West North West Area Management

  Zahid Butt, West North West Area Management

  Lynne Hamshaw, West North West Homes , Leeds

  Sarah Sinclair, Children’s Services

  Ryan Platten, City Development

  Krstan Nenadic, Park and Countryside Service

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

  Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby

  Inspector Ian Scott, West Yorkshire Police

  Sergeant Pam Wright, West Yorkshire Police

  Rose Hampton, Leeds University Union

  Stephen Rennie, HWCA

  John Davison, Hyde Park Resident

Jonathan Bentley, Observer

V Loalie, Observer

Shelia Waterworth, KVCA

Ken Waterworth, KVCA

Amit Roy, Local resident

Sue Buckle, SHCA, RPCC, FOWM

Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park resident

Simon Dawson, KVCA

David Salinger, Local Resident

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 this point in the meeting, however, declarations were made at a later point in the meeting (Minute No. 36 refers)

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence

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 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:

(i)  Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum – Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association - Raised concern that there had been no Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum held recently?

In responding Chris Dickinson, Area Management said plans were currently underway to hold a Forum Meeting in the Ward. Area Management would liaise with Ward Members to progress arrangements.

(ii)  Promotion of Residents Meetings – Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park resident – Spoke about the lack of publicity for Resident Meetings/ Forums in the area. It was suggested that many local residents would attend such meetings if they knew when and where they were taking place?

Sue Buckle said Ward Members need to engage more with the local population, meetings should not be by invitation only.

Speaking in support, Councillor Matthews said that consultation was woefully out of date and new ways of publicising local events in the area should be investigated further.

(iii)  Child Poverty and Health Inequalities – Concerns were raised over the high rate of child poverty within some wards of the Inner North West area.

Officers reported that a report providing health statistics, including areas of health depravation would be brought to the December meeting of this Committee. The report would now also include the impact of child poverty

(iv)  Student Letting Agencies - Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park resident – Spoke about alleged malpractice by some student letting agencies who were contacting the parents of students claiming none payment of rent, which was not always correct. It was reported that the Students Union had been made aware of the allegations, who had in the past publicised the information to students. It was now the view of the Student Union that they could no longer advise students of alleged malpractice for fear of been prosecuted. Charlotte sought the advice of Members as to how such information should be publicised?

In responding Councillor Atha suggested that such allegations should be made known to Local Ward Councillors who may be able to assist in publicising the information.

(v)  Cycle Routes - Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association - Raised concerns about cycle routes in the area, in particular the signage for the new designated cycle route was confusing where it crossed Hyde Park Road. Concern was also expressed  about the loss of the marked cycle lane on the A65, particularly in the Beacroft Street area, due to the ongoing works on the Quality Bus Initiative.

Councillor Matthews suggested that clarification was required from the Highways Department.

RESOLVED - That the Chair write to the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation seeking clarification to the above concerns

(vi)  Transport Sub Group – Members requested an update on plans to receive support for the Transport Sub Group directly from the Highways  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd September 2011

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That with inclusion of a number of minor amendments, the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22^nd September 2011, be accepted as a true and correct record

To consider any matters arising from the minutes

( Copy attached)

(a)  Co – Operative Store, Cardigan Road – At the last meeting it was RESOLVED that the Chair of the Area Committee would write to the Licensing Authority highlighting the adverse affects on residential amenity as a consequence of granting 24 hour alcohol licences in residential areas.

  In providing an update, the Chair reported that a response had been received from Stephen Holder, Principal Licensing Officer. The letter stated that the area was covered by a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP). It also outlined the process for granting licenses to premises. Information was provided on the relevant CIP area, Licensing Act 2003 and problem Premises and applying for a review.

(b)  Litter on Streets – At the last meeting it was RESOLVED:

  (i)  That the Chair write to the Director of  Environment   and Neighbourhoods requesting that more   frequent refuse collections take place in the North   West (Inner)   Area to address the concerns raised   by local residents and local Ward Members

  (ii)  That the issue of prosecuting landlords for public   nuisance offences be investigated further by   officers

In providing an update the Chair reported that the letter had been sent and a response was currently awaited.

In terms of the issue of prosecuting landlords, further investigations had been undertaken and it was understood that action could not be taken against landlords for public nuisances committed by their tenants unless it was written into a specific agreement .

(c)  Headingley South Stand Development – At the last meeting   Members requested clarification as to whether an upgrade of the   sound system would be included as part of the development   proposal

Officers reported that a new tannoy system would be installed as part of the proposed South Stand Development and would be the subject of a planning condition. As far as officers were aware, the Rugby Club did not have plans to upgrade the tannoy systems in the other three stands at the rugby ground.

(d)  Wellbeing Fund Distribution – At the last meeting it was RESOLVED That the request for capital funding for the Hyde Park and Woodhouse ward (Bedford Fields Community Woodland Garden project) be approved in principle, Ward Members to determine the final amount offered.

  Officers reported that Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward Members had agreed a figure of £2,000 towards the cost of the project and the approval of the Area Committee was now requested.

  RESOLVED – To confirm the award of £2,000 to the Bedford Fields Community Woodland Garden project.

To consider a report by the Deputy Chief Executive which provides a summary of the Sub Groups business since the Area Committee meeting in July 2011.

(Report attached)

(Executive Function 10 Minutes)

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note and action as appropriate the Key Messages from the Committees Sub Groups as set out in Section 3.6 of the submitted report

(ii)  To note the current financial position for the Area Committee Well-Being Fund as set out in Appendix 1

(iii)  To note the current position of the former Royal Park School project, as set out in Section 3.9 of the submitted report

(iv)  To convey to the Executive Board that the option to transfer the Royal Park School building to RPCC, who would use volunteer labour to refurbish it, was the option preferred by the North West (Inner) Area Committee.

(v)  That the Chair write to the Chair of Plans Panel (West) requesting that the Bridge Road planning application be deferred for one cycle to allow Ward Members to carry out further consultation and negotiations.

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report which provided a summary of the Sub Groups business since the Area Committee meeting held in July 2011, including the current position relating to the area Committee Well-Being Funding and other project activity.

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

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

• The Key messages arising from the Planning Group and Environment Sub Group since the last meeting of the Area Committee
• Royal Park School Update
• Bridge Road Planning Application

Commenting on the Royal Park School update Councillor Matthews suggested that the report was some what inaccurate, the reference to fees remain unpaid was not correct, the outstanding fees now having been paid.

Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association said that the options presented to the RPCC (Royal Park Community Consortium) did not provide the whole picture. The intention of RPCC was to preserve the building but having been boarded up for 7 years, the building was deteriorating and in a state of distress. It had recently been suggested that a new school should be built on the site.

On the issue of raising of funds Sue said that £750,000 was never going to be raised through “bucket collections alone”. It was hoped that lottery funding would be available, but such funds were not forthcoming as the site was not seen as being within a “poverty area”. £800,000 had been offered through Community Builders Fund, but this was subject to the applicants raising £1.8m which was unlikely to be achieved without lottery funding.

Commenting on the options put forward within the submitted report, it was the view of all Members that the preferred option for the Area Committee was that the building be transferred to RPCC, who would use volunteer labour to refurbish it. It was agreed that these views be conveyed to the Executive Board.

On a separate issue, Councillor Illingworth referred to the Bridge Road Planning Application (Planning Application No. 11/03274/FU) – Demolition of existing retail store (BHS site) at 2 Bridge Road, Kirkstall and the creation of a retail development site. Councillor Illingworth sought the support of Members to defer determination of the application for one cycle to allow Ward Members to carry out further consultation and negotiations.

Councillors: Akhtar, Chastney and Matthews declared personnel interests on this issue as Members of Plans Panel (West) and did not participate in the discussion.

It was the view of the Area Committee that a request be made to delay determination of the application for one cycle and the Chair of Plans Panel (West) and the Chief Planning Officer be informed accordingly.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note and action as appropriate the Key Messages from the Committees Sub Groups as set out in Section 3.6 of the submitted report.

(ii)  To note the current financial position for the Area Committee Well-Being Fund as set out in Appendix 1.

(iii)  To note the current position  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services which aims to support Elected Member involvement with Children’s Services locally by helping to strengthen understanding of some key performance information at a local level.  The report builds on previous Children’s Services performance reports presented to Area Committees in 2010 and earlier this year.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report intended to support Elected Members involvement with Children’s Services locally by helping to strengthen understanding of some of the key performance information at a local level. The report also built on previous Children’s Services performance reports presented to Area Committees in 2010 and earlier this year.

Included within the report were the following appendices:

• Proposed schedule of Information for Area Committee Reporting for 2011/12
• Note of the Leeds Children’s Services Meeting with the Dfe dated 20^th May 2011
• LAC, CPP, New Referrals, and CAF Data by Area
• Primary & Secondary School Attendance Data by Area
• NEET and not known Data by Area and Ward
• School Inspection Data by Area

Sarah Sinclair, Deputy Director, Children’s Services presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) – Development
• Minimise the effects of poverty on children and young people
• Developing the work of the local “cluster” of schools and services
• Improvement and Inspection Activity

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted

To consider a report by the Head of Parks and Countryside seeking to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside service and the North West Inner Area Committee. The report provides an overview of the service and sets out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives. It also seeks to provide a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee ensuring that the benefits of the revised roles are secured.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Head of Parks and Countryside submitted a report seeking to further develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Service and the North West Inner Area Committee. The report provided an overview of the service and set out some of the challenges faced along with key performance management initiatives. The report also provided a positive way forward for delivering the extended role of the Area Committee ensuring that the benefits of the revised roles were secured.

Krstan Nenadic, Operations Manager, Parks and Countryside presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments

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

• Community Parks – Annual Number of visits
• The success of the BBQ Patrols on Woodhouse Moor and to explore the possibility of funding this service centrally
• Volunteers working with Parks and Countryside Rangers
• Apprentice gardeners
• Playing pitches

Commenting on the issues of playing pitches Councillor Illingworth said he had been made aware of proposals to extend Lawnswood Cemetery. The extra land required to expand the cemetery would be achieved by using 3 – 4 near-by playing pitches. Such a trade off was not acceptable suggested Councillor Illingworth. 

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the contents of the report and the success of volunteering works within local parks

(ii)  To consider the options for funding of the BBQ Patrol Service fully, before bringing an application for funds to the Area Committee

(iii)  To explore further, opportunities for volunteer working

(iv)  That the following areas be identified as issues which require priority investment in Community Parks:

(a)  Playing pitches

(b)  Fixed play facilities   

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive Planning Policy and Improvement which set out details of the community safety activity undertaken during the last 12 months.  The report also provides details of crime trends and anti social behaviour statistical data, making comparisons with data from the previous year.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which provided details of the Community Safety activity undertaken during the last 12 months. The report also provided details of crime data, together with comparisons with the previous year.

Zahid Butt, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Burglaries within the Hyde Park area
• Establishing a community network of volunteers
• Theft from motor vehicles

Councillor Walshaw highlighted the issue of anti-social behaviour on Hyde Park skate park and asked if the Police were aware of the situation?

In responding Inspector Ian Scott, West Yorkshire Police said he had been made aware of the issue which was now being monitored with a view to planned action being taken if further instances came to light.

Referring to theft from motor vehicles in the Headingley Area, up by 17%,  Councillor Bentley suggested that this was a worrying trend

In responding Inspector Scott, said that vehicle owners need to be aware of the contents within the vehicle and not leave anything of value on display.

It was noted that instances of burglary were down, however, a number of Members raised the necessity to have good quality door and window locks. Councillor Yeadon suggested that it was ironic, that once a house had been burgled, the owner/occupier received assistance in getting their locks upgraded.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted

To consider a report by the Community Planning Officer which sets out details of proposed changes to the planning system to be introduced through the Localism Bill which relate to ‘neighbourhood planning’. The report explains  the proposed changes and details some of the opportunities and potential obstacles for community involvement in Inner North West Leeds.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

The Community Planning Officer submitted a report which set out details of proposed changes to the planning system to be introduced through the Localism Bill, which related to “neighbourhood planning”. The report explained the proposed changes and detailed some of the opportunities and potential obstacles for community involvement in the Inner North West Leeds area.

Included within the report were the following appendices:

• Neighbourhood Plan Process Map
• Organisations offering assistance in neighbourhood Planning

Ryan Platten, Community Planner, Inner North West Area presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• A Neighbourhood Plan
• Neighbourhood Development Orders
• Community Right to Build Order
• Assets of Community Value
• Alternatives

Members expressed concern how the pilot areas for neighbourhood planning had overlooked Inner North West despite its previous work on a range of supplementary planning guidance:

• Far Headingley, Weetwood and West Park Neighbourhood Design Statement
•  Headingely and Hyde Park Neighbourhood Design Statement
•  Little Woodhouse Design Statement
•  Vision For Kirkstall Ward
• Headingley Renaissance

It was the wish of the Area Committee that the Chair write to the Leader of Council and the Chief Planning Officer expressing the Area Committees dissatisfaction that it was not consulted or considered as a pilot area for Neighbourhood Planning, given its previous work on supplementary Planning Guidance.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the Chair write to the Leader of Council and the Chief Planning Officer expressing the Area Committee’s dissatisfaction that it was not consulted or considered as a pilot area for Neighbourhood Planning, given its previous work on supplementary Planning Guidance

(iii)  To continue to support the use of the Community Planning Officer to advise Community Groups interested in the proposed changes to the Planning System in relation to Neighbourhood Planning.

To consider a report by the Area Leader West North West which provides an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

(Report attached)

(Council Function 10 Minutes)

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the contents of the draft Business Plan be noted

(iii)  To note the contents of the Draft Action Plan

(iv)  To agree that the Area Committee Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan

(v)  To receive updates at future meetings

(vi)  To note that the Three Year Plan to be submitted to the meeting in March 2012 will be the subject of an Annual Refresh

(vii)  That the Chair write to the Leader of Council expressing the Area Committee’s concerns about the future of the West Park Centre 

The Area Leader West North West submitted a report which provided an update on the work to date to develop an Area Committee Business Plan.

Included within the report were the following appendices:

• Draft Business Plan
• Draft Action Plan

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:

• Members Workshop to identify priorities
• Performance Monitoring, holding services to account
• The Business Plan could be used as a tool to assist in budget setting
• More delegation could result in a very powerful document

It was the general opinion of Members that the production of a Business Plan and Action Plan offered a window of opportunity.

Councillor Atha raised concern about the West Park Centre, in particular the consultation period over it’s future had not been held over a long enough period and that many Members were supportive of it’s retention.

It was the view of the Area Committee that their concerns about the future of the West Park Centre should be made known to the Leader of the Council.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  That the contents of the draft Business Plan be noted

(iii)  To note the contents of the Draft Action Plan

(iv)  To agree that the Area Management Team continue to develop the Business Plan

(v)  To receive updates at future meetings

(vi)  To note that the Three Year Plan to be submitted to the meeting in March 2012 will be the subject of an Annual Refresh

(vii)  That the Chair write to the Leader of Council expressing the Area Committee’s concerns about the future of the West Park Centre 

To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 15^th December 2011 at 7.00pm at St Chad’s Parish Centre, St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5JT

Map of today’s meeting, St. Stephens, Church Hall, Norman Street, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3JN

RESOLVED – To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 15^th December 2011 at 7.00pm at St Chad’s Parish Centre, St Chad’s Vicarage, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5JT