Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

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.  The following was discussed:

·  Concern from a member of the Burley Top Community Forum that there was not enough interaction with the Planning Sub Group.  It was agreed to distribute minutes and it was reported that representations could be made to the group.

·  A local resident reported that he had been contacted by Leeds City Council Officers regarding complaints that he had been using his property and land for storage of building materials and was suspected of trading from residential premises.  He had also being informed that this was likely to attract vermin.  In response he reported on how he was responsible for having to put bins back in yards that are left strewn across the street and that this was a more likely cause of vermin.

·  Concern regarding the loss of playing fields.

·  Concern regarding the proposed demolition of the Royal Park School that had previously being promised to the community.

·  Concern regarding litter and rubbish left in greenspaces.  This had been reported to the Environmental Action teams but had not been cleared.  It was reported that this would be followed up and there would be reported back at the next meeting of the Area Committee.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2013

Matters RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2013 be confirmed as a correct record.

Concern that there had been no follow up regarding a warning that a local resident had received and it was requested that this be done with the University Police Officer.

Concern regarding letting agency publications aimed at students highlighting the local nightlife.  The University had requested that these should not be distributed.

To note the minutes of the Area Chairs Forum meetings held on 4 October and 25 November 2013

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Area Chair’s Forum meetings held on 4 October and 25 November 2013 be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) and receive a presentation on the Police Programme of Change)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens and Communities) provided members with a summary of sub group and forum business since the September Area Committee.  The report also introduced a presentation on the Police Programme of Change and updates on the current position with the former Royal Park School and West Park Centre sites.

Neil Charlesworth, City Development updated the committee on the Royal Park and West Park Centre sites.

It was reported that demolition of the West Park Centre was almost complete and surveys would be carried out on trees for tree protection orders.  Marketing activity was likely to start in late summer with a view to disposal of the site later in the year.  Members expressed disappointment that the land was to be sold for development and should have been used as greenspace.

In relation to the Royal Park School it was reported that internal demolition would commence on 17 February 2014.  This would take approximately 4 weeks and a further 6 weeks for completion.  Members of the public expressed great disappointment over the decision to commence with demolition in spite of previous discussion to re-use the building for community use and that an interested group had been able to financially support this.  Members broadly supported this view, though it was reported that proof of finance had not been demonstrated when previously requested.  A motion was proposed to support the retention of the building and ask that demolition be postponed to allow for clarification on available funds for future community use.

The Area Committee received a presentation from Chief Inspector Fran Norton regarding the Leeds District Programme of Change – New Operating Model.  Issues highlighted from the presentation included the following:

·  £70million to be saved across West Yorkshire over 3 years.

·  Changes to bring policing teams more in line with Area Committees.

·  How to deliver services at a local/ward level.

·  Continued work from Woodhouse Lane and Weetwood Police Stations.

·  Partnership work including with housing and children’s services.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the key messages from sub groups and forums be noted.

(2)  That the presentation on the Police Programme of Change be noted.

(3)  That the update on the former Royal Park and West Park Centre Sites be noted.

(4)  That a letter be sent to the Leader of the Council reiterating support for the retention of the former Royal Park School as a community facility and asks that demolition of the former Royal Park School be halted while inconsistencies with regard to the costs of the refurbishment, received by one of the interested parties, be investigated.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Director of City Development

The report of the Director of City Development highlighted that under the Localism Act 2011, local communities had a ‘right’ to prepare a neighbourhood plan which could decide where new development took place, what it would look like as well as the delivery of projects that are of local importance.

Ian McKay, City Development presented the report.  He gave a brief overview of what the Neighbourhood Development plans entailed.  The following was highlighted:

·  The plans could be used to deliver projects and ideas for the sustainability of an area with content to be decided by the local community.

·  24 communities across Leeds had expressed an interest with 4 or 5 groups involved in the Inner North West area.

·  The neighbourhood plans would primarily be a planning document but there would be opportunities to apply for additional funding.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Neighbourhood Plans would give decision making opportunities to local people.

·  In non-parish areas the definition of a neighbourhood would have to be agreed with the Council.

·  An offer was made to support anyone interested via the Planning Sub Group.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Community Planner

The report of the Community Planning Officer gave an update on the Community Planner Work Programme for the past 12 months.  The report also introduced those emerging projects and themes which were likely to be central to discussions at the Planning Sub Group over the next twelve months and introduced the proposed work programme for the Community Planner over this period should the Area Committee continue funding the post.

Jenna Riley, Community Planner presented the report.

Further issues highlighted included the following:

·  Responses submitted for the Core Strategy and Site Allocation Plan.

·  Development of the Far Headingley and Weetwood design statements.

·  Support for Neighbourhood Development Plans.

In response to comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Proposed development for Tesco at Beecroft Street. – It was felt that these proposals, particular entrances to the site, were not acceptable and there needed to be further consultation with Ward Members and the public.

·  A request for an update on the BHS site.

·  Use of letting boards in the area

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Officer, Parks and Countryside

The report of the Chief Officer, Parks and Countryside provided an area profile of key assets and services provided in the North West Inner area.  It highlighted the current progress towards Leeds Quality Park (LQP) status for community parks and provided the costs of achieving and retaining LQP status in community parks up to the year 2020.  It also detailed capital improvements for community parks, sport pitches and fixed play areas along with a detailed breakdown of events and volunteering in the area.

Joanne Clough, Parks and Countryside presented the report.

Issues highlighted from the report included the following:

·  5 of the 7 parks in the Inner North West Area had passed quality criteria for green flag status.

·  Improvements carried out to local parks.

·  Community feedback.

·  Involvement of community and voluntary groups.

In response to comments and questions, the following was discussed:

·  Work with Friends of the Hollies.

·  Concern regarding Beckett’s Park and why this park was not up to standard.

·  Use of Section 106 funds.

·  Condition of the cycle track across Beckett’s Park which was often waterlooged and muddy.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities)

The report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Citizens & Communities) provided the Area Committee with an update on the budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14 and the current position of the Small Grants and skips pots and those Small Grants and skips that have been approved since the last meeting.  The report asked Members to consider a request for further funding under the Kirkstall Revenue Pot and also provided an update on the Youth Activity Fund and those projects supported through this pot.

Stuart Byrne, Area Project Officer presented the report.

Attention was brought to an application for funding from the Milford Marlins – Introduction to Rugby League project.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the current budget position for the Wellbeing Fund for 2013/14 be noted.

(2)  That the request for £2,450 to be allocated from the Kirkstall Revenue Pot in support of the Introduction to Primary Rugby League project be approved.

(3)  That the current position of the Small Grants and skips pots and those Small Grants and skips that have been approved since the last meeting be noted.

(4)  That the current position of the Youth Activity Fund and those projects supported to date through this be noted.

Thursday, 27 March 2014 at 7.00 p.m.

Thursday, 27 March 2014 at 7.00 p.m.