Agenda and minutes

OFFICERS:  Jane Maxwell, West North West Area Leader

Stuart Byrne, West North West Area Support

Chris Dickinson, West North West Area Support

  Steven Walker, Children’s Services

  Jancis Andrew, Children’s Services

  Stuart Gosney, Children’s Services

  Andrew Wheeler, New Generation Transport Team

  Vanessa Allen, New Generation Transport Team

  David Reid, New Generation Transport Team

  Ryan Platten, Community Planning Officer

  Neil Charlesworth, City Development

  Lynne Hamshaw – West North West Homes

  John Grieve, Governance Services 

  MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:

  Joan Brown, Cardigan Triangle Community Association

  Amanda Jackson, University of Leeds

  Ben Fisher, University of Leeds 

    Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community 

Association

  Bill McKinnon, North Hyde Park Residents Association

  Howard Eaglestone – Leeds 6 Resident

  John Morris – NHPNA

  C Bubayh – Local Resident

  Insp Simon Brooksbank – West Yorkshire Police

  Ken Torrode – WRPA

  John Davison – Helping Community Sport Bid

  Claire Randall – Leeds 6 Resident

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-18 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.  Also to declare any other significant interests which the Member wishes to declare in the public interest, in accordance with paragraphs 19-20 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J Chapman and Councillor L Yeadon

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 ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee

Planning Application - Former Leeds Girls High School Site – Sue Buckle referred to a meeting held on 1^st August 2012 between members of South Headingley Community Association (SHCA) and the site developers. It was reported that SHCA was opposed to the application in view of the proposed loss of sports facilities. Five local Headteachers had also objected to the proposals along with a number of Ward Councillors. SHCA was now seeking the support of the Area Committee in opposing the application.

(Councillors: Akhtar, J Bentley and Towler required it to be recorded that they did not participate in the discussion on this item as Members of Plans Panel South and West who would determine the application)

It was the general consensus of Members that he application be not supported

Pavilion – Linzi Stauvers spoke about the work of “Pavilion”, a commissioning organisation that deals with contemporary art and its politics. Pavilion presents its work as a resource, as a route for audiences to further develop a critical position within the world. A programme of up and coming events was circulated at the meeting. Further information can be obtained at

www.pavilion.org.uk

Removal of Yorkshire Paving Stone – Claire Randall, spoke of local residents concerns about the removal of original Yorkshire paving stones from the Hyde park and Headingley areas. It was reported that workmen were turning up and removing the original paving stones, replacing them with modern materials. It was suggested that up to 80% of the stones removed were in good condition. Recently along one street in the Hyde Park area, approximately 400 paving stones were removed. It is understood that each paving stone can be worth as much as £100.  Residents were now seeking the support of the Area Committee to:

(a)    Ensure that consultation was carried out on the removal of   heritage features from the area.

(b)    Ensure that any original stone removed from the area is properly   accounted for.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That Officers from Highways be invited to attend a future meeting of this Committee to provide clarification around the issue of pavement maintenance, in particular the removal of original paving stones

(ii)  That Internal Audit be made aware of the concerns expressed by Ward Members and Local Residents, in particular, the removal of heritage features from an area without due accountability.

Traffic Safety  around Rochester Terrace and Chapel Lane – A local resident raised concerns about traffic safety around Rochester Terrace and Chapel Lane. In responding, the Chair said he was aware of the concern raised, a meeting with local residents had taken place and a traffic survey was due to be undertaken.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th June 2012

(Copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 28^th June 2012 be accepted as a true and correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes

(Report attached)

Members considered  a report by the West North West Area Support Team which identified a number of issues requiring further action following the last meeting of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the proposals in respect of Sparrow Park.

(ii)  That other items referred to in the report were covered elsewhere on the agenda.

To receive for information the Area Chair’s Forum minutes for the meetings held on 12^th March and 13^th July 2012

(Copies attached)

Members received for information and comment, the Area Chair’s Forum minutes for the meetings held on 12^th March and 13^th July 2012.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the minutes be noted.

To consider a of the Chief Officer(Democratic and Central Services) which provides background to local Member representation upon Leeds Initiative Area Based Partnership Groups and also the Council’s Corporate Carers Group, and invites the Committee to determine the Elected Member appointments to those groups listed within section 3 of the submitted report

(Report attached).

The Chief Officer (Democratic and Central Services) submitted a report which provided background information to Local Member representation on Leeds Initiative Area Based Partnership Groups and also the Council’s Corporate Carer’s Group.

The report invited Members to consider making appointments to those groups.

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That the following appointments by made for the remainder of the 2012/13 Municipal year:

(a)  Council’s Corporate Carers’ – Councillor S Bentley

(b)  Area Health and Wellbeing Partnership –

  Councillor J Illingworth 

(c)  Divisional Community Safety Partnership –

  Councillor J Akhtar

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services which provides an update on developments within Children’s Services. The purpose of the report is to keep members informed of the current issues facing the Directorate and children’s partnership as well as the progress that is being made against local and national agendas.

(Report attached)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which provided an update on developments within Children’s Services. The report informed Members of the current issues facing the Directorate and Children’s Partnership as well as the progress that was being made against local and national agendas.

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

• Inner North West Area Committee data and commentary
• Map of cluster to Area Committees
• Cluster overviews for Inner North West Area Committee
• Children’s CYPP monthly dashboard for June

Steve Walker, Deputy Director of Children’s Services and Jancis Andrew, Area Head of Targeted Services, Children’s Services presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Child Friendly Leeds
• A reduction in the number of looked after children by 2.9%
• The very positive results around Secondary school attendance
• Development of locality arrangements and the targeting of services via school clusters
• Developing Families First Leeds
• Improvement and Inspection
• The securing of Apprenticeships by local people

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That further data be provided around apprenticeships, in particular were these schemes being secured by local people  (Post code analysis)

To consider a report by the Director of Children’s Services which is intended to ensure that Members are fully briefed on the proposals being brought forward in response to rising demand for reception places city wide and are able to comment on them. It is also intended to provide a general update on place pressure issues in the North West Inner Area.

(Report attached)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report which set out details of the consultation process in relation to the expansion of Leeds Primary School provision for September 2014.

Stuart Gosney, Capacity planning and sufficiency lead, Children’s Services

presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report:

• The proposed expansion of Little London Primary School from 210 places to 630 places, by increasing the admission limit from 30 to 90.
• The arrangement made with Beecroft Primary School to admit a further 10 pupils in the reception class to address local demand.
• New housing developments in the area were being monitored to highlight possible school capacity planning issues.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the of the New Generation Transport Team (Leeds City Council - City Development and Metro) which provides an update on the New Generation Transport scheme including the rationale for the scheme, the remobilisation of the NGT scheme, since receiving confirmation from the government on the 5^th July 2012 that the scheme would potentially receive government funding. The report also sets out details of the consultation process to date and which will be re commenced on remobilisation of the scheme. The Transport and Works Act Order procedure is also outlined.

(Report attached)

The New Generation Transport Team (Leeds City Council, City Development and Metro) submitted a report which provided an update on the New Generation Transport Scheme. This included details of the rationale behind  the remobilisation of the NGT scheme, since receiving confirmation from the Government on 5^th July 2012, that the scheme would potentially receive government funding.

The report also described details of the consultation process to date and how this would be recommenced on remobilisation of the scheme. Officers also outlined the Transport and Works Act Order procedure.

Andrew Wheeler, NGT Project Manager, City Development, Vanessa Allen, NGT Planning and Urban Design Manager, and David Reid, Stakeholder and Community Manager, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

·  Impacts on cyclists and pedestrians particularly on Headingley Hill section

·  Car parking – overspill from the Park & Ride site and informal P& R close to other stops

·  Environmental impact – loss of mature trees and grass verge areas (both on and off the highway) and increase in highway infrastructure

·  Heritage and townscape impact in Conservations Areas and on Listed Buildings including the impact of overhead line equipment (OLE), demolition of buildings and setting back of stone walls

·  Potential impact / land take at Woodhouse Moor/ Headingley Hill

·  Impacts on bus services north of the Ring Road

·  Lack of demand management to discourage car use

·  Restrictions in turning movements and road closures

·  Safety for the visually impaired

·  Benefits of scheme

·  Extension to Holt Park

·  Creation of employment for local people

RESOLVED –

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

(ii)  That further information/ clarification be provided in relation to: impact / land take at Woodhouse Moor/ Headingley Hill, possible loss of trees along the Headingley corridor and arrangements for cyclists.

To consider a report by the Community Planning Officer which provides an update on the community planner work programme since the previous report to Area Committee in February 2012.

(Report attached)

The Community Planning Officer submitted a report which provided an update on the community planner work programme since the previous report to the Area Committee in February 2012.

Ryan Platten, Community Planning Officer, City Development presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Neighbourhood Planning – including details of a new Issues and Options Paper looking at introducing a Neighbourhood Development Plan which can be downloaded from the Community Planner website (http://www.leeds.gov.uk/council/Pages/Inner-North-West-Community-Planner.aspx)
• Local Development Framework Core Strategy – INWAC Consultation
• Article 4 Direction and Related Planning Policy

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report by noted

To consider a report by the Community Planning Officer which sets out the  proposed changes to the Letting Board Code which operates in Inner North West Leeds.

(Report attached)

The Community Planning Officer submitted a report which described the proposed changes to the Letting Board Code which operates in Inner North West Leeds

Appended to the report was  a copy of the Draft Letting Board Code Guidance Note (September 2012)

Ryan Platten, Community Planning Officer, City Development presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• The increase of poster-style advertisement being displayed in windows of residential properties
• The period of public consultation and how the consultation had been advertised

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report by noted

(ii)  That the proposed changes to the code be supported

To consider a report of the Acting Chief Asset Management Officer which provides an update on developments with Community Right to Bid and advises of the implementation date.

The report explains that the right gives communities the opportunity to bid to buy assets for the benefit of their local community.  The Area Committee and the area support team are requested to consider ways they can encourage and help local community organisations to nominate assets.

(Report attached)

The Acting Chief Asset Management Officer submitted a report which provided an update on Community Right to Bid process and the proposed implementation date.

It was reported that the Community Right to Bid gives communities the opportunity to bid to buy assets for the benefit of their local community. The assistance of the Area Committee was requested to identify ways in which they could encourage and help local community organisations to nominate assets.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Community Right to Bid nomination form together with accompanying guidance.

Neil Charlesworth, Community Asset Officer, City Development presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

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

• Possible compensation claims
• Concerns about the relatively short period of time (6 months) for a community group to obtain the necessary finances and approvals

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  To highlight that the timescale of 6 months for a community group to obtain the necessary finances and approvals may be difficult to achieve 

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) which provides an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2012 -13 and explains the budget monitoring information for Quarter 1.  The report also outlines the findings of a financial review of Wellbeing revenue projects approved between 2004/05 to 2011/12.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) submitted

a report which provided an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2012 – 13 and detailed the budget monitoring information for Quarter 1. The report also outlined the findings of a financial review of wellbeing revenue projects approved between 2004/05 and 2011/12.

Appended to the report were the Wellbeing Fund position statement for 2012/13 (Appendix1) and Quarter 1 Monitoring Returns (Appendix 2).

Stuart Byrne, West North West Area Support Team, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

It was reported that following a review of wellbeing revenue approvals between 2004/5 to 2011/12 additional funding of £918.00 had been identified.

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note the current budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2012-13.

(ii)  That the contents of the Quarter 1 Monitoring Returns be noted.

(iii)  To note that additional funding of £918.00 was identified following a review of wellbeing revenue approved between 2004/5 to 2011/12.

(iv)  That the additional funding, as identified in (iii) above, be returned to the wellbeing budget for reallocation.

To consider a report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) which provides an update on recent Sub Group business and the current position relating to other project activity. The report includes progress on the work of the West North West Area Leadership Team and the work taking place around Student Changeover. 

The report also seeks nominations for a Fuel Poverty Champion and nominations for community representatives to Area Committee Sub Groups.

(Report attached)

The Assistant Chief Executive (Customer Access & Performance) submitted a report which provided an update on recent Sub Group business and the current position relating to other project activity. The report also included progress on the work taking place around Freshers’ planning and the of the proposed change of name of the former Beckett Park Primary School to the Queenswood Education Centre.

The following documents were appended to the report:

• Procedure for dealing with sites in private ownership (Report on derelict /eyesore sites)
• Site name & address and ownership details (Report on derelict /eyesore sites)
• Illustration of the proposed signage for the Queenswood Education Centre

Stuart Byrne, Inner North West Support Team, presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.

Referring to nominations to the Sub Groups it was reported that Marian Charlton had been appointed to the Planning Sub Group representing the Headingely Ward, Joan Brown and Michael Parker had been appointed to the Environmental Sub Group representing Headingley and Kirkstall Wards

RESOLVED –

(i)  To note and action, as appropriate the key messages from the Sub Groups as set out in Section 3 of the submitted report.

(ii)  That the work around University Freshers’ planning be noted

(iii)  To note the proposed change of name of the former Beckett Park Primary School to the Queenswood Education Centre.

Councillor Atha referred to discussions currently taking place which were looking at how Area Committees may evolve in relation to the Localism agenda and any possible increase to their delegated powers.  Possible changes could include some alterations to Area Committee boundaries.

In responding Jane Maxwell, West North West Area Leader, confirmed that a Review of Area Working was currently being undertaken but the outcome of this Review was still ongoing. Ward Members would continue to be engaged throughout the review process. A report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive Board over the next few months.

RESOLVED - That further information to be brought to a future meeting of this Committee.

To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 25^th October 2012 at 7.00pm in the Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3AS

RESOLVED – To note that the next meeting will take place on Thursday 25^th October 2012 at 7.00pm in the Milford Sport Club, Beecroft Street, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3AS.