To receive a deputation by the Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting that funding be made available to fund the provision of Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor throughout 2012.
(Please note that in accordance with Paragraph 6.19 of the Area Committee Procedures Rules, the deputation shall not be more than 5 minutes in duration)
Minutes:
(a) Proliferation of Student Tower Blocks in the City Centre. – The Committee received a deputation from residents of the Little Woodhouse community highlighting the proliferation of student tower blocks in the city centre. Bill Mckinnon, spokesperson for the group said that the erection of the tower blocks had resulted in an increased student population on the borders of Little Woodhouse by several thousand leading to huge increases in anti-social behaviour. It was also understood that there were other similar student housing developments being planned for other city centre areas which would adversely effect the residential amenity of the area.
Mr McKinnon asked if the Area Committee would support the residents of Little Woodhouse and write to the Chief Planning Officer objecting to further student housing development in the area.
The Community Planning Officer, Mr Platten, confirmed that 3 student housing projects were currently at the pre application stage.
In the discussion that ensued Members were generally supportive of the concerns raised by the deputation suggesting that further student housing development in the city centre would threaten the residential amenity of the area.
Councillors: Akhtar, Chastney and Matthews did not participate in the discussion or express a view on this item as Members of Plans Panels (West) who would be involved in the determination of any subsequent planning application.
RESOLVED –
(i) To welcome and support the Deputation from residents of the Little Woodhouse community.
(ii) That the Chair of the Planning Sub Group be requested to write, on behalf of the Committee to the Chief Planning Officer suggesting that further student housing development in the city centre would threaten the residential amenity of the area.
(b) Funds to Provide Park Wardens on Woodhouse Moor – The Committee received a deputation from Friends of Woodhouse Moor requesting that funds be made available to provide Park Wardens for Woodhouse Moor throughout 2012. Sue Buckle, spokesperson for the Group said that it was extremely important that the services of the Park Wardens be retained. The presence of the Park Wardens was a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and reduced damage to the area. In recent years funding for the Park Wardens has been reduced resulting in a reduced presence on the park. It was understood that the fire brigade had been called out on an number of occasions in previous years to deal with fires as a consequence of barbeque activity. This resulted in Leeds City Council picking up the cost for calling upon the resources of the fire service. The retention and possible increase of the Park Warden presence may reduce the number of occasions the fire service are called upon.
In summing up Sue urged Members to support the retention of the Park Warden Service.
Stuart Byrne, Area Support Team confirmed that an application for funding had been received and would be considered through the 2012/13 Well Being Fund process.
The Committee appeared to be generally supportive of the retention of the Park Warden Service suggesting that due consideration would be given when determining the 2012/13 Well Being Budget.
RESOLVED –
(i) To welcome and support the Deputation from the Friends of Woodhouse Moor
(ii) That due consideration be given to the retention of the Park Warden Service when determining the 2012/13 Well Being allocation.