Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the March meeting of the North West (Outer) Area Committee held in Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon, Leeds 19.

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

(a)  The following personal interests were declared:-

·  Councillor B Anderson in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Integrated Regional Transport Forum (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 83 refers) and in his capacity as a Director of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 84 refers)

·  Councillor C Campbell in his capacity as a Committee Member on the Leeds Bradford Airport Consultative Committee (Agenda Item 6) (Minute 80 refers) and as a Member on the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 83 refers)

·  Councillor B Cleasby in his capacity as a Committee Member on the Leeds Bradford Airport Consultative Committee (Agenda Item 6) (Minute 80 refers)

·  Councillor R Downes in his capacity as  Chair of the  West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 83 refers)

·  Councillor C Fox in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Consultative Committee (Agenda Item 8) (Minute 83 refers) and in his capacity as a Member on the West North West Leeds Area Panel (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 84 refers)

·  Councillor G Kirkland in his capacity as a Member on the Chevin Housing Society and the Harewood Housing Society (Agenda Item 9) (Minute 84 refers); the fact that his property was located on the bank of the River Wharfe in Otley (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 85 refers) and in his capacity as a Member on the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (Agenda Item 11) (Minute 86 refers)

·  Jane Pattison, North West Area Management in view of the fact that her husband was a Member of the Old Modernians Association and played football for the same body (Agenda Item13) (Minute 88 refers)

(b)  The following personal and prejudicial interest was declared:-

·  Councillor A Barker in his capacity as a Member on Horsforth Town Council (Agenda Item 13) (Minute 88 refers)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor S Andrew, Councillor J L Carter and Councillor G Latty.

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)  Aireborough Civic Society: Comments re Planning Application 08/06944 Leeds/ Bradford Airport/Noise Disturbance Caused by Repetitive Circuit Flying by Light Aircraft in Yeadon

Clive Woods, in his capacity as Chair of the Aireborough Civic Society and as a resident residing off the A65 in the Westfield area of Yeadon circulated copies of the above documents for the information/comment of the meeting.

  He emphasised the importance for a local input to be made with respect to noise issues and the transport infrastructure regarding Leeds/Bradford Airport.

  In concluding he requested the Area Committee, as a matter of urgency, to consider nominating two North West Outer Councillors to be directly involved in the discussions with the relevant planning/environment officer(s) dealing with the Leeds/Bradford Airport application.

Prior to discussing this issue, Councillor C Campbell indicated that he was Member and Chair of the Plans Panel (West) and could possibly  be considering matters from this item at a later date in that capacity.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, Councillor C Campbell agreed that he would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter 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.

  Detailed discussion ensued and, in summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the airport’s failure to reply to Members correspondence on airport issues

(Councillor B Cleasby responded and agreed to follow up this issue on behalf of the Area Committee)

·  the growing concerns of noise nuisance arising from low flying aircraft and clarification of the mechanisms in place to address this issue

·  the need for representatives from the airport to be invited to attend the Area Committee to give account of their actions

RESOLVED –

  (a)  That the contents of the documents be received and noted.

(b)  That authority be given for the Chair, on behalf of the Area Committee, to address this issue with a view to determining the delegation of Members and to inform Mr Woods of the outcome.

(Councillor C Fox joined the meeting at 2.06pm during discussions of the above item)

(Councillor R Downes joined the meeting at 2.15pm during discussions of the above item)

To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th February 2009.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16^th February 2009 be  approved as a correct record.

(a)  Traffic Concerns on Brownberrie Lane / Bayton Lane / West End Lane / Layton Road (Minute 67(a) refers)

  Jane Pattision, North West Area Management reported on the outcome of discussions with the Principal Traffic Engineer in respect of implementing speed restrictions on Brownberrie Lane and Bayton Lane, Horsforth.

  Members noted the highways improvements made to date and that no adverse comments had been received by the Joint Highways Board.

(b)  Car Parking Problems – North West (Outer) Area Committee (Minute 76 refers)

  Councillor B Anderson raised his concerns about the lack of car parking for Members and members of the public when attending meetings of the North West (Outer) Area Committee.

  Councillor J Bale referred to the two hour restriction imposed in Morrisons car park in Yeadon Town Centre and enquired if a letter could be sent by the Chair, on behalf of the Area Committee, to increase this provision to three hours.

  Following discussions, the Chair acknowledged the difficulties involved with car parking and requested the West North West Area Manager to address this issue when finalising the venues for North West (Outer) Area Committee meetings in the new municipal year (i.e. 2009/10).

The Chair agreed to write to Morrisons on the lines now reported via the West North West Area Manager.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the concept of Locally Based Accessibility Planning, together with inviting the Area Committee to be involved in the development of a Local Accessibility Action Plan.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That approval be given for this Committee to participate in the Local Accessibility Planning Pilot in accordance with the report now submitted.

(c)  That, subject to final confirmation, a steering group be established consisting of the following Ward Members:-

  Councillor R Downes

  Councillor J Bale

  Councillor B Cleasby

  Councillor B Anderson

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the concept of Local Based Accessibility Planning, together with inviting the Area Committee to be involved in the development of a Local Accessibility Action Plan.

Clare Davies, Accessibility Co-ordinator, Metro presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The presentation focused on the  following issues:-

• What is Accessibility (with reference to key services)
• Pilot Local Accessibility Plans
• Proposed Methodology – Stage 1
• Accession Examples i.e. Access to Wharfedale Hospital
• Proposed Methodology – Stage 2
• The Local Accessibility Solutions
• Summary / Recommendations

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices and Members sought clarification on a number of key issues around funding, timescales, criteria, consultation, changes to bus services etc.

Arising from discussions, it was the general consensus of those Members present, to participate in the Local Accessibility Planning Pilot and to establish a steering group with representation from the Area Committee on a ward by ward basis.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the content of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That approval be given for this Committee to participate in the Local Accessibility Planning Pilot in accordance with the report now submitted.

(c)  That, subject to final confirmation, a steering group be established consisting of the following Ward Members:-

  Councillor R Downes

  Councillor J Bale

  Councillor B Cleasby

  Councillor B Anderson

To consider a report of the Housing Strategy and Commissioning Section providing the Area Committee with an overview of the emerging Leeds Housing Strategy and links to the Outer North West area.

A report of the Housing Strategy and Commissioning Section was submitted providing the Area Committee with an overview of the emerging Leeds Housing Strategy and links to the Outer North West area.

Rob McCartney, Housing Strategy and Commissioning Manager and Bridget Emery, Head of Housing Strategy and Solutions presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The presentation focused on the following three key themes:-

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing
• Improving housing quality
• Promoting independent living

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report and Members sought clarification on a number of key issues around Decency Plus (which had been omitted from the strategy); shared equity; funding shortfalls in relation to meeting the decency standard; housing associations and the affordability agenda with the aim of purchasing more empty properties; concerns regarding the standard of the quality of housing etc.

The Committee noted that the Leeds Housing Strategy would be considered by the Executive Board in July 2009.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider a report of the Principal Engineer (Land Drainage) on recent work undertaken to improve the management of flood risk both nationally and locally and the implications for the Outer North West Area.

A report of the Principal Engineer (Land Drainage) was submitted on recent work undertaken to improve the management of flood risk both nationally and locally and the implications for the Outer North West area.

David Sellers, Principal Engineer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Arising from discussions, Members identified the following sites where flooding remained a problem area and the Principal Engineer (Land Drainage) agreed to investigate the matter further with a report back on progress:-

• Pool Road / Knotford Nook
• East Chevin Road
• Brownberrie Lane

Specific reference was also made to the following issues:-

• the need to ensure that underground capacity was adequate in relation to new housing developments
• the need for house extensions to be built without creating a flood risk and for the Planning Department to be more proactive in this area
• the need to increase the frequency of gully cleansing to a more acceptable level
• the need to review the grid culvert design

At the request of the Chair, Andrew Mason, Chief Environmental Services Officer responded to the issues around gully cleansing and confirmed that there was a need, in the immediate future, to increase the frequency levels.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the above feedback be made by the Committee to the Principal Engineer.

To consider a report of Peace and Emergency Planning on the work to increase the number of local people engaged in increasing the resilience of their community, and the implications of this for the Outer North West Area.

(This item was withdrawn from the agenda due to the non-attendance of the report author)

To consider a report of the Executive Project Manager/Head of Performance and Communications (Environmental Services) describing the current status of the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project and requesting the feedback of the Area Committee on the proposed strategy for communication and community engagement for the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project.

A report of the Executive Project Manager/Head of Performance and Communications (Environmental Services) was submitted describing the current status of the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project and requesting the feedback of the Area Committee on the proposed strategy for communication and community engagement for the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project.

Andrew Mason, Chief Environmental Services Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• the need for the department to reorder black and green stickers which run out in 2010
• the need to include consultation with children and young people within the proposed strategy

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the current status of the Residual Waste PFI project and the bids recently received.

(c)  That the above feedback on the proposals for communication and community engagement for the Residual Waste Treatment project be fed back to the Council as it progresses.

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing the Area Committee with a current position statement on the well-being budget, details of proposed projects and small grant applications received to date.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That this Committee notes the current position of the Well-being budget as detailed in Sections 2.0 and 3.0 of the report.

(c)  That the following projects outlined in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:

(d)  That the small grant detailed in Section 5.2 of the report be noted and that the West North West Area Manager be requested to look into the current status of the e mail notification from North West Area Management to Ward Members with a report back on the outcome at the next meeting.

(e)  That arrangements be made to convene a Budget Forum meeting consisting of Members of the Committee and North West Area Management officers to be held on 11^th May 2009 at 2.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

Referring to Minute 72 of the meeting held on 16^th February 2009, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing the Area Committee with a current position statement on the well-being budget, details of proposed projects and small grant applications received to date.

Jane Pattison, 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 and appendices be noted.

(b)  That this Committee notes the current position of the Well-being budget as detailed in Sections 2.0 and 3.0 of the report.

(c)  That the following projects outlined in Section 4.0 of the report be dealt with as follows:-

(d)  That the small grant detailed in Section 5.2 of the report be noted and that the West North West Area Manager ensure that Members receive appropriate email notification about small grants.

(e)  That arrangements be made to convene a Budget Forum meeting consisting of Members of the Committee and North West Area Management officers to be held on 11^th May 2009 at 2.00pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds.

(Councillor A Barker having previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Horsforth PCSOs project, left the room during this item taking no part in the discussion or voting thereon)

(Councillor R Downes left the meeting at 4.10 pm during discussions of the above item and prior to considering the projects referred to above)

To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing the Area Committee on a number of projects in Outer North West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to provide the meeting with further details in relation to the number of fines issued around littering, parking unlawfully or failing to clean up after their pets

following the Environmental Action Day held in Horsforth on 14^th March 2009.

(c)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to those organisations/services who were involved in the Community Engagement Event held on 10^th March 2009.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing the Area Committee on a number of projects in Outer North West Leeds as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008-11.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

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

• the need for further details in relation to the number of fines issued around littering, parking unlawfully or failing to clean up after their pets following the Environmental Action Day held in Horsforth on 14^th March 2009
• the need to convey this Committee’s thanks to those organisations / services who were involved in the Community Engagement Event held on 10^th March 2009

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to provide the meeting with further details in relation to the number of fines issued around littering, parking unlawfully or failing to clean up after their pets following the Environmental Action Day held in Horsforth on 14^th March 2009.

(c)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to those organisations/services who were involved in the Community Engagement Event held on 10^th March 2009.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer requesting Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates and times of their meetings for the 2009/10 municipal year which commences in May 2009.

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report requesting Members to give consideration to agreeing the dates, times and venues of their meetings for the 2009/10 municipal year which commences in May 2009.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That approval be given to the following dates and times for the 2009/10 municipal year in accordance with section 3.1 of the report:-

  Monday 22^nd June 2009 at 2.00 pm

  Monday 28^th September 2009 at 2.00 pm

  Monday 2^nd November 2009 at 2.00 pm

  Monday 14^th December 2009 at 2.00 pm

  Monday 8^th February 2010 at 2.00 pm

  Monday 29^th March 2010 at 2.00 pm

(c)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to circulate a copy of the proposed venues to Members in due course.

(The meeting concluded at 4.35pm)