Agenda and minutes

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda an appendix to item 9, Chapeltown Community Facilities Review.  The appendix was not available at the time of the agenda publication due to technical problems.  Further appendices were also admitted for agenda item 11, 2006/07 Well-Being Fund to allow consideration to be given to a small grant application which required a decision before the date of the next meeting of the Area Committee and to item 15, Moor Allerton Partnership Update.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

Councillor Lancaster declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 44, 2006/07 Well-Being Fund - application for funding from Meanwood Elders, due to her role as Acting Chair of the organisation and withdrew from the meeting prior to discussion of this item.

Councillors Kendall and Lobley declared a personal interest in Minute 44, 2006/07 Well-Being Fund – Small Grant Decisions 2006/07, due to their involvement with Roundhay CARE.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Harker and Harris.

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.

The agenda made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure rules for an Open Forum Session at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, for members of the public to ask questions or to make representations on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no matters were raised under this item by those members of the public who were in attendance.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2006.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 4^th September 2006 be confirmed as a correct record.

In reference to Minute 27 and the proposal for Area Management staff to attend a meeting of the Yes Cyber Management Committee, it was reported that there had not been a meeting since the Area Committee meeting. It had been agreed with Yes Cyber for someone to attend their next management meeting.  Further to Minute 26, Youth Service, it was reported that the updated information booklet would be pursued and forwarded to Members.

To receive a presentation from a Well-Being Funded project.

Time – 10 Mins (Executive Function)

The Committee was given a presentation from Heads Together – A Roundhay High School Radio Production.  The project which was carried out in conjunction with East Leeds FM Radio in June 2006 had been supported by Well-Being Funds and involved the participation of pupils and staff from Roundhay  High School.  Short extracts of radio shows involving pupils were played to the Committee.

Abi May and Kirsty Watson of East Leeds FM introduced pupils and staff of Roundhay High School to the Committee to give their accounts of being involved with the radio project.  Comments made by pupils included the following:

• I want a career in journalism  and I learnt valuable skills
• I enjoyed the experience and had responsibility for issues
• We did it as part of our work experience and got to learn how to use technical equipment
• It has helped to break down barriers in school as you were involved with people you would not normally be involved with
• I helped to train others on the use of equipment and worked on other broadcasts out of school
• We went back to our old primary school and discussed the transfer to high school with year 6 pupils.  We also took part in health and environment shows.  It has helped to build our confidence.
• I took part in a show on racial justice.  It helped to break down social barriers.
• It brings the community together and helps us build confidence.
• I had to learn how to speak to different people, think of questions and press for answers, I feel like I have accomplished something.

Parents and teachers were also asked for comments and it was highlighted that staff mainly played a co-ordinating role with ideas for shows coming from pupils.

The Chair thanked everyone involved in the project and the Committee gave a round of applause for those present.

(Councillors Rafique and Dowson joined the meeting at 5.15 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. respectively during the consideration of this item).

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 20 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager submitted a report which presented a review of community facilities in Chapeltown which had been prepared following a deputation to full Council by the Chapeltown Community Centre Action Group (CCCAG). The CCCAG had requested a plot of land from the Council to build a new Community Centre and had identified the former Hayfields public house site although this was the proposed site for the Chapeltown Joint Service Centre.

Following the review of current community facilities in Chapeltown and their capacity and usage levels it was concluded that there are already sufficient community facilities in the area and that there was not a case to release land or justify new building for a community centre, however, continued dialogue with the CCCAG was desired to help to deliver a solution to meet their needs.

In response to comments regarding the provision of youth facilities and in particular the poor condition of the Mandela Centre, it was suggested that there were possibilities for enhancing this facility, possibly with the assistance of other local providers.  It was further reported that the centre required a substantial amount of work and this was currently the main facility for young people in Chapeltown.

RESOLVED – That the report be referred to the Executive Board with the following recommendations:

(1)  That the facilities review demonstrates there is no case for the Council to consider the release of land as requested by CCCAG for the purposes of a new build community centre.  This does not preclude CCCAG pursuing options for a new development site in the area at market value.

(2)  That the way forward, as outlined in paragraphs 25-31 of the report is supported.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillors Dowson, Hamilton and Rafique requested it to be recorded that they  voted against this decision).

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Executive of Education Leeds.

Time – 15 Mins (Council Function)

The Chief Executive of Education Leeds submitted a report regarding the Alwoodley Primary Planning Area Consultation.  George Turnbull and Amanda Jahdi of Education Leeds attended the meeting.

It was reported that at the meeting of the Executive Board, on 20^th September 2006, permission had been granted to undertake public consultation on proposals to close Fir Tree and Archbishop Cranmer CE (VA) primary schools in August 2007 and open a 1.5 form entry school on the Archbishop Cranmer site in September 2007.  The consultation period for these proposals had commenced on 29^th September 2006 and would run until 10^th November 2006.

The proposals had been developed following a review of primary provision in the Alwoodley area that  had shown a surplus amount of places in schools, with low numbers at Fir Tree School and Archbishop Cranmer CE (VA) primary school.

In response to a question of  whether there would be any investment in the new school and if this was the case, would the investment be funded from the sale of the Fir Tree site, it was reported that there would be investment on the proposed site and the preference was for this to be funded from capital receipts.  Concern was also expressed that pupils who had attended Fir Tree would have further to travel and may not have the extra curricular activities that were currently provided.  In response to these concerns it was hoped that pupils would transfer en masse, and the current range of facilities and activities would remain available.

A further question was asked regarding the proposed schools denominational status.  It was reported that the Archbishop Cranmer site was owned by the Diocese and it was proposed that the new school would be Voluntary Controlled.  This would mean that although the school had some Diocese appointed Governors, admission procedures would be in accordance with a normal Local Education Authority School.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee supports the proposals and future investment at the Archbishop Cranmer site and that a significant proportion of the capital receipts from the disposal of the Fir Tree Primary School site should be invested in the Area.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 15 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager presented a report which contained recommendations of the Well-Being Fund Working Group.  A further appendix to the report regarding an application from Scott Hall Tenants and Residents Association was also tabled at the meeting.

Due to Councillor Lancaster’s personal and prejudicial declaration regarding the application from Meanwood Elders, her subsequent withdrawal rendered the  meeting inquorate and as a result the application was unable to be determined.

RESOLVED – That the following decisions be made in respect of the revenue applications submitted for consideration at this meeting:-

Revenue – Large Grants

(i)  Meanwood Intensive Family Support Project - £3,500 – Approved.

(ii)  Meanwood Elders - £2,418 – Deferred.

Revenue – Small Grants

Scott Hall Tenants and Residents Association - £184 – Approved

(Councillor Rafique left the meeting at 5.35 p.m. following the conclusion of this item).

To receive and consider the report of the north East Area Manager.

Time – 15 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager presented a report which gave the Area Committee a progress report on Funding Advice and K-Fund 2006/07 applications given in the North East Inner Area.  Appended to the reports was detail of all organisations that had received advice and funding.

The Chair welcomed Paul Auber, Grant and Funding Advice Officer to the meeting.  It was reported that there had only been limited success within the Moortown and Roundhay wards, but spot publicity was being carried out with leaflets and posters at community buildings and surveys sent to local organisations.  Further feedback would be given to the Area Committee regarding this.  In response to a Members question, it was also reported that organisations which were seeking assistance on business planning were referred to the relevant agencies where possible, although it was recognised that there was a gap in providing business planning advice for voluntary sector organisations.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 15 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager presented a report which provided the Area Committee with an update regarding the funding of the Feel Good Factor and the lease of 53 Louis Street, Chapeltown.

The Area Committee was requested to act as a guarantor for the Feel Good Factor to underwrite the sum of  £49,000 from Big Lottery Funds.  The funding was for improvements at 53 Louis Street.

It was reported that the risk of underwriting the sum was negligible due to the following factors:

• The sum of £49,000 would reduce over 10 years on a pro-rata basis.
• If the Feel Good Factor project folded, Well-Being funds would not be used to pay back the lottery grant if the new tenants of the premises were a voluntary organisation which offered similar facilities to the local community.
• The premises could be disposed of which would generate sufficient capital receipts to underwrite the sum without risking capital funds.

It was reported that it was likely there would be other groups willing to use the premises if the Feel Good Factor project folded.

RESOLVED – That the Area Committee demonstrates its on-going commitment to the development of the Feel Good Factor and underwrites the sum of £49,000.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 10 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager presented  a report which provided Members with a summary of recent actions and achievements of the North East District Partnership.  Draft District Neighbourhood Action Plans (D-NAPs) for Meanwood, Moortown and Chapel Allerton were appended to the report.

It was reported that there would be changes to the North East District Partnership following organisational changes to the Primary Care Trusts, Police, ALMOs and Adult and Childrens Services.  The District Action Plan would also be reviewed to take account of other local strategies and initiatives including the Local Area Agreements and Intensive Neighbourhood Management.

RESOLVED – That recent actions and achievements be noted and Members should feed any further comments to the Area Management Team.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 10 Mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area Manager presented a report which provided Members with a summary of recent developments in the establishment of the priority neighbourhood in Moor Allerton.

Members attention was brought to the draft Moor Allerton Action Plan  which identified the Moor Allerton Area as  a priority neighbourhood where there is a need for intensive multi-agency partnership working to overcome issues faced by residents in terms of health, education, employment, crime, housing and the environment. It was reported that the Area Committee would receive future updates on the actions and achievements and Members were asked to  provide further comments to the Area Management team.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 10 mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area manager presented a report  which provided Members with a summary of recent actions and achievements of the Area Committee and Area Management Team.  Significant actions and achievements since the last Area Committee included the completion of the Chapeltown Community Facilities Review and the work on the community impact assessment in the Miles Hill/Potternewton area.

RESOLVED – That the report and recent actions and achievements be noted.

To receive and consider the attached report of the North East Area Manager.

Time – 5 mins (Executive Function)

The North East Area manager submitted a report which updated the Area Committee on feedback from consultative forums held within the North East Inner area.  The report gave details of future forums and feedback on forums held since the last meeting of the Area Committee.

It was noted that recent forums had been held at Meanwood and Chapeltown.  Issues discussed included LNEh Estate Investment Funds, District Neighbourhood Action Plans, ALMO Review, the Chapeltown Road Development Plan, Lift Project and Policing Issues.  There had also been  a planning event covering the Queenshill, Fieldhouses and Leafields estates to identify issues as part of the Moor Allerton Partnership Neighbourhood Action Plan.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Monday, 4^th December 2006 at 5.00 p.m. at the Austin Burke Memorial Centre, 196 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4HZ

RESOLVED – That the next meeting of the North East Inner Area Committee be held at 4.00 p.m. on Monday, 4^th December 2006 at the Austin Burke Memorial Centre, 196 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4HZ.