Public Document Pack
NORTH WEST (INNER) AREA COMMITTEE
Meeting to be held at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds 16 on Thursday, 18th December, 2008 at 7.00 pm
MEMBERSHIP
Councillors
M Hamilton - Headingley J Matthews - Headingley J Monaghan (Chair) - Headingley
P Ewens - Hyde Park and Woodhouse K Hussain - Hyde Park and Woodhouse L Rhodes-Clayton - Hyde Park and Woodhouse
B Atha - Kirkstall J Illingworth - Kirkstall L Yeadon - Kirkstall
S Bentley - Weetwood J Chapman - Weetwood B Chastney - Weetwood
Agenda compiled by: Stuart Robinson W N W Area Manager: Steve Crocker Governance Services Unit 247 4360 Tel: 395 0966 Civic Hall LEEDS LS1 1UR
Produced on Recycled Paper A
A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF COUNCIL FUNCTIONS AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
There are certain functions that are defined by regulations which can only be carried out at a meeting of the Full Council or under a Scheme of Delegation approved by the Full Council. Everything else is an Executive Function and, therefore, is carried out by the Council’s Executive Board or under a Scheme of Delegation agreed by the Executive Board.
The Area Committee has some functions which are delegated from full Council and some Functions which are delegated from the Executive Board. Both functions are kept separately in order to make it clear where the authority has come from so that if there are decisions that the Area Committee decides not to make they know which body the decision should be referred back to.
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A G E N D A
Item Ward Item Not Page No Open No
1 APPEALS AGAINST REFUSAL OF INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)
(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 25, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting)
2 EXEMPT INFORMATION - POSSIBLE EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
1 To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.
2 To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.
3 If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-
RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-
No exempt items or information have been identified on this agenda.
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Item Ward Item Not Page No Open No
3 LATE ITEMS
To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration
(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)
4 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
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
5 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
6 OPEN FORUM
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.
7 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING 1 - 10
To receive and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 th November 2008.
8 FORUM AND SUB GROUP UPDATE REPORT 11 - (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) 26
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing Members with full minutes from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee.
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Item Ward Item Not Page No Open No
9 REVISED CHILDREN'S SERVICES 27 - ARRANGEMENTS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE 34 LOCALITY WORKING WITH FAMILIES (COUNCIL FUNCTION)
To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services on revised children’s services arrangements for more effective locality working with families.
10 THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S PLAN 35 - 2009-14 AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL 38 PRIORITIES FOR ACTION (COUNCIL FUNCTION)
To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services setting out a proposed structure for the new Children and Young People’s Plan.
11 A660 OTLEY ROAD CYCLING STUDY 39 - (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) 58
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the outcome of a Cycling Study of the A660 Otley Road commissioned by the Leeds Cycling Action Group.
12 A660 CORRIDOR TRANSPORT ISSUES 59 - (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) 68
To consider a report of the Director of City Development on the A660 Corridor Transport Issues.
13 COMMUNITY SAFETY 2004-2008 (EXECUTIVE 69 - FUNCTION) 84
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 and March 2008, together with highlighting key activities during the last twelve months.
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Item Ward Item Not Page No Open No
14 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (EXECUTIVE 85 - FUNCTION) 98
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals for community engagement in Inner North West Leeds, together with describing how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, and thereby enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.
15 AREA MANAGER'S REPORT (EXECUTIVE 99 - FUNCTION) 106
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing the meeting of progress on a number of projects and issues in Inner North West Leeds not addressed elsewhere on the agenda.
16 HOUSING STRATEGY FOR THE AREA OF 107 - HOUSING MIX (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) 130
To consider a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods on the final draft of the Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix.
17 HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMOS) 131 - (EXECUTIVE FUNCTION) 150
To consider a report of the Director of City Development updating Members on the recent work carried out for Communities and Local Government in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation.
18 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING 151 - 152 Thursday 5 th February 2009 at 7.00pm (venue to be confirmed)
MAP OF TODAY’S MEETING
West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE
F Agenda Item 7
NORTH WEST (INNER) AREA COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER, 2008
PRESENT: Councillor J Monaghan in the Chair
Councillors B Atha, S Bentley, B Chastney, P Ewens, M Hamilton, J Illingworth, J Matthews and L Yeadon
OFFICERS: Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager Jason Singh, Deputy Area Manager Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management Paul Russell, City Development Sean Flesher, Parks and Countryside Phil Staniforth, Parks and Countryside Christine George, Learning and Skills Council Paul Forbes, Learning and Skills Council Nicole Jackson, Chief Executive’s Department Stuart Robinson, Chief Executive’s Department Inspector Ian Croft, West Yorkshire Police Inspector Fran Naughton, West Yorkshire Police
MEMBERS OF Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby THE PUBLIC : Barrie Payne, Leeds HMO Lobby Richard Norton, Headingley Development Trust Bill McKinnon, Friends of Woodhouse Moor Linda Cullen, Moor Grange Action Group Rob Damiao, University of Leeds Students Union Scott Blakeway, Unipol Student Homes Amanda Jackson, University of Leeds Sophie Hughes, Leeds Metropolitan University Max Farrar, Leeds Metropolitan University Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association/ Friends of Woodhouse Moor Rachel Harkess, Headingley Network Joyce Pearson, Supporting the Elderly Wendy Moore, Supporting the Elderly Rita Lee, Spen Hill Residents Association Violet Berry, Spen Hill Residents Association Sarah Dixon, Peanut Press Organisation Rob Dale, Peanut Press Organisation Annie Faulder, North Hyde Park Residents Group Josie Green, Local Resident Mike Taylor, Local Resident James Harwood, Local Resident James Taylor, Local Resident Tony Green, Local Resident Keith Ruffles, Local Resident Fiona Kirkby, Leeds Festival Chorus
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 1 Norman Bell, Leeds Symphony Orchestra Alan West, Leeds Symphony Orchestra Audrey West, Leeds Symphony Orchestra M Walsh, Willows Residents Association
39 Chair's Opening Remarks The Chair welcomed everyone to the November meeting of the North West (Inner) Area Committee held at South Parade Baptist Church, Kirkstall Lane, Headingley, Leeds 6.
He made reference to a public open forum in relation to a ‘Drugs and the Community Workshop’ which was held prior to the Area Committee. He thanked all those concerned for their input and valuable contribution to the open forum.
In concluding, he informed the meeting that Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management would be transferring to the South Area Management office with effect from January 2009. On behalf of the Area Committee, he thanked her for her support since August 2008.
40 Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public RESOLVED – That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated exempt on the grounds that it is likely, in the view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information so designated as follows:-
Appendix 1 to the report referred to in Minute 54 under the terms of Access to Information Rule 10.4(3) on the grounds that this document disclosed information on how discounts could be applied to the various groups. In these circumstances it was considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption in relation to this appendix outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information by reason of the fact that by disclosing these details, information relating to the financial affairs of the named groups would become public knowledge, which could have a detrimental impact on the organisations.
41 Declarations of Interest The following personal interests were declared:-
• Councillor J Illingworth in view of him renting a Council owned allotment which was located a few metres from the proposed BMX site on Kirkstall Road – Open Forum (Agenda Item 7) (Minute 44(c) refers)
• Councillor S Bentley in view of her daughter who had attended musical instrument classes at the West Park Centre – West Park Centre (Agenda Item 10) (Minute 45 refers)
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 2 • Councillor J Illingworth in his capacity as a Director and Company Secretary of Kirkstall Valley Park – Well-being Report (Agenda Item 14) (Minute 53 refers)
42 Apologies for Absence Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor J Chapman, Councillor L Rhodes-Clayton and Councillor K Hussain.
43 Deputation regarding the West Park Centre The Committee received a deputation from a spokesperson representing each of the following five local Residents’ Groups; namely Moor Grange Action Group; Spen Hill Residents’ Association; West Park Residents’ Association; West Park Fields Action Group and Supporting The Elderly People. The deputation made specific reference to the proposed disposal of the West Park Centre and requested the Area Committee to support the retention of West Park Centre for community use and West Park playing fields as Green Belt, Urban Green Corridor and Urban Green Space.
RESOLVED – That the deputation be received and noted.
44 Open Forum In accordance with paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed members of the public to make representations or ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.
(a) Area Delivery Plan 2008/11 Annie Faulder, North Hyde Park Residents Group referred to the Area Delivery Plan 2008/11 and sought clarification on the consultation process.
Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded and referred to the Committee’s resolution taken on the 31 st July 2008 and confirmed that it was a three year plan which would be reviewed again in March 2009.
(b) Royal Park School Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association / Friends of Woodhouse Moor referred to the Royal Park School and enquired on the latest position.
Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded and outlined the current negotiations and it was agreed to include this issue within the Area Manager’s Report for consideration at the next meeting in December 2008.
(c) Proposed Replacement BMX Track within North West Inner Ward Mike Taylor, BMX Group referred to a number of potential sites for a replacement BMX track within the North West Inner ward.
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 3 Discussion ensued on the proposals outlined and the Area Committee supported the need for a replacement BMX track within the North West Inner ward.
Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management responded and agreed to convene a meeting with the relevant ward members, Parks and Countryside and the BMX Group to discuss potential sites, together with developing an action plan.
(d) Waste Disposal Site on Kirkstall Road A local resident referred to the redevelopment of a Waste Disposal site on Kirkstall Road and raised her concerns that local residents had not been consulted.
Following a brief discussion, Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management agreed to look into this issue with a report back on progress at the next meeting in December 2008.
45 West Park Centre Referring to Minute 26(a) of the meeting held on 25th September 2008, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the West Park Centre.
The report informed Members regarding:-
• the inclusion of the West Park Centre on the list of capital receipts • the relocation of some existing users of the facility
Prior to Members discussing the content of the report, the Chair allowed a number of local residents, together with representatives from the Moor Grange Action Group. Leeds Symphony Orchestra and West Yorkshire Police to make representations in support of the retention of the West Park Centre and playing fields.
Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report and it was the consensus of those Members present that the West Park Centre should be retained for use by the local community and city wide arts organisations and to oppose any development of the West Park playing fields.
In concluding, reference was also made to the Council’s current disposal list and the Committee agreed to request the Executive Board to remove the building from the disposal list.
RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the report be noted. (b) That this Committee supports the retention of the West Park Centre for use by the local community and city wide arts organisations. (c) That this Committee opposes any development of the West Park playing fields and requests the Executive Board to remove the building from the Council’s current disposal list.
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 4
46 Minutes of the Previous Meeting RESOLVED – (a) That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 th September 2008 be approved as a correct record. (b) That the update on matters arising from the previous minutes be noted.
47 Matters Arising from the Minutes (a) Future Plans for Partnership Working (Minute 28(d) refers) Dr Richard Tyler, Leeds HMO Lobby referred to the above issue and sought clarification in relation to the remit of the Shared Housing Group, Central Headingley Strategy Group and the Housing Strategy Group.
The Chair responded and outlined the following arrangements for the information of the meeting:-
(i) the Shared Housing Group was a sub group of the Private Rented Sector Strategy Group, with a city-wide remit; though it was not a sub-group of Area Committee, its minutes were submitted to the Committee for information (ii) the Central Headingley Strategy Group was established by the Headingley, Kirkstall and Weetwood Community Involvement Team in 2004 to produce Headingley Renaissance. After the publication of the Headingley Renaissance, it ceased meeting, but was re-established by Area Committee on 7 th December 2006. A meeting of the group would be convened shortly (iii) the Housing Strategy Group was established as a sub-group of Area Committee last year in order to develop a housing strategy for the Area of Housing Mix. The next meeting of the group would be held on 18 th November 2008
48 Community Safety Update (Withdrawn – to be considered at the next meeting in December 2008)
49 Forum and Sub Group Update Report The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing Members with full minutes from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee, together with further information of future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.
Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.
RESOLVED- (a) That the contents of the report and appendices be noted. (b) That this Committee supports the request from the Planning Group to oppose planning applications relating to the Leeds Girls High School sites.
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 5 (c) That in relation to the Planning Group’s request for the Area Committee to consider the benefits of commissioning an Area Action Plan, the Community Planning Officer be requested to investigate a well-being funding proposal in this regard.
50 A65 Quality Bus Initiative The Director of City Development submitted a report on the A65 Quality Bus Initiative.
The purpose of the report was to provide a brief update to Members of the Area Committee on progress with the design and procurement of the A65 Quality Bus Initiative and also seek any comments on these proposals.
Paul Russell, Principal Engineer, Highways Services made a brief presentation on the proposals and responded to Members’ queries and comments.
Discussion ensued on the contents of the report.
In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-
• the need for detailed plans to be made available within the public arena to encourage community engagement • the general views of Members that the scheme was not working with specific reference to traffic road noise and the need for noise assessments (The Principal Engineer responded and agreed to follow up individual issues raised via email) • the need for a demonstration in relation to the traffic signal times at the Willow Road/Kirkstall Road junction (The Principal Engineer responded and agreed to follow up this issue via West North West Area Manager) • the need for the Committee to address the issue of bus lanes on the A660 at a future meeting
RESOLVED- That the contents of the report and presentation be noted.
51 Woodhouse Moor Park The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on Woodhouse Moor Park.
Appended to the report was a copy of a document entitled ‘Response to the deputation regarding the provision of Park Wardens and other issues on Woodhouse Moor Park – Report of the Director of City Development’ previously considered at the Executive Board meeting on 8 th October 2008.
Sean Flesher and Phil Staniforth, Parks and Countryside were in attendance and responded to Members’ queries and comments.
Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 6 In summary, specific reference was made by Members to the following issues:-
• the willingness for the Area Committee to work with Parks and Countryside • clarification of the Heritage Lottery Fund arrangements • the need for continued public consultation in this area • the need to engage all local residents who use the park facilities
RESOLVED- (a) That the contents of the report and appendices be noted. (b) That this Committee notes the content of the Executive Board’s report and it’s implications concerning Woodhouse Moor park.
52 Leeds Colleges Merger - Consultation The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking the agreement from the Area Committee on a process by which it was felt appropriate influence could be made on future delivery of post 16 and adult learning by the new merged college.
The following representatives were in attendance:-
Christine George – Learning and Skills Council Paul Forbes – Learning and Skills Council
Christine George made a brief presentation on the proposed merger and responded to Members’ queries and comments.
In response to the presentation, Members supported the proposals outlined, in principle, and noted that future reports would be presented to the Committee on this issue.
RESOLVED – (a) That the contents of the report and presentation be noted. (b) That a further report on the outcome of the accommodation/estates review of the new Leeds City College, once completed in 2009 be submitted to this Committee for consideration.
53 Well-being Report The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on the Well-being budget, together with monitoring updates for quarters 1 and 2 on Well-being projects funded during 2007/08 that have previously not been completed and 2008/09.
Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-
(a) Breakdown of Revenue Spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 1 refers) (b) Breakdown of Capital Spend by theme 2008/09 (Appendix 2 refers)
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 7 Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.
Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.
RESOLVED- (a) That the contents of the report and appendices be noted. (b) That the WNW Area Manager be requested to follow up the following issues raised at the meeting:- i) Sandy Lane Footpath – the reasons behind the delay ii) Hyde Park Festive Lights – an update on progress iii) Woodhouse Moor Users Survey – the omission of the survey from the report iv) Yorkstone Paving - the process for deciding areas to be targeted (c) That in relation to the on-going developments at Kirkstall Mills, together with the other public assets within the area, the WNW Area Manager be requested to consult with the Director of City Development with a view to reporting back progress on this issue in the Area Manager’s Report for discussion at the next meeting in December 2008.
54 Pricing and Lettings Policy for Community Centres Referring to Minute 62 of the meeting held on 13 th December 2007, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report on proposals for a pricing and lettings policy for Community Centres.
Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-
(a) A list of current users and how they may be affected by the proposed pricing policy (Appendix 1 refers) (Exempt under 10.4 (3)) (b) A draft schedule of charges and discounts for community centre pricing and lettings policy in Inner North West Leeds (Appendix 2 refers)
Sheila Fletcher, North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members queries and comments.
Discussion ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.
RESOLVED- (a) That the contents of the report and appendices be noted. (b) That approval be given to the development of the proposed Pricing and Lettings Policy in accordance with the principles outlined in the report. (c) That approval be given to a three month community and user consultation period following approval of the draft policy.
55 Date and Time of Next Meeting Thursday 18 th December 2008 at 7.00 pm (venue to be confirmed)
(The meeting concluded at 9.50pm)
Draft minutes to be approved at the meeting to be held on Thursday, 18th December, 2008
Page 8 Matters Arising from previous meeting
The following provides an update on issues from the last Area Committee meeting held on 13 th November 2008 that do not appear on the agenda of this meeting.
44d BMX track In order to help establish the viability of the proposed BMX sites, details of each of the sites will be put through the LEDA process (Land Evaluation Development Appraisal). This is attended by representatives of Departments including Housing, Parks & Countryside, Development, Highways and Education and provides the opportunity for comments to be received about the sites. Following a report from LEDA, a meeting will be set up with Members and relevant stakeholders to begin developing a project plan. This will include identifying all relevant stakeholders, sources of funding and the appropriate level of consultation. The sites that have been put forward are:
• Dobby Row - land between the A65 and the goit in Kirkstall opposite Burley Wood Mount • Cragside recreation ground, Hawksworth • Queenswood Drive recreation ground • West Park Playing Fields • Meanwood Park • Woodhouse Ridge
44e Waste Disposal Site, Evanston Ave Kirkstall Road The Council, along with other local authorities, is planning to develop treatment facilities for waste that is not recycled so as to minimise the environmental impact of landfill. Those bidding for the contract to construct and operate such a facility have been invited to come forward with alternative suitable sites. Should a treatment facility be constructed in the East of the City, it is likely that a waste transfer station would be required in the West of the City, in order to minimise the environmental impact and inefficiencies of all refuse collection vehicles in the City delivering waste to a single location. Waste would be 'bulked up' at this facility for onward transfer to the main treatment facility. It is currently anticipated that the contract will be finally awarded in mid 2010.
Managing any potential impacts on local communities is of paramount importance to the Council. Any redevelopment of the Evanston Avenue site would be to a very modern and high specification that would far surpass the existing facilities in terms of minimising these impacts. This would obviously mean the removal of the existing fire-damaged structures on this site. Any such redevelopment would also be carried out in consultation with local residents.
However, it is important to emphasise that the Evanston Avenue site does not represent the Council's preferred option for a waste transfer station, and further work is in progress to assess the suitability of this site and any potential alternatives.
45 West Park Centre. The Chair of the Inner North West Area Committee has written a letter to the Executive Board Member for Development stating the Area Committee support the retention of the West Park Centre for community use and the West Park playing fields as Green Belt, Urban Green Corridor and Urban Green Space. In addition the letter requests that the West Park Centre is removed from the Council’s disposal list.
Page 9 49b LGHS opposition to planning applications. The Community Planning Officer has written a letter to the Director of Development stating the Area Committee’s opposition to planning applications relating to the Leeds Girls High School.
53b Well- Being Fund i. Sandy Lane Footpath . Staffing issues unfortunately caused a delay in progressing this project, however the legal notices for making this footpath a right of way have been made. There now follows a period for comments and objections followed by a further legal notice . It is anticipated that this footpath will become a right of way in February 2009. A range of options are currently being developed to improve lighting on this path. ii. Hyde Park Festive Lights No lights have been installed or used during 2008. Discussions have taken place about the possibility of locating the festive lights in the shopping area on Woodsley Road once the lighting columns in this area have been upgraded as part of the streetlighting PFI. The funding for this project can be rolled forward into 2009/10. iii. Woodhouse Moor Survey. Friends of Woodhouse Moor secured Well-Being funds of £2.439 in March 2007 to carry out research to establish an understanding of how people think about and use the Moor. Approximately 700 questionnaires were returned. An analysis of these are currently underway and a report outlining the findings will be presented to the Area Committee in February 2009. iv. Yorkstone Paving The decision on how this money will be spent will be made by the Streetscene subgroup. Members will be asked to suggest locations in each ward, which will then be costed and the group will make a decision on how to spend the monies.
Future reports to Area Committee Community Centres Pricing and Lettings Policy Neighbourhood Management/Neighbourhood Improvement Plans Area Delivery Plan progress and monitoring report Flood Risk Sports Pitches
Page 10 Agenda Item 8
Originator: Sheila Fletcher
Tel: 3952835
Report of the West North West Area Manager
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: Forum and Sub Group Update Report
Electoral W ards Affected: Specific Implications For:
ALL Equality and Diversity ü
Community Cohesion ü
Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap ü (referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive ü Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
This report provides Members with full minutes from ward forums and sub groups that have taken place since the last Area Committee. It also provides information on future meeting dates for the Committee’s forums and sub groups.
1.0 Background Information
1.1 The following forums and sub groups are covered by this report, with minutes of the meetings appended as shown:
• Headingley Forum 22 nd October (Appendix 1) • Planning sub group 5 th November ( Appendix 2 ) • Transport sub group 11 th November ( Appendix 3 )
1.2 Meetings of the following have taken place, however minutes are not yet available. Verbal updates can be provided at this meeting.
• Transport 10 th December • Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum 26 th November • Planning sub group 10 th December • Community Safety sub group 3 rd December • Children and Young People’s sub group – 16 th December 2008 Page 11 • Students and the Community sub group 1 st December 2008 • Housing Strategy sub group18th November 2008
2.0 Future meeting dates
2.1 The following provides details, where they have been set, of future dates and venues of the Committee’s forums and sub groups:-
• Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum – date to be confirmed • Kirkstall Burley Forum – 17 th February 2009 • Children and Young People’s sub group – date to be confirmed • Students and the Community – date to be confirmed • Planning sub group – date to be confirmed • Streetscene sub group – 8th January 2009 • Headingley Forum – no date set • Housing Strategy Group – date to be confirmed • Community Safety sub group – date to be confirmed • Central Headingley Strategy Group –date to be confirmed
3.0 Recommendations
3.1 The Area Committee is asked to note the contents of the minutes.
Background reports None
Page 12
Environment and Neighbourhoods North West Area Management Office
Headingley Forum 22 nd October 2008, 7pm at The Cardigan Centre
Present Councillor Jamie Matthews (Chair) Headingley Ward Member Councillor Martin Hamilton Headingley Ward Member Christopher Lovell Resident R Collins NHPNA R Simkin Resident B Payne H.M.O. M Staniforth NHPNA Ben Mc Dougall Leeds Met Students Union Penny Bainbridge Cardigan Centre Brian Senior Resident Ian Barraclough Resident Patrick Ebbutt Resident Tony Green NHPNA Pauline and Bryan Elliott Residents Mercia Southern NHPNA Mr Chohan Resident J Ellis Resident Josie Green Resident
Officers in attendance Jade Corcoran Community Planner Andrew Milnes LCC Streetscene Services Chris Firth LCC Streetscene Services Sgt Teresa Dmoch West Yorkshire Police PC Steve Dodds West Yorkshire Police Amanda Jackson Community Policy Officer S Exley Head of Security and Support Services Zahid Butt Community safety Officer Gerry Burnham North West Area Management Team
Page 13 1.0 Introductions and Apologies
1.1 Cllr Jamie Matthews welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Officers in attendance.
1.2 Apologies were received from Rachel Harkess, Max Farrar, David Collett, Richard Tyler, Inspt Ian Croft and A Faulter.
2.0 Leeds Girls High School (LGHS)
2.1 Jade Corcoran the Community Planner for Inner North West gave an update on LGHS: • The submitted PPG17 Assessment is not sufficiently robust with discrepancies throughout the report that lead to unfounded conclusions. In addition, Sport England is not satisfied that any of the exceptions of their Playing Field Policy have been demonstrated.
• The most recent assessment that has been received discusses the potential of the playing fields to serve as open space, and does not address the concerns expressed regarding the appraisal of the playing fields. There are several concerns with the depth and relevance of the subsequent report.
• English Heritage considers that the proposed development does not respect the existing urban form of the area. Objection has also been raised to extension of Rose Court.
• The Local Planning Authority has concerns in terms of design, conservation, and landscape.
• The Local Authority’s Highway Officers have requested a Travel Plan, revised Transport Assessment and more details of general parking provision. In addition to this, they have objected to the proposed vehicular access onto Headingley Lane.
• Lastly, Yorkshire Water have also raised objection to the development as two of the proposed units will be located over the line of sewers, which could jeopardise Yorkshire Water’s ability to maintain the sewerage Network.
3.0 Update on HDT’s proposals for the development of the former Headingley Primary school:
3.1 Background information was circulated at the meeting – copies to be distributed with the minutes.
Page 14 4.0 Streetscene
4.1 AM informed the meeting that he was moving to a new position within Streetscene Services and introduced Chris Firth as the new Area Manager for the Headingley area.
4.2 Student Changeover - AM advised that 800 tonnes of waste was removed from the area during this period, resulting in an additional cost of £36,000. Budgets for 2009/10 have not yet been agreed.
4.3 Leaf fall – sweeping schedules will be altered to enable the service to deal with the leafing programme. The worst effected areas are being targeted. This is predominately the roads off Headingley Lane, Wood Lane and areas around the centre.
4.4 Traffic Regulation Orders are being introduced in the following areas; Tree Lawns, Ash Road, Queenswood Road, Chestnut Avenue and Cliffe Road. Parking restrictions will be in place between 9.00am and 12.00 or 1.00pm to allow Streetscene Services to carryout refuse collection and street cleansing. These restrictions will be enforceable with a fine.
4.5 BP commented that he recently counted 135 cars parked on the proposed yellow line area. He felt that parking restrictions should be for the whole area otherwise the problem was just being shifted and not resolved. Cllr M responded that these were not permanent parking restrictions.
4.6 The recent dispute with regards to pay and grading within Streetscene has not been resolved as yet.
4.7 Ginnels – a local resident raised concerns that the ginnels between Headingley and Hyde Park were ankle deep in leaves. Specific areas include Cumberland Road, Grosvenor Road and Cliffe Lane. CF to follow up. Action CF
4.8 A resident of Granby Close informed the meeting that despite numerous requests residents of this block had still not received green bags. In addition, the bins at the back of the Granby’s were overflowing and the area was in an appalling condition. CF to follow up. Action CF
4.9 Concerns were raised regarding the lack of litter bins in the area. Cumberland Road was specifically mentioned. Local Ward Councillors to work with Streetscene Officers on the allocation of new bins. Action Cllrs and CF
4.10 A number of residents felt that LCC were too lenient with landlords. One resident gave an example of where it had taken six months to remove furniture from a kerb side. CF confirmed that the dumping of
Page 15 rubbish was a problem in the area and that Streetscene were looking at recruiting an Enforcement Officer specifically for the Headingley. Residents were encouraged to report incidents to the contact centre - Tel 0113 3984760.
4.11 Cllr Matthews informed the meeting that Headingley was a unique area and various initiatives were being considered to tackle Streetscene issues.
5.0 Student Changeover
5.1 Amanda Jackson the Community Policy Officer from the University of Leeds introduced herself and gave an update on the work currently being undertaken by the University to educate students on community issues. A Community Guide was circulated – this is given to all students moving from Halls of Residence to privately rented accommodation. Copies available upon request.
5.2 Concerns were raised that although an enormous amount of effort and resources were put into the student changeover the situation was equally as bad as previous years. Some residents felt that tougher measures were required to tackle this problem.
5.3 Steve Exley Head of Security and Support Services at the University answered questions and informed the meeting that disciplinary action will be taken against student offenders.
5.4 Forum members were reminded of the Neighbourhood Helpline this is a University initiative to report incidents of anti social behaviour from student neighbours. Tel 0113 3431064 . Email: [email protected]
6.0 Noise Nuisance
6.1 Cllr Matthews is working with LCC Officers on ways of reducing noise nuisance. This issue will be revisited at the next Forum.
7.0 Police Update
7.1 Sgt Teresa Dmoch provided an update from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT):
Ø An unprovoked attack took place in the early hours of Saturday 18 th October in the Mayville area. Two students sustained injuries. The NPT attended the scene and 3 arrests were made. It was emphasised that this was a one-off incident however high visibility patrols are in the area to reassure residents.
Ø Additional resources are being requested in the run up to the Christmas period. The NPT are working closely with licensees on
Page 16 new initiatives such as an ‘Archway’ device which detects offensive weapons.
Ø Proactive measures are being taken to tackle drugs – a newspaper article was circulated providing details of a recent success involving 2 police trained dogs – article to be circulated with the minutes.
Ø Parking Issues – the NPT are working closely with LCC on parking initiatives to tackle traffic congestion and illegal parking.
Ø There has been a slight increase in car crime reports over the weekend of 17 th /18th Oct in the Ash Road area. However 4 arrests have been made over the last few days.
Ø There has been a 23% reduction in crime in August 2008 compared to Aug 2007 and 21% reduction in September compared to the same period last year.
Ø Graffiti – it was reported that there has been a significant development in tackling graffiti crime. It is felt that a small minority carryout the majority of offences and 1 arrest has been made. The meeting agreed that success stories should be publicised more. Noted
7.2 A request was made for the number of arrests made in the previous 12 months and also a comparison of the number of traffic related accidents over the last few years. Sgt Dmoch to provide details to be circulate with the minutes. Action Sgt. Dmoch
7.3 A local resident informed the meeting that there had been an outbreak of lead stripping in the southern part of the Ward. The police are aware of this and ongoing enquiries are being made. This is a countrywide problem.
7.4 Concerns were raised regarding taxi’s blowing horns late at night and issues with private hire vehicles parking illegally.
8.0 Next Meeting
8.1 It was agreed that future meetings should be held on an adhoc basis as and when they are required.
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Page 18 PLANNING GROUP 5th November 2008 (9:00 – 10:00) Civic Hall
MINUTES
Present: Cllr P Ewens (Chair) Hyde Park and Woodhouse Cllr S Bentley Weetwood Cllr J Illingworth Kirkstall Freda Matthews Hyde Park and Woodhouse Resident Rep. Richard Tyler Headingley Resident Rep. David Hall Far Headingley Resident Representative Ken Torode Kirkstall Resident Representative
Officer(s) in Jade Corcoran Community Planner Attendance
Action 1. Apologises & Minutes (Including Matters Arising) 1.1. Apologies from Cllr Monaghan 1.2. Item 3.3 – KT commented that all S106 monies should be for the JC local community. DH added that there should be a schedule of projects funded through S106s. JC commented that S106s must be based relevant to the particular application and respond to an established need. Cllr Bentley voiced concern that councillors are not actively engaged within process of formulating S106s. The group resolved for a letter to written to Phil Crabtree regarding the community being involved with how S106s are formulated and how the monies are finally spent.
2. Neighbourhood Design Statements update 2.1. KT - Kirkstall Vision Group were holding several workshops with the aim of gathering information on how the community would like to see Kirkstall develop in the short, medium, and long term. 2.2. FM - Little Woodhouse Neighbours Association would be holding a Christmas Fare on the 29 th November 2008, where the draft format of their NDS would be attending. 2.3. RT - the scoping report is being finalised. The contents of the document are currently being drafted.
3. LDF / National Policy Update 3.1. JC reported that the Affordable Housing SPD was within the final weeks of the consultation period. Cllr Ewens asked if she could submit her comments over the coming weekend. This was acceptable. 3.2. JC briefly updated the group on the recent changes to the JC Permitted Development rights for householders. It was agreed that a summery document of the alterations would be circulated to
Page 19 the group before the next Planning Group.
4. Significant Applications/Appeals 4.1. Leeds Girls High School Update The PPG17 Assessment is not sufficiently robust with discrepancies throughout the report that lead to unfounded conclusions. In addition, Sport England is not satisfied that any of the exceptions of their Playing Field Policy have been demonstrated. The most recent assessment that has been received discusses the potential of the playing fields to serve as open space. This report does not respond to the concerns of the previous assessment, and is not particularly relevant and in depth with regards to green space.
The Local Planning Authority has raised several concerns with regards to the proposal in terms of conservation, design, and landscape. English Heritage have also objected to the scheme due to proposed layout and insensitive extension proposed to Rose Court.
Highways have requested further information, and have objected to the proposed vehicular access onto Headingley Lane. Yorkshire Water have raised objection to the development as two of the proposed units will be located over the line of sewers, which could jeopardise their ability to maintain the sewerage Network.
JI commented that the Primary Health Care Trust should be consulted due to the health implications over the loss of the playing pitches. JC is to raise the matter with the case officer.
4.2. Tetley Hall Update Concern has been expressed regarding both schemes (08/04049/FU & 08/04024/FU) in terms of design, materials, and the quality of the green space. The layout of the proposal is considered to feature car dominated cutilages of the proposed buildings due to the quantum of the new development. The revised drawing that have been received a addressed a number of concerns regarding the detailing. However, the scale and massing has not really altered. The amended scheme has not yet been reviewed by the design team.
The viability study has now been assessed , and it is the opinion of the Senior Development Surveyor that when the correct purchase price is used within the appraisal the development is unviable. However, she does note that at the price the applicant has valued the land scheme is viable. The conclusions drawn, are that the developer bought this site at considerable risk when they knew the requirements for affordable housing beforehand and other section 106 contributions.
The highways team have not objected to the scheme in principle.
Page 20 Several recommendations have been made.
4.3. The Wise Owl, Otley Old Road (Medical Centre) The site is located on the corner of Iveson Approach and Otley Old Road, and is currently occupied by a two storey brick public house with a hipped roof and slate tiles. The proposal is a health centre to replace Tinshill Lane Surgery ‘that is no longer fit for purpose’ [D&A Statement]. The proposal has been designed as two wings with a glazed atrium. The wing fronting Otley Old Road is proposed at two storey with a single storey pharmacy attached, and the wing set along Iveson Approach is single storey. The pharmacy is proposed to be accessed from within the health centre and externally. The design is a modern approach that includes a variety of materials – glass, render, aluminium, and brick. JC provided the group with a set of plans and conceptual drawings to look over during the meeting.
JI stated that he had a conflict of interest. SB raised concern regarding the economic impact of the proposed pharmacy on an established pharmacy a short distance from the site.
4.4. Glassworks Appeal RT reported back to the group regarding appeal. Martin Carter (LCC QC) put forward a good case with an excellent closing summery. Parklane have an extant permission as a fall back option. RT commented that if the appeal was to be dismissed this case could be marked as a president. JC commented that RT did very well when giving evidence, and remained clear, calm, and credible though a gruelling cross examination by the appellants QC.
4.5. Cliff Lawn Hotel Three, four bedroom terrace, houses and new ramp to hotel. The proposal is contained within the site of the Cliff Lawn Hotel, which is an ornate gothic Victorian Brick building within the Conservation Area.
Each dwelling is to have an enclosed front and rear garden with two parking spaces. Access is to be gained from Montpelier Terrace with the Hotel access remaining the same. Permission has been given to remove several trees by SDU, and according to the design and access statement permission is not required to remove any more. The building height and volume has been substantial reduced from the previous application. The proposed terrace is to be set within a defined space, set back from the frontage of the hotel and down by approximately 1.8m due to the gradient of the site. The proposal has been designed simply to complement the hotel and is to be constructed from brick with stone dressing and slate tiles. The hotel car park is proposed to extended slightly but the informal nature will be maintained.
Page 21 The proposal was bought before the group at pre-application stage. FM stated that the group advised them to speak with the local community. Concern was voiced that this has not occurred.
4.6. Headingley Stadium The stadium is undergoing repairs.
5. AOB 5.1. The Crypt’s move to St Michael’s – FM commented that those that neighbour the site should make their own views known, so she did not make representation on behalf of the neighbourhood association. Concern was raised by FM relating to the accuracy of the leaflets that have been circulated regarding the proposed temporary move by a number of the residents. Considering there is a police station next door some of the fear of the local residents should be allayed. The DPPO for the Little Woodhouse area will commence from January. 5.2. FM would like deserted sites to be a future agenda item. 5.3. DH r aised interest in the transport improvements to the A660. JC Gwyn Owen to be invited to a future meeting.
6. Key Message for Area Committee 6.1. For Action – The Planning Group requests that Area Committee considers the benefits of commissioning an Area Action Plan. 6.2. For Action – The Planning Group asks for that the process of decision making, priority ordering, and community involvement in relation to S106s is reviewed.
7. Date & Time of Next Meeting 7.1. Wednesday 10 th December 2008 – 9:00 (Civic Hall)
Page 22 Appendix 3
North West Inner Area Committee Transport Group 11 th November 2008 7.00pm, West Park Centre
Present: Councillor Ben Chastney (Chair), Nicola Price (Area Management), Cllr Penny Ewens, Lisa Brannan (University of Leeds), Philip Purkis (LCAG & Sustrans), Andrew Hall (LCC, Highways Transport Strategy), Alan Thorn (resident), Ross Chapman (resident), David Tuck (resident), Richard Perkin (resident), John Dickinson (resident), Cllr John Illingworth, David ?, Richard Ellis (LCC, Highways Traffic Management), Doug Kemp (West Park Resident’s Association) Steve Taylor (West Park Resident’s Association), Paul Marchant (Ash Road Resident’s Association) and David Hall (FHVS and Sustrans).
Apologies: Jade Corcoran (LCC, Planning), Mark Warner (LMU) and Mike Willison (Churchwood/Drummonds Residents Association).
Action 1.0 Welcome and Introductions
1.1 Cllr Chasney introduced himself as the new chair of the North West Inner Area Committee Transport Group and welcomed everyone to the meeting. He also apologised for the fact there had not been a meeting in a while and confirmed that regular meetings would be held from now on. Noted
2.0 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
2.1 Arising from 3.1 – Parking – Richard Ellis reported that large scale consultation is going on in the area with 800 properties having been consulted. They have received 230 written responses and this has caused a slight delay to the programme as they are having to address the issues in these responses one by one. Noted
2.2 Arising from 2.2 – parking outside shops Far Headingley – it was raised that the new highway signs have changed to 2hrs parking limit but this is not needed inbound on an evening. RE to check signs and report back. RE
2.3 Arising from 3.4 – Glen Road – It was raised that there is a problem with Richmond House school around opening and closing times, Cllr C reported that the school are looking at possible changes to the drop off/pick up points, which may alleviate some of the problem. Noted
Cllr Illingworth reported that there are similar problems around Kirkstall Primary school, RE agreed to find out more information. RE
Area Management Contact: Nicola Price - 395 0976 - [email protected] Page 23
RE also reported that Becketts Park and Headingley Mount are the next areas that will be looked at regarding parking and that highways are aware that the parking will keep moving further out and provisions will be provided for this as necessary. Noted
2.4 Andrew Hall made the meeting aware that at the moment priority for parking assessments are being given to town and district centres as this is the direction given from Leeds City Council’s Executive Board.
PM raised the fact the Ash Road had been supposed to be getting a parking scheme for a long time but it has never materialised. RE to check and report back. RE
2.5 Arising from 6.1 – Waitrose application for Meanwood Road – Cllr C reported that the planning application had been technically agreed but has been deferred and delegated until the highways issues have been resolved. Section 106 monies have also been agreed in case of future traffic problems. Noted
2.6 Arising from 6.2 – RE to send NP a copy of the report on Butcher Hill safety to circulate with the minutes. RE/NP
2.7 Arising from 3.1 – Parking on grass verges – RE advised the group that parking on grass verges with no restrictions on is a matter for the police but the vehicle does need to be causing an obstruction for action to be taken. It was agreed this should be an item on the next agenda. NP
3.0 Proposed A660 bus lane widening Woodhouse Moor – Andrew Hall
3.1 AH reported that as the Supertram replacement scheme is still in the discussion stage highways are looking at how they can improve times for journey’s into town in other ways. At the Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road junction outline proposals have been prepared for improvements to the pedestrian facilities with the removal and relocation of the inbound A660 bus stop and provision of a bus priority lane. Further opportunities are the subject of early investigation. Noted
Members of the group raised concerns about the scheme, including over the proposed bus lane widening and subsequent loss of cycle lane. Noted
A query was raised over whether motorcycles and taxis would be allowed to use the lane but AH confirmed this had not yet been decided. Noted
RE reported that METRO have agreed they need a new ticketing system but this is still in the conception stage at present. Noted
4.0 Park and Ride schemes – Andrew Hall
4.1 AH reported that highways are willing to look again at the possibility of buying some land at Boddington Hall and it was also agreed to look at the possibility of space at the Lawnswood government buildings. AH
Area Management Contact: Nicola Price - 395 0976 - [email protected] Page 24 5.0 Cycle Hire Schemes and £50k cycle route from Leeds Met – Andrew Hall
5.1 LB reported that Utravel have recently launched a cycle hire scheme for both universities and have so far hired out 150 bicycles to students. Leeds University also already have 1000 students who arrive every day by bike. Noted PP raised the issue that infrastructure improvement son the A660 are needed to make cycling safer and that a report on cycling is going to the next Inner North West Area Committee and everyone is welcome to attend the meeting on Thurs 18 th Dec, 7pm @ West Park Centre. All
AH reported that a report has gone again to the regional transport board to try and get a Leeds wide integrated cycle hire scheme. Noted
The cycle route that is being implemented with the Section 106 money will run from Harrowby Road to Batcliffe Drive, which will mean you can then cycle from Butcher Hill to Leeds City Centre off road. Noted 6.0 Additional Traffic Pressures due to Students
6.1 The main problem students bring are parking related rather than traffic, also applies to staff at the two universities, and concerns are around the safety hazards they bring. Noted
Cllr C reported that he is still in discussions with Leeds Met about their green transport plan and any progress will be reported at this meeting. Cllr C
7.0 A65 issues
7.1 AH reported that the current focus on the A65 is a quality bus corridor and the installation of pelican crossings at every other bus stop. Noted
The traffic signals at Beecroft Street are still up for discussion as they are part of the wider discussions about the Beecroft Centre. Noted
An issue about noise on the road was also raised and noted. Noted
Cllr Illingworth raised the issue of the narrow strip of land that was originally going to be included. AH agreed to look at whether this was feasible given the current budget. AH
8.0 Any other business
8.1 West Park Centre – The future of the building is being discussed at the next Inner North West Area Committee. Noted
8.2 Kerbstones – information on policy was requested as when the bottom of Weetwood Avenue was resurfaced they removed some of the attractive stone kerbstones. To add in to earlier requested report. NP
8.3 Kirkstall – Cllr I reported that in consultation some of the residents had requested to have the stone setts left without tarmac over them. To find out if possible and add to report. NP
Area Management Contact: Nicola Price - 395 0976 - [email protected] Page 25
8.4 Grass verges – a query was raised over whether verges that had been tarmaced over could be reverted to grass. To find out if possible and add to report. NP
9.0 Key Messages
9.1 There were no key messages. Noted
10.0 Date and time of next meeting
10.1 The date of the next meeting is Monday 15 th December, 7.00pm @ West Park Resource Centre
Area Management Contact: Nicola Price - 395 0976 - [email protected] Page 26 Agenda Item 9
Originator s: Jane Maxwell
Tel : 0113 39 50215
Report of the Director of Children’s Services
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: Revised Children’s Services arrangements for more effective locality working with families
Electoral Wards Affected: Specific Implications For:
All Equality and Diversity X
Community Cohesion X
Narrowing the Gap X X Ward Members consulted (referred to in report)
Delegated Executive Delegated Executive Council x Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
Being more responsive to specific local needs was one of the key ambitions behind the evolution of our city’s children’s trust arrangements. This approach demands a reshaping of our existing wedge children services arrangements and the strengthening of wider linkages, e.g. into Area Committees, to support extended service clusters 1 in their development. We have made considerable progress in reshaping the arrangements, however, this is very much a work in progress and elected members are requested to engage, support, and influence the developments at ward and extended service cluster level.
1.0 Recommendations
The Committee is requested to:
• Note the report
1 There are some 38 extended service clusters consisting of schools, children’s centres, and other providers in the city. They offer a range of services already, for example, childr care and referrals to more specialised support, and are increasingly becoming key to the delivery of integrated services. These clusters are formalising their governance arrangements to become fit for purpose for service delivery and the local commissioning of services, for example, through forming collaborative committees or schools trusts.
1
Page 27 • Nominate an Elected Member (where committees have not already done so) to: (1) work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager (on behalf of the Area Committee) - to take these developments forward and (2) to represent the Area Committee on the North West Children Leeds Partnership, subject to Member Management Committee approval. It would be helpful if the elected member were the same member for developing the local priorities.
2.0
Appendix 1:A diagram to show how the developing local picture links to Area Committees and ensures engagement beyond Children’s Services
2
Page 28 1.0 Purpose Of This Report
1.1 This report provides an overview of the evolution of locality children’s trust arrangements. It seeks to inform the committee of developments in recent months, confirm the direction of travel for revised arrangements, and seeks member involvement in ensuring that priorities and actions are relevant and delivered by the Leadership Teams.
2.0 Background Information
2.1 The Children’s Act 2004 heralded a period of a significant change and development for Children’s Services through to 2014. Nationally, developments in shared systems and arrangements, integrated planning and commissioning, integrated systems, and integrated front line delivery are underway.
2.2 It has always been the intention that locality arrangements would be an integral part of the overall Children’s Trust Arrangements. The ‘West Leeds Project’ 2 the work of the Brigshaw cluster in East Leeds, the ‘Leadership Challenge’ in the NEtWORKS cluster in North East Leeds, and the School Partnership Trust in Garforth have helped us to understand better the things we need to do to deliver better services to families.
2.3 Most recently, we held a well attended and successful Governance Seminar (July 2008) with a wide range of stakeholders including elected members, school governors, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. We received overwhelming endorsement of this approach to locality working.
2.4 Guiding principles have been developed through these discussions and these are:
• All partners will remain responsible and accountable for decisions on their individual services and resources 3 • There will be no change to the accountabilities of council officers or to the council’s constitution. • Partners should work together locally with a common purpose to secure high quality integrated services for children, young people, and their families • We must reduce duplication of effort and the number of meetings that take place around the same family issues in different agencies • Revised locality arrangements should ensure leadership by and democratic accountability to elected members for the integration of children’s services through Area Committees and their Area Delivery Plans • The responsibilities and accountabilities of existing groups such as the Education Area Management Board and their frameworks will be secured in the new arrangements and these existing groups dissolved.
2 The West Leeds Project was established in 2005 in order to develop early knowledge and learning arising from the changes implemented by the Children Act, 2004, and the related Every Child Matters agenda. 3 The Director of Children’s Services (DCS) holds on behalf of the local authority those statutory accountabilities and responsibilities relating to the provision of all the authority’s children’s services. The DCS is accountable for the achievement of national and local outcomes and in turn can hold partners to account for delivering the outcomes in the City’s Children and Young People’s Plan. The Children’s Act 2004 also requires a Lead or Executive Member for Children’s Services. Cllr Golton fulfils this role in its broadest sense. However, given the size of the portfolio in Leeds, Cllr Harker fulfils the responsibilities in relation to education functions of the Council. Cllr Golton and Cllr Harker are supported by two lead members. 3
Page 29 2.5 All of this collaborative work has determined the following core elements in the locality children’s trust arrangements -
2.6.1 A Wedge Children’s Services Partnership with the breadth and depth of children, young people, and family services to develop priorities for improved targeting of resources. Rather than a formal and separate partnership with a plethora of meetings, this could consist of a series of community engagement events where local people could help to shape these priorities more effectively. We wish to seek help and support on how we could best achieve this engagement.
2.6.2 Wedge Children Leeds Leadership Team with officer representation from extended service clusters (or other appropriate partnerships) and wedge leaders from children, young people, and family services to drive and manage service integration in response to the priorities and plans for the wedge.
We believe that this development of our locality working gives us more opportunities to discuss problems together, work better together, and improve professional practice, whilst retaining the lines of accountability that exist currently.
2.7 Appendix 1 shows the revised arrangement. These core elements would be time limited from April 2009 and exist to deliver integrated children’s services teams at cluster level.
2.8 Decision-making at local level often takes place along agency or service lines or in small groups working in isolation. It is envisaged that these emerging children’s trust arrangements will help to:
• Reduce duplication of effort and the number of meetings that take place around the same family issues in different agencies • Monitor and evaluate the local impact of services • Consider and promote redirection of resources, where appropriate, to better meet the needs of children, young people and their families • Promote a more flexible and creative use of resources. • Recognise that children, young people, parents, and carers move across wedge and cluster boundaries to attend learning, work opportunities and access services. It is an imperative that service integration at all levels recognizes and addresses the associated challenges.
We need the Area Committees support and help to broaden the engagement of this arrangement with other key aspects of its work.
4.0 Legal and Resource Implications
4.1 Implications relate to the provision of advice, guidance and support for the further development of the arrangements outlined in this paper. This support will come from within existing resources.
4.2 The locality arrangements will fully meet the requirements of the code of corporate governance. Report will be taken to the corporate Audit and Governance Committee as appropriate.
5.0 Conclusions 4
Page 30 5.1 Good progress has been made on the development of our concept for locality children’s trust arrangements. The concept is very much a refinement of our existing governance and accountability but with greater reach and penetration into the localities in the city. The arrangements emphasize the need to provide local leadership to unblock barriers to improving outcomes for children and young people and the need for democratic accountability for the deployment of publicly funded resources at extended service cluster level.
6.0 Recommendations
The Committee is requested to:
• Note the report • Nominate an Elected Member (where committees have not already done so) to: (1) work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager (on behalf of the Area Committee) - to take these developments forward and (2) to represent the Area Committee on the North West Children Leeds Partnership, subject to Member Management Committee approval.
It would be helpful if the elected member were the same member for developing the local priorities.
Background Papers
• Children and Young People’s Plan 2006-09 • Exec Board Report 16 July 2008: Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 • Executive Board Report 20 September 2006: Proposed children's trust arrangements for Leeds • Executive Board Report 2 September 2008: Children's Services Update and Framework for the City's Next Children and Young People's Plan.
5
Page 31
Appendix 1 – What the revised arrangements will look like
Children Leeds Partnership Inner Area Committee Integrated Strategic Commissioning Board Leeds Safeguarding Children Board Outer Area Committee
Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan Area Committee Delivery Plan 2009-14 2009/10
Page 32 Wedge Children Leeds Partnership (Not a formal meeting more a forum for community and wider partner engagement, e.g. adult services, to ensure that Children’s Services priorities are locally relevant)
Wedge Children Leeds Leadership Team
Working Working Working Group 3 Group 1 Group 2
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Page 34 Agenda Item 10
Originator s: Jane Maxwell
Tel : 0113 39 50215 Report of the Director of Children’s Services
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18 th December 2008
Subject: The Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-14 and the development of local priorities for action
Electoral Wards Affected: Specific Implications For:
All Equality and Diversity X
Community Cohesion X
Narrowing the Gap X X Ward Members consulted (referred to in report)
Delegated Executive Delegated Executive Council x Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report sets out a proposed structure for the new Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP), describes its first cut priorities after consultation, and suggests how we may develop local relevancy to inform the work of Children’s services in the area committee area over the next five years.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee is asked to:
• Note the contents of the report. • Nominate an Elected Member to work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager on behalf of the Area Committee to develop the local context for these priorities and develop local actions for the Area Delivery Plan 2009/10.
1
Page 35
1.0 Purpose of report
1.1 The purpose of this report is to outline the draft city-wide CYPP framework and priorities and seek the involvement of the Area Committee in identifying local priorities for children and young people to drive the work of Children’s services in this Area Committee area.
2.0 Background
2.1 The Children’s Act 2004 required all local authorities to produce a Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) to act as the single over-arching strategy for improving the outcomes of children and young people. The first Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan was completed in 2006 and covers the three years 2006-09. Currently, we are developing a new plan for the city which – it is envisaged - will run for 5 years (2009-14).
2.2 It is proposed that we do not develop any further wedge CYPPs or replicate the individual service plans for agencies that already exist and have their accountability mechanisms in place. Rather we develop local priorities for joint action and that the area delivery plan becomes the definitive document by which area committees discharge their enhanced role in influencing, and their developmental and consultative responsibilities, in relation to Children’s Services (as per the Exec Board of 16 July 2008).
3.0 Process for developing the draft CYPP 2009
3.1 The draft of the new CYPP (2009-14) has been informed by an extended period of learning, debate and analysis. Over the past year a wide range of processes and the input of a wide range of partners have helped to develop this new framework and its contents.
4.0 Draft CYPP 09 priorities
4.1 The improvement priorities set out in the proposed structure are based on those in the Leeds Strategic Plan. From our work so far with a range of stakeholders, the priorities appear to be - • Improving early learning outcomes in deprived areas (Foundation Stage Profile/Key Stage 2) • Reducing teenage conception rates • Reducing secondary persistent absence • Reducing numbers of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) • Reducing the need for children to be in care (the priority previously known as reducing the number of Looked After Children) • Improving outcomes for Looked After Children • Reducing child poverty. • Places to go, things to do
5.0 Next steps
5.1 Area Committees and local children’s services leadership teams are being asked to review the city-wide priorities described in Section 4.1 within the local context and to nominate a lead Elected Member on behalf of the area committee to work with the Locality Enabler to identify key local issues which will be built into the Area Delivery Plans for 2009/10.
5.2 Local Wedge Leadership Teams will hold a collective accountability to deliver the actions in collaboration with and supportive of extended service clusters in local communities. 2
Page 36
Integrated children’s services teams are currently being developed to ensure resource is increasingly locked into family-centred responses.
5.3 After the recent themed meetings on extended services delivered by Children’s Services within many Area Committee areas, Elected Member engagement with extended service clusters would be welcomed. It would provide a greater understanding and influencing of the work of Children’s Services in and around their wards, as we reengineer resources for more effective and personalized responses to family need.
6.0 Recommendations The Committee is asked to: • Note the contents of the report. • Nominate an Elected Member to work with the Locality Enabler and the Area Manager on behalf of the Area Committee to develop the local context for these priorities and develop local actions for the Area Delivery Plan 2009/10.
Background Papers
• Children and Young People’s Plan 2006-09 • Exec Board Report 16 July 2008: Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 • Executive Board Report 20 September 2006: Proposed children's trust arrangements for Leeds • Executive Board Report 2 September 2008: Children's Services Update and Framework for the City's Next Children and Young People's Plan.
3
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Page 38 Agenda Item 11
Originator: Sheila Fletcher
Tel: 3952835
Report of West North West Area Manager
Meeting: Inner North West Leeds Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: A660 Otley Road Cycling Study
Electoral W ards Affect ed: Specific Implications For: Headingley Hyde Park and Woodhouse Equality and Diversity Kirkstall Weetwood Community Cohesion
Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap (referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive ü Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for
for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents the findings of a commission by Leeds Cycling Action Group to Transport Initiatives, funded by the Inner North West Area Committee, to carry out a cycling study of the A660 Otley Road.
The Cycling Study on this subject is appended and forms the basis of this report.
Page 39
Purpose of this report
1. The purpose of this report is to bring to the Area Committee’s attention the findings of the A660 Otley Road Cycling Study.
Main Issues
2. The Inner North West Area Committee allocated Well-Being Funds in 2008/09 to Leeds Cycling Action Group to commission Transport Initiatives to carry out a cycling study of the A660 north of the ring road to the A58 junction just outside the city centre. The study considers the feasibility of options to improve cycling infrastructure on the A660 corridor.
3. The attached study (appendix A) is a result of this commission.
Recommendations
4. The Area Committee is requested to note and consider the contents of this report.
Background Papers
A660 Otley Road Cycling Study
Page 40 CSYH10 A660 Cycle Audit Leeds Cycling Action Group
Stage 2 – A660 Otley Rd Cycling Study
Cycle Audit
Leeds Cycling Action Group
Final Report
October 2008
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Contents Page
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 The Benefits of Increasing Cycling 4
3.0 Methodology 5
3.0 Background - Site Description 6 - Cycling Flows/Accidents
4.0 Summary of Cycle Audit for the A660 Otley Road 11
5.0 Recommendations 13
6.0 Conclusions 18
7.0 References 19
Appendix 1 – Detailed Audit of Route Sections 1-10 (to be supplied on request)
Appendix 2 – Stage 1 A660 Cycling Study – Cycle Skills Network Audit (to be supplied on request)
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Document Checking and Sign off
Project Ref and Name; CSYH10 A660 Otley Road Cycle Audit
Signed Date: 30 th September 2008
Tim Pheby, for and on behalf of Transport Initiatives LLP
Checked by: name Ken Spence
Signed … ……………………………….Date 3 October 2008
Contact for this project: Transport Initiatives LLP Tim Pheby Registered Office: Office 4 Transport Initiatives LLP 145 Islingword Road 151 Walmgate Brighton BN2 9SH York Y01 9UB 0845 345 7623 01904 628 789 / 07725 466 838 (mobile) www.transport-initiatives.com [email protected] Registered in England and Wales Partnership number OC310831 VAT registration no. 855 4208 21
For details of the services offered by Transport Initiatives see www.transport-initiatives.com
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1.0 Introduction
This report is the result of a commission by Leeds Cycling Action Group to Transport Initiatives to carry out a Cycling Study of the A660 Otley Road from just north of the ring road to the A58 junction just outside the city centre.
The study is in two parts
Stage 1 – A Cycle Skills Network Audit –(CSNA) this audit graded the roads and paths by the level of skill required to cycle safely on them and identified barriers to cycling such as the Lawnswood Roundabout. This study showed that some sections of the road with adequate width cycle lanes (at least 1.5m wide) or bus lanes are suitable for cyclists to use trained to Level 2 of the Bikeability national cycle training scheme to cycle along, but without making right turns onto or off them. If more of the road was rated at this level it would be suitable for more people trained to cycle to Level 2 to use. The audit also graded each pedestrian crossing by Bikeability level. Use of crossings by Level 2 cyclists can enable them to effectively complete right turn manoeuvres by either cycling or walking to a nearby crossing.
A copy of Stage 1 of this Study is shown as Appendix 2.
Stage 2 – A Cycle audit – this looks at the areas highlighted in the CSNA as problems or barriers – Level 3 or higher - and makes suggestions for improving conditions for cyclist to lower the cycling skills Level required to used them. This would enable more trained cyclists to use the road. It also includes data on cycling levels and accidents on the corridor.
A Cycle Audit is a methodical review of the existing site conditions of an area, route, road or junction. Recommendations are suggested to make the route more cycle friendly and so increase its potential for encouraging more people to cycle more often. Increasing cycling has many benefits for both individuals and society as a whole
2.0 The Benefits of Increasing Cycling
Individual benefits – saving time, money, improving health and fitness
Society benefits – reduced pollution, congestion and less expenditure on health problems such as obesity
A recent study by consultants SQW set the economic benefits of increasing cycling at nearly £400 per cyclist per year in terms of reduced costs of congestion, pollution and health care costs. For further details see http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk/encouraging-cycling/benefits-of-cycling/ ______Page 4 of 18
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3.0 Methodology
3.1 Following a successful grant application from Leeds Cycling Action Group to Leeds City Councils NW Area Committee, Transport Initiatives, a sustainable transport consultancy have been commissioned to carry out this study. Transport Initiatives were chosen for their expertise in all matters cycling and for there pioneering work in linking cycle auditing to Bikeability levels.
The work has been undertaken by Tim Pheby of Transport Initiatives in the following manner:
I. Site visits: carried out in June and July 2008 by cycle. All sections of the route rated as Level 3 or higher were cycled, photos taken of issues and recommendations made for improvements. This included an on site meeting at the Arndale Centre with members of the Leeds Cycling Action Group, Sustrans and the U Travel Active project manager. II. Research: cycling flow and accident data has been examined and plans of a proposed bus lane from Woodhouse lane to Headlingley Lane briefly examined III. Review against 5 core principles: The road has been examined with reference to the five basic cycling infrastructure requirements • Convenient • Accessible • Safety • Comfortable • Attractive
Tim Pheby is the former English Regions Cycling Development Team Regional Coordinator for Yorkshire and the Humber so has a unique knowledge of cycling in the county. He is also one of Cycling England’s advisers to local authorities so brings national knowledge. He has worked as a traffic engineer for the City of York, Cambridgeshire County Council and the London Borough of Camden.
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4.0 Background
4.1 Site Description – The section of the A660 Otley road studied is 3.5 miles long and links the city centre to the Universities, sports grounds, shops and cafes in Headlingley. It is an area with a large student population and also has a thriving local community. It is a heavily trafficked road with limited scope for widening due to the closeness of frontages. Proposals to run a Super tram down this corridor were not accepted for funding.
4.2 Cycle audit – was carried out on the 10 sections of the A660 which were rated in Stage 1 of the cycling study as Level 3 or above – suitable for experienced cyclists – shown below
Figure 1 - A660 Otley Road – Cycle Audit Sections 1-10
1 1. Lawnswood Road roundabout – rated as Level 3.5
2 1. Lawnswood School to Kepston Road - Level 3
3 3. Weetwood Lane to Shaw Lane -Level 3
4 4. Shaw Lane to Wood Lane -Level 3
5 5. Wood Lane to Kirkstall Lane -Level 3
6 6. Hyde Park Corner -Level 3
7. St Marks Road – Level 3 7
8. University Clarendon Rd – Level 3 8
9 9. Blackman Lane – Level 3 10 10. Inner Ring road – Portland Way
Reproduced from OS Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (C) Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to civil proceedings. LEEDS CITY COUNCIL OS LICENCE 100019567
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Page 46 CSYH10 A660 Cycle Audit Leeds Cycling Action Group
A detailed cycle audit for each of the 10 sections is shown in Appendix 1 of this report with photos of issues noted on site along with recommendations for improving conditions for cycling. (Appendix 1 can be supplied on request)
4.4 Cycle flows on the A660
Counts of inbound cyclists are undertaken by Leeds City Council in the morning peak between 7.30-9.30am on Woodhouse Lane south of Rampart Road over 4 days in May and June. (See Figure 2 below for the location)
The table below shows the counts from 2002 and show that cycling is variable and appears to be increasing. (No data for 2003 has been supplied)
Table 1 – Inbound peak hour Cycle flows on Woodhouse Lane 2007 Year 2002 2004 2005 2006 2008 (rain) Cycle 96 103 127 126 114 129 counts ave
Peak flow 117 170 140
The A660 is ranked as the busiest corridor for cycling in Leeds on these counts which are probably an underestimate as they do not include outbound cyclists.
The counts also do not include cyclists using the paths and cycle tracks on Woodhouse Moor or on the signed cycle route comprising Brudenell Road, Hyde Park Road or Moorland Road.
Figure 2 – Location of inbound cycle count on Woodhouse Lane
Location of inbound cycle count
Recommendation – For Leeds to consider including outbound cyclists in counts and to set up automatic counters on the cycle tracks sections to count off-road cyclist. Also to count cyclists across Woodhouse Moor both on the existing cycle track and paths across the Moor and the signed cycle route.
Location of cycle count
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4.5 Cycling Accidents on the A660
The last 5.5 years accident data has been supplied by Leeds City Council and shows the following reported cycle accidents in each year:
To Year 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Sept Totals 2007 Lawnswood na 0 0 3 1 2 7 roundabout Lawnswood roundabout 6 5 4 4 10 1 30 to Kirkstall Lane Kirkstall Lane to 5 12 4 11 10 7 49 Clarendon Road Clarendon
road to 1 0 2 2 1 1 7 Inner Ring
Road Totals 12 17 10 17 21 11 93
Of these 93 reported accidents 17 were classed as serious injuries and the other 76 as slight.
Commentary: These figures are considered fairly high given the number of cyclists using the road and show that the section of Headingley Lane from Kirkstall Lane to Clarendon Road has the highest number of accidents, over 50% of the cycle accidents reported on this section of the A660.
The Lawnswood Roundabout accident figures may appear low but very few cyclists were observed using it.
The accident data requires a more detailed study, which is beyond the scope of this report, to see if there are any common factors involved.
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A graph of the average cycle flows and accidents from the tables above shows a gradual increase in cycling while there has been no increase in cycle accidents. This is backed up by other studies were cycling has increased but cycle accidents have not in London and Hull.
Figure 2 – Average Cycle Flows and Accidents on the A660 from 2002 – 2008
Cycle Flows and Accidents along the A660
140 120
100 80 60 40 20 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Ave cycle flows Accidents
No cycle flow data has been provided for 2003.
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5.0 Summary of Cycle Audit for A660 Otley Road and Woodhouse lane
5 Core principles of good cycling infrastructure.
5.1 Convenient - routes should be direct, based on desire-lines. Detours and delays will deter and inconvenience users. There should be advantage and convenience for cyclists and good, clear signing.
• The A660 is a direct route linking Headlingley to the City centre and follows desire lines. There are no sections where it is considered that cyclists have advantage and many sections are inconvenient to use with queuing traffic and lack of road space holding up cyclists. There is no direction signing specifically for cyclists along the road though the road signs give adequate information about destinations.
5.2 Accessible - the cycling infrastructure should form a coherent entity, linking all trip origins and destinations; routes should be continuous and consistent in standard.
• The A660 has various types of cycling infrastructure – good width cycle lanes on some sections which tend to stop at crucial junctions. Cycle tracks are provided along one section near the inner ring road.
5.3 Safe - designs should minimise casualties and perceived danger for cyclists and other road users. Measures that reduce traffic flows, speeds and reallocate carriageway space are likely to result in fewer conflicts with vehicles. For off road routes natural surveillance is important.
Parts of the A660 feel dangerous to cycle along especially • The Lawnswood roundabout which is probably one of the most cycle unfriendly junction in Leeds with multiple lanes of fast moving traffic to contend with. • The section by the Arndale Centre which is congested with queuing traffic inbound in the morning peak • The one way system south of Blackman Lane with fast left turning traffic to the Inner ring road posing danger.
5.4 Comfort - cyclists need smooth, well-maintained surfaces, good transitions over flush kerbs and gentle gradients. Routes should avoid complicated manoeuvres and interruptions. Traffic-calming should be cycle-friendly. Cycle paths and lanes should be of adequate width.
• Many parts of the A660 have good road surfaces apart from the section from the Arndale Centre up to Weetwood Lane which has potholes, poor road surfaces in places and gully covers which could trap a cycle wheel.
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5.5 Attractive - routes must be attractive to cyclists on subjective as well as objective criteria. Aesthetics, urban design, quality of materials, noise and integration with the surrounding area are important.
• The A660 is busy and noisy in the peak hours but runs through attractive areas such as Woodhouse Moor and the lively Headlingley shopping area.
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6.0 Recommendations
6.1 From the detailed cycle audit some broad recommendations can be made for improving cycling conditions along this section of the A660 to enable more people to cycle along it safely. The aim being to lower the Bikeability grading of more of the route to below Level 3.
6.2 Engineering –
a. Traffic Lane Reduction – The number of traffic lanes entering the Lawnswood roundabout should be reduced to encourage slower traffic speeds and make the junction safer to use by experienced cyclists.
(Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 7 & 8 Appendix 1)
b. Speed Reduction – 20 mph zones The shopping area in Headlingley by the Arndale shopping centre would benefit from a self enforcing 20 mph zone using speed cushions and a speed table by the Pelican crossing. This would also help pedestrians cross the road,
(Recommendations 4.3 Appendix 1)
Speed Cameras - The route does have speed cameras on some sections and more could be installed to slow traffic and reduce accidents e.g. on the Woodhouse Lane dual carriageway section
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c. Junction improvements –Roundabouts - tackling the Lawnswood roundabout is considered the key to increasing cycle use along this corridor. In the short term re-marking the traffic lanes so that there are only 2 entry and exit lanes would be an improvement reducing conflict points and entry speeds. Also providing Toucan controlled signal crossings at this junction would help pedestrians and cyclists cross the road more easily (Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 7 & 8 Appendix 1)
c. Traffic signals – Advanced Stop Lines At signalled junctions there should be consistent use of coloured advanced stop lines and lead in cycle lanes to enable cyclists to get to the head of queuing traffic and so reduce congestion.
(Recommendations 3,14, 4.7, 4.15, 5.5, 6.3, 6.8, 7.2, 10.5 Appendix 1)
d. Reallocation of Road Space – cycle lanes continuity While there are some adequate width advisory cycle lanes on sections of the road i.e. at least 1.5m wide, they tend to stop before and after junctions where they are most needed. It is recommended that lanes are installed to link up with Advanced Stop lines and continue after junctions to ensure continuity.
(Recommendations 1, 8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.8, 3.13, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10 4.15, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 6.10, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 9.3, 10.5 Appendix 1)
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Cycle/Bus lane widths - The cycle lanes could also be wider 1.8-2.0 metres instead of a minimum of 1.5m. Wider lanes can help reduce traffic speeds on the main carriageway. On approaches to junctions where road widths may be constrained lanes 1.2m wide may be installed to enable cyclists to get past queuing traffic.
(Recommendations 3.11, 6.11 Appendix 1)
Some sections of Cycle lanes between junctions could be mandatory – marked with a solid white line – but this would require traffic orders to be advertised.
Bus Lanes – cyclists benefit from the existing bus lanes outbound on Woodhouse Lane. The Bus lane proposals for Woodhouse and Headlingley Lane require further examination and audit to see how they might affect cyclists if implemented.
e. Off road routes –
For novice cyclists cycle tracks could be developed around the Lawnswood Roundabout by converting the existing footways to shared use with pedestrians. The existing uncontrolled crossings would need to be widened in places to accommodate cyclists safely or converted to toucan signalled crossings though the cost of these is likely to be high.
(Recommendations 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 Appendix 1)
The paths along and across Woodhouse Moor are being used by cyclists as they are more direct than the route around its edge and their use should be reviewed and conversion to shared used cycle tracks considered.
(Recommendations 6.2, 6.12 Appendix 1)
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The footways and subway under the A660 by the Leeds Metropolitan University and Mutli storey car park could be converted to shared use cycle tracks to encourage novice cyclists – Level 1. (Recommendations 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 Appendix 1)
However the rather dark and dingy subway under the slip road to the A58 should be filled in to provide a wider pavement. (Recommendation 9.5 Appendix 1)
f. Cycle parking – More could be provided along the route e.g. by the Arndale Centre and for the Headlingley shops and at the University sites.
(Recommendations 4.1,1 4.13 Appendix 1)
g. Maintenance Issues – Road surfaces While most of the roads and paths were well maintained the section of road from the Arndale centre to Weetwood lane was generally poor
(Recommendations 3.4, 3.10, 3.12, 4.4, 4.10, 10.4 Appendix 1)
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Vegetation – the footways around the Lawnswood Roundabout had encroaching vegetation which narrowed the paths and reduced visibility. This should be cut back at the earliest opportunity.
(Recommendations 4, 5, 11, 13, 9.4b Appendix 1)
Drain and service covers –
There were a number of unsafe drain and service covers observed in the audit and they should all be checked and replaced were necessary
(Recommendations 3.2, 3.6, 9.2 Appendix 1)
6.3 Cycle Monitoring – cycle counting is only carried out in the morning peak inbound, it could be improved by including outbound cyclists as well and including the evening peak. A gap in the existing cycle monitoring exists across Woodhouse Moor which bypasses the cycle count on Woodhouse Lane. Automatic cycle counters on sections of cycle track would also be useful.
6.4 Cycle accident study – the cycling accidents could be studied in more detail to see if there are any common factors which could be treated, especially on the section between Kirkstall Lane and Clarendon Road. Slowing traffic has been shown to be an effective way of reducing road traffic accidents.
6.5 Cycle training – the earlier CSNA graded the road by Bikeability levels and showed that some sections of the A660 are suitable for Level 2 cyclists cycling straight on and turning left – shown as Level 2.5 on the plans – the aim of Stage 2 of the study is to get more of the Level 3 rated sections of the road down to this level by reallocating road space – more cycle lanes of adequate width or speed reduction measures such as short 20 mph zones by shopping centres.
6.6 Cycle Promotion – The existing Leeds cycle map shows traffic free paths in green, signed cycle routes in brown and suggested advisory routes in yellow as well as roads with cycle lanes on them – marked in red. However, it does not tell cyclists how easy or hard it is to cycle on these roads.
The Cycle Skills Network Audit shown in Appendix 2 does this for the A660 and this could be extended to produce a cycle skills based cycle map for this corridor. ______Page 16 of 18
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7.0 Conclusion
Cycling is increasing on the A660 inbound in the morning peak and cycle accidents have stayed around the same. There is great potential to increase cycling along this corridor with a range of infrastructure, training and promotional initiatives.
For infrastructure the main challenges are
• At the Lawnswood Roundabout. Providing safer conditions on-road for experienced cyclists and alternative tracks and crossings around it for novices
• On the congested road past the Arndale Centre. Making this more cycle and pedestrian friendly with continuous cycle lanes and a self enforcing 20 mph zone
• Linking up the cycle lanes on sections where they do not exist with the existing ones with advanced stop lines at signalled junctions and reviewing the width of existing cycle lanes to provide wider lanes
These infrastructure improvements should be combined with cycle training for schools, university students and residents as well as promotional literature and events.
The result of a combined approach should mean that many more people would choose to cycle along this corridor - reducing congestion, pollution and providing better fitness and health.
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8.0 References to design guidance
The following website links provide comprehensive design guidance on cycling facilities
Cycling England’s design portfolio – provides a useful checklist for a whole range of cycling measures both on road and off road as well as links to further design advice http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk/engineering-planning/design-checklist/
Other useful website links
Cycling Infrastructure Design Local Transport Note 2/08 http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/ltnotes/ltn208.pdf Cycle Friendly Infrastructure (IHT, DfT, CTC,BA, 1996) Manual for Streets (DfT, 2007) London Cycling Design Standards (Transport for London, 2005) National Cycle Network: Guidelines for Planning and Design Issue 2 (Sustrans/Arup, 1997) Traffic Advisory Leaflet 3/05 Cycling Bibliography (DfT, 2005) Traffic Signs Regulations - General Directions 2002 (TSO, 2002) Policy, Planning and Design for Walking and Cycling, Local Transport Note 1/04 (DfT Consultation Draft, 2004) Adjacent and Shared Use Facilities for Pedestrians and Cyclists , Local Transport Note 2/04 (DfT Consultation Draft, 2004) Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces (DfT, 1999) Sustrans Information Sheets
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Page 58 Agenda Item 12 Originator: Andrew Hall
Tel: 0113 247 5296
Report of the Director of City Development
To: Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: A660 Corridor Transport Issues
Electoral Wards Affected: Specific Implications For: Headingley Hyde Park & Woodhouse Equality and Diversity Weetwood Community Cohesion
√ Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap (referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive x Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
The report outlines early work to identify interim measures for improving movement within the A660 corridor in particular for bus transit, pending the longer term development of proposals for the New Generation Transport system. More specifically the report summarises initial scheme proposals that have been developed to improve pedestrian facilities at the A660 junction with Clarendon Road and to address bus stop and priority issues at this site.
1.0 Purpose of This Report
1.1 This report outlines proposals for development of traffic and transport measures for the A660 corridor.
2.0 Background Information
2.1 The A660 corridor has been identified as part of the proposed New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme which is being developed as a replacement for the former Leeds Supertram scheme. Phase 1 of this scheme has been endorsed by the Regional Transport Board for the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA), and Phase 2 which includes the A660 is due to be considered by the RTB in January 2009. However, if the funding is endorsed a start of construction is not likely before 2014 at the very earliest.
Page 59 2.2 In view of the NGT timetable. Investigations are being undertaken to develop an interim package of measures that will provide early improvements, especially to the reliability and timing of bus services. These proposals will be designed to be compatible, as far as possible, with the ultimate NGT scheme.
3.0 Main Issues
3.1 Studies assessing congestion on the major radials in the Leeds District have shown the A660 to be one of the most congested. Morning peak inbound traffic speeds were among the lowest of those studied and similarly the evening peak speeds outbound were the lowest in the district.
3.2 Peak traffic flows on this corridor are low in comparison to other major radials, however bus patronage is amongst the highest. Given the higher than average ratio of bus users to car users, there is potential for bus priority measures to be particularly effective on this corridor with significant benefits for existing and future passengers.
3.3 Issues of reliability and timing for the large number of bus services are a matter of continuing concern for passengers and the local community. These concerns are shared by the Council, Metro and the bus operators.
3.4 High flows of pedestrians and cyclists are also a feature of the inner sections of the A660 route. Surveys indicate over 100 cyclists traveling towards Leeds city centre in the busiest peak hour.
3.5 There are a also a number of issues with regard to road safety with the junctions at Rampart Road, Hyde Park Corner, North Lane, Shaw Lane and the Ring Road identified in the Council’s sites for concern listings. There is also a long standing aspiration to improve the provision for pedestrians at the junction with Clarendon Road and to address the very poor bus facilities at this location. In addition, a study for Leeds Cycling Action Group and funded by the area committee has identified issues relating to cycling.
3.7 Traffic surveys indicate the following key data in relation to this corridor:
Ø Bus flows – There are 27 service buses (34 south of Clarendon Road) scheduled each way in the peak hours along this corridor. Journey time data shows considerable variation at all times of day but particularly in the peak where variability is almost twice as high as the inter-peak. In the evening peak outbound buses have the lowest speeds on any radial route in Leeds, averaging well below 10mph for the entire length of the route. For example between Hyde Park Corner and Headingley centre buses take an average of ten minutes longer than at other times
Ø Bus patronage – Over 2500 passengers use services on the A660 during the morning peak with similar levels in the evening. Services are also very well used during the off-peak periods.
Page 60 Ø Traffic flow – Whilst relatively low in comparison to other key radials, congestion has similar effects on journey time and public transport reliability to those experienced elsewhere on the network. Flows in the morning peak have reached 1897 vehicles, whilst the evening peak flows are slightly lower at 1726 vehicles.
Ø Cycle flow – Cycle traffic is relatively high on this corridor with around 175 cyclists observed throughout the morning peak, with similar flows in the evening albeit dispersed over a longer period.
Ø Pedestrian flows – There are heavy pedestrian flows along this corridor at peak periods particularly South of Headingley centre. All crossing points along the route are busy including (but not limited to) the main junctions at Hyde Park Corner and Clarendon Road. Morning counts indicate an hourly total of 634 pedestrian crossing movements at the Woodhouse Lane/Clarendon Road junction.
3.7 The delays and congestion affecting bus movements in this corridor are such that it is considered that there is a strong case in conjunction with the other issues identified to identify interim measures for introduction prior to the proposed NGT scheme.
4.0 Proposals
4.1 In order to address the issues identified above, initial desk top studies have been undertaken to identify where measures might have the greatest impact in reducing some of the key problems along this route. These key locations are identified on the plan provided on the route plan at Appendix 1 and discussed further as follows.
4.2 Whilst ideally the range of problems described above would be tackled as part of a single integrated scheme, their complexity is such that it may be more practical to bring forward proposals in a phased manner as their evaluation and development proceeds. At the present time approval has been granted for the fees needed to develop to a more detailed level the outline proposals identified below for the Clarendon Road junction and to take forward further investigation and development of solutions for the other issue identified later in this section.
Woodhouse Lane Clarendon Road (Section 1)
4.3 As a first stage outline proposals for the provision of improved pedestrian facilities at the junction of Clarendon Road and Woodhouse Lane including new controlled facilities across the Clarendon Road leg of the junction. This has been a long standing request. At the same time as part of the junction works, which require the reconfiguration of the traffic signals it is proposed to take the opportunity to address the sub standard bus stop facilities by providing a bus priority facility. Details of the outline scheme are included in Appendix 2 and identified as Section 1 on the route plan.
4.4 Elsewhere on the A660 corridor, using the data described in Section 3, a number of key locations are currently being examined further prior to bringing forward outline proposals for further discussion and consultation. Page 61 Hyde Park Corner area (Section 2)
4.5 This site and the adjacent Rampart Road junction are both identified in the Council’s road injury sites for concern. At Hyde Park Corner there are long standing issues concerning the adequacy of the existing pedestrian facilities and also the present layout is not best suited to the movement of traffic with a number of conflicting turning movements. At the same time the traffic signal installation is dated and does not provide for the most efficient priority to be given to public transport movements. In terms of Rampart Road there are particular issues relating to the turning movements onto and off the A660 which could be addressed by the introduction of traffic signals integrated with improvements at Hyde Park Corner and the proposals for the Clarendon Road junction.
Hyde Park Corner to Headingley Centre (Section 3)
4.6 As identified earlier, in the outbound direction this location is a major source of delay to bus services. Taking a typically peak hour outbound flow of 1200 passengers, these extra peak delays with a cumulative cost to passengers of around 200 hours in travel time and in this context there is a compelling economic case for action, aside from the real benefits that could accrue to passengers. It is likely that the most effective measure would be the provision of an outbound bus lane which has been investigated. Such a proposal would have implications for the present cycle lane provision which would require to be modified and further advice is being taken on this matter.
Headingley Centre and Otley Road (Section 4)
4.7 A study is being undertaken to assess what steps can be taken to improve conditions in Headingley Centre in particular in terms of the bus queuing and stopping arrangements. Similarly the section of route between Shaw Lane and the Ring Road is being examined, including the junctions with Weetwood Lane and Church Wood Avenue. This work will form the basis for developing and consulting on possible solutions during 2009.
A6120 Ring Road junction (Section 5)
4.8 This location has been identified as requiring improvements as part of the NGT with particular issues relating to the need for improved public transport priorities, together with formal provision for pedestrians and cyclists across all legs of the junction. In this regard an outline bid for resources to be allocated from the Regional Funding Allocation has been submitted to the Regional Transport Board for the improvement of key junctions along the A6120 route including the A660. Subject to the development of detailed proposals and the approval of the Department for Transport this scheme could begin on site in 2014.
Page 62 A660 North of the A6120 (Section 6)
4.9 Whilst the NGT scheme will include proposals for a park and ride site at Bodington and the associated priority facilities, at the present time the Council does not have sufficient resources from its core LTP funding to bring forward a scheme of this magnitude without specific major scheme funding. Therefore, work is being undertaken with the NGT project team to evaluate the options for bringing forward this scheme earlier. Any further decisions on this element of the scheme will need to await the decisions of the Regional Transport Board concerning the bid for Phase 2 of the NGT scheme.
5.0 Implications for Council Policy and Governance
5.1 Compliance with Council Policies
5.1.1 Environmental Policy: The proposals contained within this report are in accordance with the aims of the Policy in that the improvement works will reduce the number and severity of accidents thereby creating a safer local environment and will help encourage the use of public transport
5.1.2 Mobility: The provision of dropped crossings and pedestrian facilities will provide a positive aid to all pedestrians and ease pedestrian movement across the A660 Woodhouse Lane and Clarendon Road.
5.1.3 Local Transport Plan (LTP): The proposals contained in this report are in accordance with Primary Objectives of the Local Transport Plan: to improve safety, security and health in particular to reduce the number and severity of accidents thereby creating a safe environment, making public transport more accessible for the public, improve the highway network and provide facilities for each road user
5.1.4 Ethnic minorities, women and disabled people: This report has no implication for ethnic minorities or women.
5.2 Legal and Resource Implications
5.2.1 Funding: With the exception of the scheme at the Ring Road roundabout (which is the subject of a major scheme bid) it is anticipated that the potential capital costs of any measures agreed will be met from the Council’s Local Transport Plan funding
5.2.2 Staffing: There are no additional staffing implications arising from these proposals.
Page 63
6.0 Consultation
6.1 Ward Members have been consulted on the proposals for Clarendon Road and have supported the outline proposals. Members of the Area Committee have requested further discussion of these proposals especially with regard to the proposed bus measures and the proposals were presented to the Area Committee’s transport sub group at its 11 th November meeting. Funding for the final proposals will require a further approval once detailed consultation and design has been completed.
6.2 NGT Project Team: The preliminary scheme proposals have been fully considered with the NGT Project Team in order to ensure that any proposals implemented at this time would not be detrimental to future NGT proposals.
6.3 The development of the corridor generally is at very early stage with further detailed consultation planned with Ward Members, Area Management, Metro and the bus operators on the various elements set out in this report.
6.4 Residents, businesses and stakeholders: As the various proposals are developed, comments from local stakeholders and residents associations will be accepted and taken into account in the finalisation of any proposals and formal reporting of the proposals.
7.0 Conclusions
7.1 The initial assessment of the traffic and transport issues on the A660 indicates that a case exists for the early investment in the infrastructure of the route to provide improvements in the interim period before the introduction of the proposed NGT scheme. As a result of this work early improvements to the junction with Clarendon Road are being developed and consulted upon.
8.0 Recommendations
8.1 Members are requested to note and comment on the content of this report.
9 Background information
9.1 There are no background papers supporting this report.
Page 64 Page 65 This page is intentionally left blank
Page 66 Page 67
PROPOSED FOOTWAY CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION INCLUDING THE RELAYING OF EXISTING PAVED FOOTWAYS
PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY CONSTRUCTION AND WIDENING
PROPOSED VERGE CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION INCLUDING THE RELAYING OF EXISTING VERGES ALONG THE NORTH EASTERN SIDE OF WOODHOUSE LANE
PROPOSED TACTILE PAVING. RED PAVING AT TRAFFIC SIGNALLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING POINTS AND BUFF AT NON-CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING POINTS
PROPOSED CYCLE BYPASS WITH RED SURFACE TREATMENT ON THE APPROACHES TO TOUCAN CROSSINGS ON WOODHOUSE LANE The 7no. trees affected by the proposed bus lane on the north eastern side of Woodhouse Lane are to be removed and new trees planted in locations yet to be agreed with Leeds City Council Forestry Section
- APPENDIX 2 - APPENDIX 2 HIGHWAYS SERVICES This page is intentionally left blank
Page 68 Agenda Item 13 Originator: Zahid Butt
Tel: 3950963
Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods
North West (Inner) Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: Community Safety 2004-2008
Electoral Wards Affected: Specific Implications For:
All Equality and Diversity
Community Cohesion
Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap (referred to in report)
Delegated Executive Delegated Executive Council ü Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report Executive Summary
This report provides details of crime statistics during the period April 2004 and March 2008 and highlights key activities during the last 12 months.
1.0 Background
1.1 This report is the annual community safety update report, providing details about crime trends between April 2004 and March 2008, highlighting key activities during the last 12 months.
1.2 It should be noted that a number of factors have a bearing on crime; these can be placed in 3 broad categories;
• a suitable target or opportunity High value items which can be removed relatively easily, vulnerable premises or people, unlocked doors or windows, etc • a motivated offender someone whose values or beliefs make stealing / violence acceptable, drug dependency, someone motivated by greed, etc • a low likelihood of getting caught no police or security patrols, a neighbourhood with a culture of low reporting of crime, no natural street surveillance, properties obscured by overgrown bushes, etc
Page 69 1.3 Traditional problem solving techniques aim to reduce crime by impacting on these 3 categories;
• working to educate the victim (leaflets, crime reduction advice, etc) • tackle the offender (known as offender management - cautions, criminal sanctions, tenancy enforcement, disruption visits, etc) • undertake environmental works (cut back hedges, fit additional locks, alleygates, etc)
1.4 However, it should be acknowledged that other factors also have a bearing on crime:
• Season • Weather • Release of offenders • Location • Population
1.5 It is also important to note that one offender can commit many offences in a short period of time and this can lead to significant increases in the figures. For example, where cars are damaged along a whole street there maybe 6 cars damaged and this would lead to 6 reports of criminal damage.
2.0 Summary of Key Actions
2.1 Operation Champion This is a 1-3 day multi agency operation aimed at tackling crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and environmental issues within an agreed area. A number of agencies come together to focus their activity in this area to have a greater impact. During the last 12 months, 4 Operation Champions have been held in the inner north west area focusing on Little London (Feb 2008), Burley (April 2008), Woodhouse (Aug 2008) and Hyde Park (Oct 2008). A further 4 operations are planned in 2009, supplemented by action days as required.
2.2 Champion Action Days These are 1 day operations similar to Operation Champion but more responsive. Whereas Operation Champions are planned for the year ahead, the action days are more needs based and responsive to specific problems. The action days require less planning and are used to tackle specific, focused problems and only involve the agencies who can impact on the problem. There have been 4 action days held in Ivesons, Hawksworth Wood, Little London and the Spens (Kirkstall). Further action days will be delivered in 2009.
Page 70 2.3 Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs) A Designated Public Places Order provides the Police with additional powers to confiscate alcohol within a defined area. Where an order exists the Police have the powers to confiscate alcohol that is being consumed or that is thought likely to be consumed (unopened bottles / cans). Failure to comply with a Police request in this regard could lead to a fine or arrest. Work commenced earlier this year on pursuing DPPOs for parts of Little London and Little Woodhouse to tackle street drinking in these areas. The proposed orders will be presented to Licensing Panel on 3 rd November 2008. Once agreed, these orders will be implemented in January 2009. Further work is underway to start consultation on a DPPO for Woodhouse Moor and surrounding greenspace.
2.4 Multi Agency Tasking This group examines the key tactical priorities for the inner north west area and agrees actions to tackle these priorities. Work undertaken through this group includes organising multi agency action days, case conferences about specific families and/or individuals and commitment to deliver or contribute to specific projects (eg. promoting target hardening by door knocking a neighbourhood, crime prevention articles in newsletters, etc). Membership of this group includes Area Management, West Yorkshire Police, West North West Homes, Leeds University, Leeds Met University, Environmental Action Team, Youth Service and the ASB Unit.
2.5 Offender Management Research and experience has shown that a small number of determined criminals are involved in a large portion of crime. Some studies have reported that 20% of criminals commit as much as 80% of crime. It is suggested therefore that resources are targeted on prolific offenders. The Police and other agencies will come together to problem solve and manage these offenders through visits, targeted intelligence gathering, focused attention (eg discussions when out in the street), use of ASB orders and through partner agencies powers, for example, use of tenancy enforcement for ALMO tenants.
2.6 Community Safety Metal Poster Frame These frames were purchased through a well being application in 2005/06. The frames are targeted to key areas to tackle specific crimes; examples include deployment in car parks where cars have been broken into with posters about car crime. The Area Committee contributed £1,000 towards this project and the Police pick up the costs of the posters and relocating the frames.
2.7 Off - Road Motor Cycles The deployment and cost of these vehicles is shared equally amongst the four Area Committees (£4,750 per Area Committee per year). The off-road motor cycles are deployed across the division to green spaces or to target specific problems with motorbikes. The vehicles are effective in reducing ASB and low level crime particularly on green spaces and providing reassurance to those using the parks and green spaces. These bikes have been used to disrupt drug dealing on green space in the Little London area.
Page 71 2.8 Graffiti 800 graffiti removal kits available at start of this initiative, these kits allow householders to remove small items of graffiti and apply a coating to brickwork making it easier to remove graffiti in the future and are issued free of charge. 400 kits are still available and Police Community Support Officers ( PCSOs) are able to demonstrate how the kits are used by contacting the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 2053025. A “name that tag” poster has been produced linked to Crimestoppers rewards. The poster is local to the inner north west area and encourages people to help identify who is tagging in the area. Young people are also referred to the Youth Service Street Art Project.
2.9 CASAC Target Hardening This initiative is delivered across all the whole of Leeds and provides additional door locks, window locks, spy holes, chains and general crime prevention advice to householders. The Police help target this service to areas where burglary is an issue and PCSOs help to door knock and promote this service. CASAC are commissioned to provide this service to victims of burglary as a reactive measure. Less than 4% of properties target hardened are repeat victims of burglary.
2.10 Neighbourhood wardens There are currently 2 full-time neighbourhood warden posts on the North West structure. The Hawksworth Wood warden position is currently vacant. There is also a half post on the structure and this has remained vacant from April - October which resulted in a saving. This saving will be used to fund a full-time temporary post for the Hyde Park and Little Woodhouse area. This post will be filled via an agency until March 2009. A transfer request from a warden in the east area has been received and this will be used to fill the Hawksworth Wood vacancy, with the warden taking up post on 10th November 08.
2.11 Anti-climb Paint CASAC have been commissioned through the Well- Being Fund to apply anti climb paint to properties in the Harolds and Thornvilles to tackle sneak in burglaries occurring on the 1 st floor of premises in the area. To date 350 properties have had anti climb paint applied to them.
2.12 Walksafe A Police led operation bringing together resources from Leeds University and Leeds Met University to target patrols to key areas and engage with new and returning students on the issue of crime prevention. During this operation university staff and PCSOs patrol together to ensure maximum effectiveness of the resources available.
2.13 Little London Police Drugs Operation This is a Police led operation focusing on the drugs market in Little London, funded through West North West Homes and the Intensive Neighbourhood Management Project. This project has run for 2 phases, securing 8 arrests, over 70 stops and searches and 12 injunctions with the Power of Arrest against drug users coming into the Little London Area. These successes have increased public confidence and feedback from community meetings has been very positive.
Page 72 3.0 Overview of crime figures
3.1 Appendix 1 shows a downward trend in relation to all crimes in the 4 inner north west wards; Headingley, Hyde Park & Woodhouse, Kirkstall and Weetwood. The crimes presented in these figures cover the period April 2004 – March 2008 and relate to all crimes including; fraud & forgery, handling stolen goods, sexual offences and other thefts.
3.2 Crime reduced by 15% with 2011 fewer recorded incidents during this period. The biggest gains were achieved in Headingley ward (24% reduction) and Hyde Park & Woodhouse ward (22% reduction). It is important to note that these figures include all crime as mentioned above.
4.0 Overview of Crime Types
4.1 Appendix 2 provides an overview of specific crime types. Theft of and theft from motor vehicle achieved significant reductions during this reporting period. Burglary, criminal damage and violent crime also reduced. The following paragraphs will examine these trends in more detail.
4.2 Burglary and Robbery Throughout the Inner North West Area burglary has reduced by 17% with 351 fewer offences recorded, Appendix 3. Robbery figures have remained static, with an increase in 2005/06 and a subsequent reduction during 2006/07 and 2007/08. It is difficult to attribute this to a single cause, more likely a combination of factors may have lead to this rise.
4.3 The greatest challenge in relation to burglary is people leaving windows and doors open. Over 40% of burglaries are committed because a door or window has been left open. Considerable effort goes in to delivering this key message, through discussions, leaflets and PCSOs trying doors and walking into properties to advise on crime prevention. Similarly, the greatest challenge in relation to robbery is people openly carrying laptops, mobile phones or other expensive small gadgets in plain sight and having no regard for personal safety.
4.4 Theft of and Theft from Motor Vehicles Appendix 4 shows that theft of and theft from motor vehicles have achieved substantial reductions during this period, 48% and 36% respectively, with over 1000 fewer reported incidents.
4.5 Various tactics are used to help get the message about not leaving valuables on display across, examples include: If a PCSO comes across a vehicles where an item is on show they will note the details and arrange for the DVLA to write to the owner and provide some basic crime prevention advice. Temporary notices are also used in the form of the A4 poster frames purchased through well being in 2005/06.
Page 73 4.6 Criminal Damage and Violent Crime During the period of this report, recorded criminal damage reduced by 14%, a reduction of 338 offences (Appendix 5). Similarly, recorded violent crime reduced by 12%, with 215 fewer offences.
4.7 There was evidence to suggest that some criminal damage offences were being mis- reported as criminal damage when they were actually accidental damage. As a consequence some reports of criminal damage now receive a follow up visit by PCSOs to ensure that offences are not misreported. For example, accidental damage recorded as criminal damage. Violent Crime remains a challenging area, particularly, in areas where the night-time economy is active. The Headingley DPPO remains a success, assisting in reducing violent crime around Headingley town centre.
5.0 Ward Summary
5.1 Headingley During this period all crime has decreased, with substantial reductions in robbery (47%), theft of motor vehicle (40%) and theft from motor vehicles (55%), Appendix 6. Criminal damage and violent crime also achieved significant reductions, of 20% and 13%, respectively. All of this has resulted in 646 fewer incidents in these crime categories, a reduction of 23%.
5.2 Hyde Park & Woodhouse Appendix 7 shows that burglary (39%), theft of (54%) and theft from (52%) motor vehicle achieved substantial reductions during the period of this report. Criminal damage and violent also reduced by 10% and 19%, respectively. Robbery increased by 8 offences, over the course of this reporting period, an increase of 6%. However, it should be noted that this was after a significant increase in 2005/06 and the figures have reduced since.
5.3 Kirkstall Theft of motor vehicle reduced substantially in Kirkstall (Appendix 8) with 102 fewer offences recorded, a 50% reduction. Criminal damage (11%), Violent crime (10%) and robbery (18%) also reduced significantly during this period.
5.4 Burglary increased in Kirkstall during this period, with 47 more offences (14%). 2 action days have been held in Kirkstall ward focusing on Hawksworth Wood and the Spens / Woodbridges. Considerable effort has been expended in offender management within this area and partner agencies are working together to reduce the offending of some challenging individuals within this area.
5.5 Weetwood Appendix 9 shows that Theft of motor vehicle reduced by 41%, with 55 fewer offences. Robbery and criminal damage also reduced with reductions of 21% and 17% respectively.
5.6 Robbery experienced an increase of 23 offences which equates to a 135% increase. Some of this increase can be attributed to Youth on Youth crime and work with local schools is ongoing to tackle this issue with additional resources placed in the area during lunchtimes and at school leaving time. Violent crime also experienced a small increase of 3% (10 offences).
Page 74 6.0 Conclusion
6.1 It is clear that substantial reductions in crime have been achieved in the Inner North West during the period April 2004 and March 2008. However, with the current economic outlook it is fair to predict that there will be significant challenges ahead in a number of areas. The partnership working developed during the period of this report will place us in a promising position to continue to deliver reductions in crime and improvements in community confidence, with continued support from the Inner North west Area Committee.
7.0 Recommendations 7.1 Members are asked to note this report and offer comments.
Background Papers None
Page 75 Ward Overview Years % Wards 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Appendix 1 Headingley 3109 2597 2499 2373 736 24 Hyde Park and Woodhouse 4394 4160 4238 3436 958 22 Kirkstall 3034 3078 2895 2935 99 3 Weetwood 2453 2097 2133 2235 218 9 Total Reduction in all crime 12990 11932 11765 10979 2011 15
Ward Overview
5000 Page 76 4500
4000 Years 2004/05 3500 Years 2005/06 3000 Years 2006/07 2500 Years 2007/08 2000 Number of Offences 1500 Headingley Hyde Park and Kirkstall Weetwood Woodhouse
Inner North West Overview Years Appendix 2 % Crime Types 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Burglary 2032 1753 1732 1681 351 17 Robbery 247 313 296 247 0 0 Theft O MV 746 521 483 390 356 48 Theft F MV 1822 1191 1130 1167 655 36 Criminal Damage 2454 2346 2398 2116 338 14 Violent Crime 1791 1820 1739 1576 215 12 Totals 6813 5878 5750 5249 1564 23
Page 77
Inner North West Overview
2650
2150 Years 2004/05 1650 Years 2005/06 1150 Years 2006/07 Years 2007/08 650 Number of Offences of Number 150 Burglary Robbery Theft O Theft F MV Criminal Violent MV Damage Crime Appendix 3
Burglary and Robbery
2600
2100 Page 78 1600 Burglary 1100 Robbery
600 Number of Offences of Number 100 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08
Years Years Appendix 4
Vehicle Crime
1900 1700 1500
Page 79 1300 Theft O MV 1100 Theft F MV 900 700 500 Number of Offences of Number 300 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08
Years Appendix 5
Criminal Damage and Violent Crime
2700 2500 2300 Criminal Damage 2100 Page 80 Violent Crime 1900 1700 Number of Offences 1500 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Years
Headingley Ward Years Appendix 6 % Crime Types 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Burglary 578 568 524 541 37 6 Robbery 47 49 55 25 22 47 Theft O MV 144 108 93 86 58 40 Theft F MV 712 341 322 318 394 55 Criminal Damage 471 420 410 376 95 20 Violent Crime 316 270 257 276 40 13 Totals 1643 1139 1082 1056 587 36
Page 81 Headingley Ward
800 700 600 Years 2004/05 500 Years 2005/06 400 Years 2006/07 300 Years 2007/08 200
Number of Offences Numberof 100 0 Burglary Robbery Theft O Theft F Criminal Violent MV MV Damage Crime
Hyde Park and Appendix 7 Woodhouse ward Years % Crime Types 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Burglary 725 620 626 445 280 39 Robbery 134 185 172 142 -8 -6 Theft O MV 262 190 168 121 141 54 Theft F MV 500 314 235 241 259 52 Criminal Damage 798 741 853 719 79 10 Violent Crime 708 727 656 570 138 19 Totals 2268 1972 1912 1651 617 27
Page 82 Hyde Park and Woodhouse Ward
900 800 700 Years 2004/05 600 Years 2005/06 500 Years 2006/07 400 Years 2007/08 300
Number of Offences of Number 200 100 Burglary Robbery Theft O Theft F Criminal Violent MV MV Damage Crime
Kirkstall ward Years % crime Types 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Appendix 8 Burglary 339 345 279 386 -47 -14 Robbery 49 51 30 40 9 18 Theft O MV 205 155 138 103 102 50 Theft F MV 312 253 235 293 19 6 Criminal Damage 666 706 692 590 76 11 Violent Crime 459 514 486 412 47 10 Totals 1642 1628 1551 1398 244 15
Page 83 Kirkstall Ward
800 700 600 Years 2004/05 500 Years 2005/06 400 Years 2006/07 300 Years 2007/08 200 Number of Offences Numberof 100 0 Burglary Robbery Theft O Theft F Criminal Violent MV MV Damage Crime
Weetwood Ward Years % Appendix 9 Crime Types 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Difference Reduction Burglary 390 220 303 309 81 21 Robbery 17 28 39 40 -23 -135 Theft O MV 135 68 84 80 55 41 Theft F MV 298 283 338 315 -17 -6 Criminal Damage 519 479 443 431 88 17 Violent Crime 308 309 340 318 -10 -3 Totals 1260 1139 1205 1144 116 9
Weetwood Ward Page 84 600
500
400 Years 2004/05 Years 2005/06 300 Years 2006/07 200 Years 2007/08
Number of Offences of Number 100
0 Burglary Robbery Theft O Theft F Criminal Violent MV MV Damage Crime
Agenda Item 14
Originator: Sheila Fletcher Tel: 3952835
Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18 th December 2008
Subject: Community Engagement
Electoral W ards Affected: Specific Implications For: Hyde Park and Woodhouse Headingley Equality and Diversity üüü Kirkstall Weetwood Community Cohesion üüü
üüü Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap ( referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive üüü Delegated Executive Function available Function not available for Function for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
In November 2007, the Executive Board approved proposals to extend and enhance the roles of the Area Committees during 2008/09. Community Engagement was included as a specific function with a requirement for the agreement of a local community engagement plan for each area.
This report outlines proposals for community engagement in Inner North West Leeds and describes how the Area Committee could engage and involve local residents, enabling them to help shape future Area Committee priorities.
Page 85 Purpose of this report
1. The Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for the Area Committee for 2008-11 uses the Leeds Strategic Plan (LSP) to drive its own local priorities and improvement strategies for the area. The LSP provides the opportunity to take community involvement and engagement forward to make sure that it forms an essential part of all plans and strategies. This report outlines proposals for community engagement. Members are asked to consider and comment on these proposals
Background
2. The need for community engagement is being driven nationally and locally through statutory obligations on local authorities, public agencies and local strategic partnerships. Area Committees are the means by which Leeds City Council devolves decision making to local communities, taking the lead on community engagement activity and enhancing the role of the local councillor as community champion.
3. Within the ADP there is a commitment to empower local people to have a greater voice and influence over local decision making and the delivery of services, and to build the role of the voluntary, community and faith sectors. This priority is integral to the objectives of the Area Committee to: • enhance both the representative role of local elected councillors and the connections with their communities; • improve the quality of democracy and find new ways to facilitate citizen participation in local government.
Empowering local people – community engagement
4. Inner North West Leeds is an area with mostly dense populations, mixed neighbourhoods, diverse communities and strong community infrastructure. Since Area Committees were established in 2004, the Inner North West Area Committee, acknowledging the diversity of the area, has encouraged local people to become involved in its work and organises a range of engagement activities that enable people to identify their local issues and suggest ways of tackling them. Details of these are outlined in paragraphs 14 – 17.
5. The term “community engagement” is used in the context of this report to cover all the activities that support the involvement of residents, community groups and service users in the decision-making process. In addition, area committees are an effective tool for services and agencies to involve local residents on key strategies and future plans. For example, the Inner North West Area Committee has been used to consult and feedback on a whole range of plans and initiatives, for example the Local Development Framework.
National context
6. The Government has placed statutory obligations on local authorities, public agencies and local strategic partnerships to engage with communities about issues that affect them. Funding streams all emphasise the need for social inclusion,
Page 86 community involvement and partnership. The challenge is how to do this is an informed way that is both effective and credible, and does not result in duplication or over consultation.
7. A set of indicators on citizen satisfaction with Council services has been drawn up. Under the existing Local Area Agreement in Leeds there is a mandatory target that measures residents’ perception of public sector service improvements and their ability to influence service changes. The Audit Commission assessment of the Council will place a greater emphasis in its inspections on satisfaction indicators and whether residents think services are improving.
8. The Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill (Sept 2008) will create greater opportunities for community and individual empowerment. Local and regional governance arrangements will be reformed to empower communities and individuals by involving them in the design and delivery of local public services. Other measures will be designed to promote local democracy and encourage greater numbers of active citizens, for example by giving individuals a right of response from their local authority to local petitions.
Corporate context
9. The Leeds Strategic Plan 2008 to 2011, incorporating the Local Area Agreement, includes the following improvement priorities and targets linked to engagement and empowerment: • An increased number of local people engaged in activities to meet community needs and improve the quality of life for local residents; • An increase in the number of local people that are empowered to have a greater voice and influence over local decision making and a greater role in public service delivery; • Enable a robust and vibrant voluntary, community and faith sector to facilitate community activity and directly deliver services; • An increased sense of belonging and pride in local neighbourhoods that help to build cohesive communities.
10. Indicators related to these priorities will be drawn from the national indicator set and measured by the Place Survey. The first survey to provide a baseline from which progress will be measured will take place in the autumn 2008.
11. In 2007, the Council launched a corporate approach to consultation and engagement, including publication of a Community Engagement Policy and the development of a consultation portal. However, the size of the council, the diverse focus of its activities and relationships means that promoting high quality, effective and coordinated community engagement is a significant challenge.
12. As part of the commitment to develop and embed a more robust approach, a Corporate Consultation Manager was appointed in April 2008, to:
• support public and stakeholder consultation across council and partners;
Page 87 • deliver corporate projects such as the statutory Place Survey, the Residents’ Survey and the Citizens' Panel.
13. The Corporate Consultation Manager recognises the important role of neighbourhood and area based engagement to the Council and partners and has committed to support and work closely with colleagues leading on this.
Inner North West Leeds – existing arrangements
14. The existing arrangements for community engagement vary across the Inner North West area. In addition to encouraging resident participation at the area committee meetings, the following 3 community forums operate under the remit of the Area Committee and are facilitated by the Area Management Team.
• The Kirkstall Burley Forum meets between 3 – 4 times per year. The location is varied in order to reach different parts of the ward. The event is advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post and Kirkstall Matters. Posters are displayed in the leisure centre, supermarket and housing offices.
• Hyde Park and Woodhouse Forum meets 4 times per year. The event is advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post and posters are displayed locally
• Headingley Forum runs on an ad hoc basis. The event is advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post and Headingley Weekly News. Posters are displayed in the Library, the Cardigan Centre, Headingley Community Centre and Burley Lodge.
15 The Little London Intensive Neighbourhood Management area also has a community forum. This area is subject to a separate community engagement framework, details of which will be presented to the area committee at a future meeting.
16 In addition to these forums, to ensure that council services, local agencies and local people can work together on specific issues, the Inner North West Area Committee have established themed sub-groups. These are chaired by the ward councillor identified as the “theme champion.”
17 The following are examples of other methods of community engagement undertaken on behalf of the Area Committee; some are additional one-off engagement events as a result of particular situation or emerging developments.
• Partnership Events: the first of a series of partnership discussions was held immediately before the Area Committee in September 2008 with the theme of Extended Services. Over the coming year, the partnership events will look at each of the ADP themes in turn. They are open to councillors and members of the public, and are attended by representatives of the relevant service providers.
• Area Delivery Plan development drop-in sessions were held in each ward in May last year. A wide range of partner agencies supported the event, giving residents the opportunity to engage informally with councillors and service providers. A total of 48 residents attended the events, providing valuable
Page 88 information, not only on their viewed priorities for the area, but also suggesting associated actions which would help to achieve improvements in the priorities. The wide range of issues raised were collated and helped to shape the 2008- 09 ADP priorities.
• Kirkstall Vision Community Consultation Days. A series of three events aimed at creating opportunities for local residents to have a say on the future development of Kirkstall.
Inner North West Leeds – proposed arrangements
18. The area in which the Inner North West Area Committee operates has a wide range of well organised, effective community and activist groups. Whilst it is to be commended that their engagement with the area committee is encouraged, it is suggested that the challenge for the area committee is to find means of making meetings and forums more accessible to a far greater number of residents, particularly those who are at risk of being marginalised or who find the formality of meetings intimidating.
19. Community forums enhance the representative role of local councillors and are a contact point for citizens to express their views and concerns about issues that affect them. They are also a useful link between partner agencies and local people. A review of these forums by the Area Management Team suggests however that they have not been particularly effective in terms of encouraging wider participation therefore provide only a limited and unrepresentative perspective. There are small number of attendees relative to the efforts and resources invested in the organisation of these events.
20. The total population figures in 2006 in the three wards where forums take place were:
• Headingley 19,759
• Hyde Park & Woodhouse 22,242
• Kirkstall 20,673
21. At the same time statistics for the cycle of forums in quarter 1 and 2 this year are as follows:
Forum Circulation Total attending Residents Cost list attending
Headingley 70 42 26 £75.00
2 meetings
Hyde Park 154 66 40 £68.00 & Woodhouse
Page 89 3 meetings
Kirkstall 86 77 58 £100.00
2 meetings
22 The Area Management Team has examined the engagement methods in other parts of the city and this report suggests using alternative techniques for engaging with communities in the inner north west. This could include for example, innovative and eye-catching publicity and market-place style events where services and community groups can provide a wide- range of information, exhibits and presentations while giving local people the opportunity to comment. Community groups could assist in the planning of the events. Evidence shows that these events have had greater turn-out and feedback indicates that local people feel this is an effective way of obtaining a wide range of information, allowing them to choose what interests them. Local residents still feel engaged in the democratic process as they have the opportunity to engage with their local councillor. The event is also not prone to being dominated by the most vocal.
22. As part of the review of Area Management, Area Committees now have a more specific role in relation to community engagement in the future. The Area Function Schedule for community engagement sets out the role of the Area Committees. This involves the production of an area plan for community engagement which will include:
• A community profile of local data and intelligence, with information about the local communities, identified key contacts and routes to reach local neighbourhood and interest communities;
• A calendar of planned communication and engagement activity, including information in “About Leeds” at least once each year;
• Community engagement activities within particular neighbourhoods and communities, linked to ADP priorities.
23. It is proposed that the Area Management Team will maintain the community profile , combining local intelligence with statistical information. The calendar of events will be developed under the direction of the Area Committee. Proposals for neighbourhood and community based engagement activities will build on the current arrangements and it is proposed that new ideas will be introduced for reaching a wider sector of the community, particularly in priority neighbourhoods, for example targeted initiatives and activities to promote community cohesion and inclusion that engage groups currently underrepresented in the area.
24. Specifically, it is proposed that the Community Engagement Plan for Inner North West Leeds includes the following planned engagement activities:
• Partnership Events , taking the form of themed discussions before each of the six annual Area Committee meetings, will continue to be developed. A
Page 90 variety of methods will be employed to structure and develop the discussions with leading roles being taken by the Member Champions for the relevant theme. The aim of these events is to encourage engagement by the public and partners with the Area Committee. A schedule of events began with the Extended Services theme in September and Community Safety in November. The theme for the February meeting will be Enterprise and Economy, to be followed by Health and Wellbeing and Environment.
• Community forums with local residents will be held in all 4 wards of Inner North West Leeds meeting 3 times per year and chaired by elected ward members. It is proposed that the promotion and format of the current forums is reviewed, and changed if necessary, to ensure maximum accessibility and value to all sectors of the community. The agendas will be developed with Members to ensure they are focussed on recognised local priorities reflected in the ADP and to allow greater involvement and information sharing on relevant local issues .
• One event will be held per ward each year and will be linked to priority setting within the themes already identified in the current ADP. Engagement activities should be an integral part of the service planning process so that results can be fed directly into decisions about service provision. This event will provide an opportunity for local residents to identify local priorities and help shape the Area Delivery Plan. By defining issues and solving problems together, the public and local services can target resources where they are most needed. This helps the Area Committee and the Council to provide services that are more responsive to the needs of local communities (within available resources). To encourage residents to get involved in the decisions the Area Committee makes about their communities, this will be an opportunity also for residents to comment on the appropriateness of services. Falling at the end of the municipal year, this will provide an opportunity to evaluate the actions in the ADP and take soundings for the following year.
• It is proposed that these events could be market-place style events, held at times and venues so as to enable as many people as possible to attend on a drop-in basis. By using service information ‘stalls’, informal themed discussion tables or ‘planning for real’ style maps to record issues or areas of concern, the services delegated to the Area Committee will have the opportunity to engage with members of the public, creating opportunities for residents to comment on the appropriateness and effectiveness of services.
• While the events will enable local residents to identify local priorities and help shape revisions to the Area Delivery Plan, customer feedback in the Leeds Annual Survey 2007 suggests that it would help engage more people if the consultation is focussed on recognised local priorities, such as youth provision, community greenspace, community centres or public transport provision. In addition it is suggested that a high priority is given to targeting attendance by young people, BME communities or other priority groups identified by the Area Committee.
Page 91 • Sub-groups. Due to the diverse population and mixed neighbourhoods of the inner north west area, it is proposed that a range of sub-groups will continue to operate focusing on aspects of work in line with the responsibilities and functions of the area committee and the specific targeted work required that reflects the diverse population, such as the Students in the Community Group. These sub-groups have no decision making powers but table recommendations for consideration by the Area Committee. Their primary role is to drive the achievement of actions contained in the ADP. To ensure that each sub-group is clear of its objectives and that they perform effectively and efficiently, it is proposed that each group develops and agrees terms of reference.
• Galas and festivals events such as Hyde Park Unity Day draw large numbers of people of all ages. It is proposed to use such events to engage with people who might otherwise not get involved with statutory agencies to promote the work of the Area Committee.
• One-off events . There may be a need to facilitate additional one off engagement events as a result of particular situation or emerging developments. These can be accommodated, as can piggy-backing on to other occasions and pro-active engagement with hard to reach groups. Radio, new media and the press will continue to be used.
• Website. It is proposed to develop the Area Management website to raise the profile of the work of the Inner North West Area Committee and to develop links with other community networks.
25. It is proposed that a calendar of events will therefore include:
Activity Frequency Area Committee meetings 6 times a year Area Committee partnership events 6 times a year Area Committee sub-groups Frequency varies Community Ward Forums 3 times a year per ward ADP development events Once a year per ward in February/March
26. The timetable for the engagement calendar needs to be centred round the development and monitoring of the ADP to allow for maximum input by local communities. Appendix 1 provides detailed information on the different types of engagement events and methods that Members might wish to use for their ward events. Officers will talk Members through these choices at Ward Member meetings to help decide what format would best suit their particular ward. New and emerging community engagement techniques will be added to the database.
Implications for Council policy and governance
Page 92 Member consultation
27 Members attended the community engagement events in their wards held last year to provide opportunities for local residents to identify priorities in the ADP. The results were used by Members and the Area Management Team to develop the 2008/09 ADP which the Area Committee has now approved.
28 Member Champions are leading the themed discussions which take place prior to each Area Committee and which are based on the Strategic Plan and ADP themes.
Evaluation of impact
29 Feedback sheets will be used at all the engagement events to gauge residents’ views and demographic information will also be collected. The outcomes of the Community Engagement Strategy will also be measured through satisfaction levels expressed in the statutory Place Survey, the Residents Survey and Citizens' Panels.
Equality and diversity considerations
30 The Council has a long standing commitment to promoting equality, diversity and cohesion, aside from its legal duties. The Council’s Equality and Diversity Scheme 2008 – 2011 outlines its commitments and responsibilities as an employer, a service provider, a commissioner of services and as a leader.
31 The Stronger Communities section of the Scheme states that Leeds is a city that values the contributions of all the people of Leeds and actively engages with all our diverse communities. Leeds has set the goal of achieving Level 4 of the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) Equality Standard by December 2008. A recent Interim Assessment of Regeneration Service against this Standard identified a number of areas for action, including the need to make sure that all equality groups are reached through consultation and participation activities. These will be monitored and activities put in place to address any gaps identified.
32 Equality Impact Assessment is a key element of the new CAA framework. The inspection will consider how well public services are knowing and meeting the needs of the diverse groups within communities; and focus on whether groups and individuals who can be subject to discrimination and prejudice receive equitable outcomes.
33 Equality monitoring, designed to ensure that we are reaching all sectors of the community and that barriers to participation in engagement activities are addressed, will include:
• ensuring that effective promotion of community engagement activities targets all equality groups, plus other socially excluded communities, e.g. people reliant on state benefits or excluded because of education or skills levels; • assessing what barriers people may face in, for example, accessing services or getting their opinions heard; • annual monitoring of regular forums and networks through a standard monitoring form for completion by attendees; • annual postal surveys of all households in the Inner North West area;
Page 93 • use of a standard voluntary feedback and equality monitoring form at public events.
Legal and resource implications
34. There are no legal implications arising from this report.
35. The Area Management Team will be responsible for organising and co-ordinating community engagement activities and equality monitoring under the direction of the Area Committee. It is proposed that costs associated with holding forums and the individual community events are met from the Well Being Fund.
Conclusion
36. This report proposes a practical framework for engagement for the Area Committee to ensure that it engages with communities in a way that is coordinated, consistent and coherent.
Recommendations
37. The Area Committee is requested to comment on and approve the community engagement framework for 2009/10.
Background Papers
Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill (Sept 2008) Executive Board report, 16 th July 2008 ‘Area Committee roles for 2008/09’ Leeds Equality and Diversity Scheme, Lighter Touch Impact Assessment Leeds Strategic Plan 2008 to 2011 Inner North West Leeds Area Delivery Plan 2008-2011 Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 report of Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods Unlocking the Talent of our Communities – Central Government Empowerment White Paper
Page 94 APPENDIX 1 Tools for engaging citizens
There are numerous “ tools ”or methods that can be used to engage with communities. A list of these is given below, with a summary of why and how they should be used, associated advantages and disadvantages, and also any local examples. This list is intended as an initial guide and is by no means exhaustive or prescriptive.
Tool Objective Purpose Advantage Disadvantage Example Publicity – newsletters Information -giving To provide • Potential for regular • Can be costly • About Leeds information specific updates and time to an organisation or • Can reach a wide consuming to neighbourhood audience produce and initiative depending on distribute coverage and • Often readership perceived as junk mail • Not always read/seen by Page 95 target audience
Consultation documents Information- To provide • Good starting point • Can be costly • Development giving/Consultation information and can for consultation to produce dept – Statement also be used to • Makes the view of and circulate of community gather views by the organisation • May not be involvement including a response clear read by many • Headingley slip • Needs to be Primary School produced in proposals many different formats to be accessible
Exhibitions, road-shows, Information- Used to provide • Effective in • Groups who • Kirkstall Vision open- days giving/Consultation information and to publicising are reached obtain views on services/ are dependant specific projects or organisations on location services • Can give the public and timing of longer to comment road show, on issues exhibition etc • Likely to obtain views
APPENDIX 1 of a small number of people who are not representative of the target population Planning for Real Local involvement Structured • Easy to set up • Can be costly consultation method • Entertaining and • Difficult to that uses map of the involves those who ensure neighbourhood to wouldn’t normally representative ascertain what participate ness physical changes • Makes it easy to • Many maps people want for their obtain honest and may be local area wide ranging required if opinions consultation is • Can deal with to be far complex issues reaching Self-completion Consultation Market research • Relatively low cost • Open-ended Page 96 questionnaires/surveys exercise. Can be in time and money questions can used to gather views, • Effective way of be difficult to opinions and to gaining information analyse measure attitudes from a lot of people • Can yield a very quickly low response • Analysis can be so requires a relatively large sample straightforward for • Difficult to someone with the engage with relevant skills hard to reach groups • Cannot always control how different people interpret questions Area Committee meetings Information Formal public • Provides a formal • Limited public • Area Committee giving/consultation decision –making. structure for involvement meetings Public may attend decision making and be permitted to speak at discretion of the Chair
APPENDIX 1 Forums Consultation/Local Structured meetings • Regular process of • Attendees are • Ward forums in involvement with local engagement likely to be Headingley, residents/interest • Useful link between small numbers Hyde Park and groups to partner agencies and therefore Woodhouse and consult/debate issues and local people not represent Kirkstall Burley of local importance • Can be used to the views of seek committed the whole involvement from community local people • Can be • Relatively cheap dominated by • Can be held at the most vocal times and locations • Minutes can appropriate to be taken target communities • Needs effective management Electronic consultation/e- Information Provides information • Very cheap and • Only available • “Talking Point” – government/Internet/email giving/Consultation/Local using web quick to people who the Council’s Involvement technology Page 97 • Background are IT literate communication information can be and have engagement made readily access to portal. available appropriate • Area • Potentially wide- equipment Management reaching and likely • Some groups email address to be used less likely to extensively use PCs and internet therefore unlikely to be able to obtain completely representative views( e.g. elderly, low income
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Page 98 Agenda Item 15
Originator: Sheila Fletcher 3952835
Report of the West North West Area Manager
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18 th December 2008
Subject: Area Manager ’s Report
Electoral W ards Affected: Specific Implications For:
Equality and Diversity √
Community Cohesion √
Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap √ (referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive √ Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
This report informs members of progress on a number of projects and issues in Inner North West Leeds not addressed elsewhere on the agenda. It also provides a summary of recent actions and achievements of the Area Management Team since the last Area Committee meeting as determined by the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) and linked to key actions for delegated services.
In addition this report advises Members of work underway to align the ADP to service plans and outlines approaches to measure performance to assess how well outcomes are being achieved.
The Area Committee is requested to note and comment on the contents of this report.
Page 99 Purpose of the report
1. This report provides the Area Committee with information on issues not addressed elsewhere on the agenda. In addition it enables Members to track progress on a number of actions as determined by the Area Delivery Plan.
2. As part of the Council’s new corporate planning framework, Area Delivery Plans are the key focus for the achievement of strategic outcomes at a locality level. The ADP identifies key actions for delegated services. Enhanced responsibilities for the Area Committee are grouped under the following six themes linked in turn to the key themes in the LSP.
• Community engagement and facilities • Community safety • Environment • Children and young people • Adult social care and healthier communities • Regeneration and development
3. Corporate discussions are underway regarding aligning Area Delivery Plans and Service Plans. This will ensure that services highlight specific local issues and implications for each area rather than a general overview from a city-wide perspective. An example of this could be proposed changes to streetscene arrangements which would affect particular localities. Service plans will also be produced to provide greater clarity about the services provided and the responsibilities of the Area Committee in relation to them.
4. In relation to progress and monitoring of the ADP, performance management information is currently being collated and it is anticipated that a progress report will be presented to the meeting in February 2009. Following this, quarterly, detailed progress reports will be submitted to the Area Committee. The Area Manager’s Report will continue to provide the Area Committee with progress on actions as determined by the ADP and issues not addressed elsewhere on the agenda.
Main Issues
5. Neighbourhood Management Coordination This covers the identification of priority neighbourhoods across the area that requires more intensive resources to drive service improvements and better local outcomes. This includes improving the co-ordination of key services across the Council, and local partners.
6. Little London The Little London Intensive Neighbourhood Management Project is delivered through three multi-agency partnerships tasked with improving services in the area and developing new projects and ways of working to address local needs.
Page 100 The key achievements of these partnerships during the last six months are as follows:
• Crime & Grime The Crime and Grime partnership created a sub group to tackle the increase in drug dealing in the area. Partners looked at all aspects of the problem, including controlling access to high rise blocks, pursuing injunctions against users, environmental works where drugs are being hidden or used, and increasing reporting by local residents. The Drugs Action Group ran from June to September, and has proved very successful. Twelve injunctions were served against persistent users coming into the area to buy drugs. The number of calls to the police relating to drugs fell from 142 (January to July) to 18 (July to October). The Crime and Grime partnership provided £3,000 funding towards additional police patrols, and this was matched by West North West Homes. A total of 16 arrests were made during the overtime patrols and one cannabis farm was detected. Residents are very satisfied with the reduction in drug related activity, and partners now have a blueprint for action should the problem return in the future.
• Health & Wellbeing The Health and Wellbeing group has developed a number of new initiatives bringing together the statutory and voluntary sectors. A directory of community services and activities will be made available to GP practices, and a local voluntary organisation is co-ordinating an innovative ‘Headspace’ project to help people isolated by mental health problems.
The group has also encouraged youth service providers to work together to start a new youth club for young people aged 9-13. The club started in September, supported by youth workers from five different organisations, and has over twenty young people regularly attending.
• Employment and Skills The priority for the group was to increase the use of the Space@ community centre and make it more sustainable. Jobs and Skills took on the day to day management of the centre, and are now running a job shop four days a week, and there are plans to increase the number of activities available to local residents.
The Intensive Neighbourhood Management Project is planning a number of initiatives for the next six months includes improving recycling facilities, holding an enterprise day for people interested in starting their own business, and supporting the newly formed Oatlands Residents’ Association.
7. Hawksworth Wood The Area Manager is currently in discussions with partners to determine the level of intervention required to drive service improvements in this area. An example of current partnership activity is proposals to establish a police base and customer service point for West North West Homes tenants. The Area Management Team is working with the police and partners to progress these proposals. A number of options are currently being investigated including use of a shop unit and the Page 101 YMCA building. Although the main aim of the facility is a police base, it is intended that it will be used by neighbourhood wardens and the ALMO. Options for targeted health initiatives are also being progressed with the PCT.
8. Harolds and Thornvilles Headingley Ward Members allocated £14,000 from their Ward Based Initiative Fund towards a bin yard improvement scheme in the Harold & Thornville Neighbourhood Improvement Area. In addition a further £2,000 was approved from the Inner Area Committee Well-being fund making a total of £16,000 available to spend on the scheme. The Environmental Action Team are leading on the project. The scheme commenced late September and is expected to take 6 months. One binyard has been completed, this has been inspected and the quality of work approved. Consent has been granted on a further 10 binyards and the contractor will be working on these over the next few months.
9. Community Centres The responsibilities for the management of the following community centres have been delegated to the Area Committee.
• Woodsley Road
• Headingley
• Meanwood
• Little London
• Woodhouse
10. Consultation on the draft pricing and lettings policy will began on 1 st December. The findings of the consultation and revised policy will be presented to the Area Committee in February 2009.
11. The Area Management Team support and coordinate the work of a user group at Woodhouse community centre. This group looks at ways of developing expanded programmes of activities to meet the needs of the local community. In addition they ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the centre and have been instrumental in identifying essential maintenance work including a new roof and disabled access. Funding of £110,000 has been allocated to undertake this work.
12. The Funding Officer continues to support local community groups and organisations both in terms of capacity building and support to initiate new activities for local people.
Community Safety
13. Neighbourhood Wardens
There are 3 full-time neighbourhood wardens working in Little London, Hyde Park and Little Woodhouse area and Hawksworth Wood. Wardens provide a local Page 102 patrolling function and their duties include working with partners to tackle anti- social behaviour, crime and grime work, support to local residents with environmental and community safety issues on a day-to day basis, and support with community action days and Operation Champion.
14. The wardens have recently been involved in the following:
• An off-street bin pilot in the Norwoods area of Hyde Park. This has involved working with the Environmental Action Team and Streetscene to get bins off the street and stored within the confines of properties.
• Work with Environmental Services to audit graffiti on Virgin Media Utility boxes with a view to encourage the company to clean them.
• Property marking with Police Community Support Officers
• Working with Parking Services to ensure that parking permits are not mis-used in targeted areas.
• Supporting action days and Operation Champions, this includes pre and post- environmental audits, working with partners to deliver publicity material and engaging with local residents.
15. Operation Champion This is a planned, intelligence led multi-agency operation. Its main aims are to • Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour • Tackle environmental issues such as litter, fly-tipping and graffiti removal • Provide public reassurance and support.
An evaluation of recent Operation Champions will be presented to the Area Committee in February.
CCTV 17. There are nine cameras deployed in the inner north west in the following locations
• Hyde Park corner 1 • Headingley 4 • Hyde Park 3 • Hawksworth Wood 1
18. The cameras are monitored by Leedswatch on a full time basis. The control room has access to the Police Airwave radio system to ensure a prompt response to incidents. Leedswatch also monitor on behalf of West Yorkshire Police the City Wide Automatic Number Plate Recognition system (ANPR). Images from the CCTV control rooms are viewed live at the Police Control Room at Killingbeck and all the Local Police Divisions. Leedswatch are able to play back incidents immediately to the Police Control Room, Police Divisions and Leeds Bridewell if required. All CCTV operators are Licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to monitor Public Space CCTV. The overall strategy for CCTV ensures that the CCTV network provides reassurance to the public. Page 103
19. Most community safety action is carried out via tasking, with the police co-chairing the teams. Multi Agency Tasking this group examines the key tactical priorities for the inner north west area and agrees actions to tackle these priorities. Work undertaken through this group includes organising multi agency action days, case conferences about specific families and/or individuals and commitment to deliver or contribute to specific projects (eg. promoting target hardening by door knocking a neighbourhood, crime prevention articles in newsletters, etc). Membership of this group includes Area Management, West Yorkshire Police, West North West Homes, Leeds University, Leeds Met University, Environmental Action Team, Youth Service and the ASB Unit.
Environment 20. Work is underway to develop Neighbourhood Design Statements in Little Woodhouse and Headingley. In addition the Area Management Team has supported a series of consultation events on the Kirkstall Vision to encourage members of the community to participate in the process.
Royal Park 21. As reported verbally at the last Area Committee meeting, Rushbond’s have withdrawn their proposal to develop the Royal park School site due to their inability to secure a development partner for the elderly care residential aspects of their scheme. Officers from Asset Management and Area Management have met with members of the Royal Park Community Consortium since the last Area Committee meeting to update them and discuss the next steps in relation to the site. Officers have advised the consortium that a report will need to be taken to the Councils Executive Board early in 2009 advising the board of Rushbond’s withdrawal. There is also concern about the safety and security of the building which despite security patrols has been extensively vandalised internally. These risks do expose the Council to important health and safety concerns where it has liability for harm that is caused even to trespassers in the building. So far, this vandalism does not appear to have affected the main structure of the building. Members of the consortium indicated that they would like an opportunity to develop their proposals for the property, which would involve the ownership of the property being transferred to a local community organisation and submit these for consideration by the Executive Board. Arrangements are being made for an early visit by members of the consortium to the former school and the caretaker’s house. Officers have advised the consortium that these proposals could be reported to Executive Board along with comments on their viability and sustainability from officers. There is no reserve development scheme for the site although there was some initial expression of interest, since withdrawn, in the refurbishment of the property as a girls’ school.
Kirkstall Mills 22. A letter has been sent to the Chief Asset Management Officer requesting information relating to St Ann’s and Abbey Mills as agreed at the last meeting of
Page 104 the Area Committee agreed on 13th November. Progress on these issues will be reported to a future meeting of the Area Committee.
Implications For Council Policy and Governance
23. There are no additional implications for Council policy or governance.
Legal and Resource Implications
24 There are no additional legal or resource implications.
Recommendations
25 The Area Committee are requested to note the report and comment on the contents of this report.
Background reports • Inner North West Leeds ADP • Divisional Community Safety Partnership Highlight Report • Report to Executive Board November 2007, Area Management Review • Executive Board report July 2008
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Page 106 Agenda Item 16
Originator: Sheila Fletcher
Tel: 3952835
Report of West North West Area Manager
Meeting: Inner North West Leeds Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix
Electoral W ards Affected: Specific Implications For: Headingley Hyde Park and Woodhouse Equality and Diversity Kirkstall Weetwood Community Cohesion
Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap (referred to in report)
Council Delegated Executive Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents the Area Committee with a draft Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix. The draft strategy has been developed at the request of the Housing Strategy Sub-Group of the Inner North West Area Committee.
The draft strategy is appended ( appendix A) and forms the basis of this report.
Members of the Area Committee are asked to consider the issues raised and endorse the recommendations and way forward outlined in this report.
Page 107
Purpose of This Report
1. The purpose of this report is to present to the Area Committee a draft Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix.
Main Issues
2. This strategy identifies a programme of interventions proposed to work towards “normalising” housing provision in Inner North West Leeds and help alter the balance between shared private rented and residential housing for long-term residents. In addition the strategy aims to generally improve accessibility to housing.
Background
3. The purpose of this strategy is to establish a strategic approach to addressing the housing market and demographic changes that have affected the communities comprising the Area of Housing Mix in order to restore a more balanced housing market and population mix.
4. This strategy supports the Leeds Housing Strategy 2005-2010 that identifies as its key aim the creation and maintenance of balanced and sustainable communities. The Leeds Housing Partnership is responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing the Leeds Housing Strategy and for ensuring the full contribution of housing partners to the achievement of the outcomes and targets set out in the strategy.
5. At a local level, District Housing Partnerships ensure the delivery of the Leeds Housing Strategy. Currently however, a District Housing Partnership does not exist in West North West Leeds. It is proposed therefore that the mechanisms for the implementation and delivery of this strategy are considered by Leeds City Council’s Head of Housing Strategy and Commissioning and the Leeds Housing Partnership.
6. It is proposed that an update clarifying this, and the responsibilities of the Area Committee in relation to the strategy, is presented to the February 09 meeting of the Inner North West Area Committee.
Recommendations
7. Members of the Area Committee are asked to: • Comment on and agree the draft Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix • Consider the issues raised in relation to the implementation, delivery and monitoring of the strategy and endorse the recommendations and way forward as outlined in paragraphs 5 -6 above.
Background Papers
Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix Leeds Housing Strategy 2005-2010
Page 108 Appendix A
Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix
November 2008
November 2008 0 Page 109 CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Strategic Context 4
Issues to Address 6
Interventions 11
Delivery 14
Outputs and Outcomes 16
Appendices
A Area of Housing Mix and Sub Areas 17
B Concentrations of Student Households 2006/07 18
C Inner North West Leeds Housing Intervention Matrix 19
November 2008 1 Page 110 INTRODUCTION
The neighbourhoods that comprise Inner North West Leeds have long been home to a substantial number of houses in multiple occupation and purpose built halls of residence for students at the city’s range of higher education institutions. The significant concentration of students and other young and mobile households is unique to these neighbourhoods requiring a dedicated housing strategy allied to dedicated planning policies..
Leeds has welcomed students to the city and has seen the attraction of students and their retention as graduates as an integral contribution to its economic transformation and growth. However, there had been, until recent times, a balance between a fluctuating or escalating student population and the longer-term residential population.
This situation was changed significantly by the introduction by Central Government of an aim to substantially increase the number of young people going into higher education. However, this policy was not accompanied by any accompanying policy relating to the housing of the increased student population heading to ‘university cities, the substantial increase in the numbers of students coming to study in Leeds over the last 10 years brought with it a challenge of how to accommodate those additional students. While the University of Leeds was able to accommodate its fairly constant population, the Leeds Metropolitan University was unable to offer its new students university accommodation.
What transpired was that the additional students followed the continuing large numbers of existing students (who preferred to live close to the two Leeds Universities) into the ‘core’ areas of shared student housing of Hyde Park, Central and South Headingley and Woodhouse, radically changing the balance of those areas as investment landlords purchased existing residential housing to establish houses in multiple occupation to house the increasing student population, while parents of students also saw investment potential in buying houses to house their children.
More recently, buy to let investors have also been buying former residential family homes for rental purposes, to both students and young professionals. Many existing residential households have moved out of the area as the composition of streets has changed.
This has all led to a significant alteration to the demographic balance of the communities in ‘Leeds 6’ with shared houses containing multiple households of students and young workers often outnumbering existing residential households, increasing levels of instability and turnover and with implications for local schools and other amenities and community cohesion.
This imbalance was recognized by the adoption of an Area of Housing Mix in 2006 which aims to encourage accommodation of students and the development of purpose built student accommodation outside the area. The Area of Housing Mix is not homogeneous and consists of a number of sub areas with differing characteristics, housing and population mixes. A Map of the Area of Housing Mix and sub-areas is attached as Appendix A.
November 2008 2 Page 111 The development over recent years of a substantial supply of purpose-built accommodation for students in and around the city centre has led to a movement of many students (mostly first year students) from shared housing in the Area of Housing Mix into the new purpose built blocks leasing to a substantial number of unlet shared homes. Bringing these back into residential use will be costly to purchasers and often difficult where they are located in areas of high student concentration.
Meanwhile the accessibility of housing in the area is becoming ever more restricted. House prices have increased substantially over recent years, pushed up by investors and buy to let landlords, benefiting existing households, but virtually removing access for first time buyers and hindering opportunities for households to trade up within the area.
There is little available affordable housing for rent with limited stocks of social rented housing rarely becoming available for let; self-contained private rents unaffordable to young couples and single people, and mortgage costs often out of reach for first time buyers.
The housing situation in the Area of Housing Mix is unique in Leeds - and indeed, in its scale, unique in the country. It is a situation however, that is evident in ‘university towns’, and responses in Leeds have been seen as cutting-edge nationally, and Universities UK (UUK )has singled out Leeds for its approach to student housing.
The purpose of this strategy is to establish a strategic approach to addressing the housing market and demographic changes that have affected the communities comprising the Area of Housing Mix in order to restore a more balanced housing market and population mix and create a better functioning local housing ladder with a range of housing options.
November 2008 3 Page 112 STRATEGIC CONTEXT
This Housing Strategy for the area of Housing Mix sits within a broad strategic context, incorporating national, regional and local strategic drivers. Nationally, this strategy links to a number of major strategic threads. The Sustainable Communities Plan (2004) aimed to achieve balance in communities; avoiding concentration of housing tenures or of population types, and through encouraging a combination of amenities and facilities that can create and maintain sustainable communities. Housing and Planning Policy including the Housing Act 2004 (which introduced the licensing of Housing in Multiple Occupation) and the recent Housing Green Paper: Homes for the Future (which sought to achieve greater access to affordable housing through substantially increasing supply while making better use of existing housing) and Planning Policy Statement 3 (PPS3, on affordable housing). It also refers to the current consideration by central Government of changing the Use Classes Order to help further regulate housing in multiple occupation. Governmental Higher Education Policy has over a number of years been to increase the numbers of young people going into higher education in order to improve the competitiveness of the UK economy. Currently there is a debate over further expansion of higher education through means other than the traditional ‘after school’ access route including home-based, part- time and workplace-based learning which could have an effect on the numbers of undergraduates moving to access higher education. Nationally research has been undertaken into the impact of higher education on housing provision and in particular the operation of the private rented sector. Research commissioned by Communities & Local Government (CLG) and undertaken by ECOTEC on Evidence Gathering - Housing in Multiple Occupation and possible planning responses , was published on 26 September 2008 and considered the impact of HMOs and of potential options for dealing with issues arising including changes to the Use Classes Order. Another piece of research by Julie Rugg of York University considered the operation of the private rented sector and the impact of increased student numbers on the sector and the locations where such housing was concentrated. At a regional level the strategy links to the aim of the Regional Spatial Strategy to ensure effective provision of housing growth, affordable housing, improved housing mix and housing for various communities or special groups, including students. At a local level, the strategy links to a number of strategic threads. The Vision for Leeds has as one of its core aims ‘Going up a League’ increasing economic growth and the regional, national and international importance of Leeds. Graduate retention to add to the skills base of the Leeds economy and the increasing ‘knowledge economy’ is essential to achieving this aim. The strategy also supports the other major objective of the Vision for Leeds of ‘Narrowing the Gap’ between affluent and deprived parts of the city and communities. This strategy also contributes to one of the key themes of the Leeds Strategic Plan of creating thriving communities. The strategy supports the Leeds Housing Strategy 2005 - 2010 which identifies the creation and maintenance of balanced and sustainable communities as a key aim. The balanced accommodation of students is a component part delivering this aim along with HMO licensing, provision of affordable housing and bringing empty properties back into use. This is currently under review with a revised strategy expected in April 2009.
November 2008 4 Page 113 The Strategy for Housing Students in Leeds , a contributory strategy to the Leeds Housing Strategy, aims to achieve a balance between encouraging students and ensuring their safe accommodation and the need to achieve a better balance between the student and residential populations This strategy is underpinned and informed by local planning policies such as and the Core Strategy of the Leeds Local Development Plan, the Area of Housing Mix (policies H15 and H15A); the encouragement of purpose-built student accommodation, and the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document on Affordable Housing. The strategy complements the Shared Housing Action Plan which aims at implementing measures to better improve the composition of the Area of Housing Mix, develop more housing options and better manage the area’s constituent neighbourhoods.
November 2008 5 Page 114 ISSUES TO ADDRESS
There are a wide number of issues prevalent in the Area of Housing Mix that this housing strategy is seeking to address:
Demographic Imbalance The % of the population of the area that are students has been increasing over the last 10 years. In 1991 the % of population aged 16 – 29 was 39.6% in Headingley ward compared to 21.4% for Leeds as a whole. The 2001 Census records 69.7% of the population of Headingley as being aged 16 – 29 compared to 19.7% for Leeds as a whole. There has also been a marked change in housing tenure patterns in the area with the proportion owner occupied declining and the proportion rented privately increasing.
While students and shared housing have been a major component of the composition of the Area of Housing Mix for a considerable time, significant changes have taken place in the concentrations of shared housing and the student population within the Area of Housing Mix and the constituent parts of the area.
This change was fuelled by the Government inspired increase in the numbers of young people seeking to access higher education. However, the decision to increase significantly the numbers of students was taken without any real without any real planning of accommodation needs or consideration of how those students would be accommodated, and without any realization or analysis of the impact that this would have on areas where students traditionally lived.
Leeds Metropolitan University was unable to house all first year students in halls of residence and instead many had to live in shared housing adding to already large numbers of returning students living in shared housing in Leeds 6. This was fuelled by investors and landlords seeking to buy residential properties to offer an increased supply of shared housing to meet increasing demand from students. The result was the dominance of certain parts of the area by houses in multiple occupation and other shared housing accommodating students. This process has been defined through research by Dr Darren Smith published in 2005 as ‘studentification’.
In recent years private sector providers, such as Unite, Opel Securities and Liberty Park have invested in construction of purpose built cluster based halls of residence mainly in and around the city centre, but with some inside the Area of Housing Mix which has begun to alter the composition of the area and led to some movement of students out of the area.
The % of the population who are students varies from 77% in North Hyde Park to 4% in West Park and Weetwood (see Appendix B), leaving some neighbourhoods dominated by students and other more mixed with a range of family types (with young children, teenage children, single parents) and age ranges. Over recent years there has been a growing BME population, including South Asian populations, households of African and middle-eastern origin and increasing inflow of migrants from the EU accession states. With the right interventions, the opportunity exists to achieve a more balanced, but mixed and diverse community.
November 2008 6 Page 115 Reducing the impacts of tenure imbalance The reduction in the residential population of the Area of Housing Mix has had a clear impact : • A smaller proportion of families with children living in the area has had an impact on demand for school places and four primary schools in the area have closed over the last 3 years. • An increasing number of houses in multiple occupation has brought an increase in the number of cars and of traffic congestion, especially at rush hours. • The changing population has brought with it a proliferation of take away outlets and bars to meet demand from an increasingly young population and the number of retail shops has reduced, although this could be as much to do with changing shopping patterns, the rise of the hypermarkets and the use of internet shopping. It has also brought a proliferation of lettings agencies taking up shop units (over 60 in the Area of Housing Mix) • The increase of HMOs in the area has brought with it problems for environmental and waste management as the amount of waste per household in the area has increased. • A high level of HMOs in the area has brought very high levels of burglary as burglary of one property can generate multiple crime reports. The high perceived and actual levels of burglary has in turn, had an impact on the attractiveness of the area, and feelings of safety and security for existing residents. • The increasing number of young people, living largely unmanaged, in the area has brought problems with low level anti-social behaviour, as it would however in any area with large numbers of young people. • Stress for residents arising from noise levels and a sense of disempowerment amongst the existing residential population resulting from the changing population balance. . • Loss of ‘social capital’ arising from loss of amenities and the impact on local community cohesion, engagement and involvement arising from the reduction of the ‘settled population’ and the increased ‘transient’ population.
Access to housing Access to housing for starter households, first time buyers and those in need of social rented housing is becoming increasingly difficult. Social housing stock There is a relatively low supply of social rented housing and a very high demand. In summer 2007 there were 6,420 social rented homes in inner North West Leeds, over 1,000 lower than in 2002.
No of social rented homes No of social rented homes Change 2002 2007 Woodhouse 885 586 -299 Hyde Park 258 239 -19 Headingley 579 559 -20 Burley 1569 1262 -307 Kirkstall 606 502 -104 West Park 449 410 -39 Far Headingley/Becketts Park 903 721 -182 Meanwood 181 134 -47 7432 6420 -1012
November 2008 7 Page 116 The table above shows this. This stock reduction has largely arisen from sales of council homes under the right to buy, most of which have been family houses of 2 beds or more. Waiting list demand at the same time has remained strong with 3,179 households waiting for social housing.
A reducing stock has meant fewer properties becoming available, and of those becoming available, a very small proportion have been family homes and most have been 1 or 2 bed flats and miscellaneous terraced and back to back properties. With reducing turnover, then available vacancies become available to those in the greatest need only, reducing the scope for households on the waiting list with general needs.
Private rented housing affordability While there is a substantial and growing private rented housing sector in the area, supply is either high rent and geared at ‘professionals’ or shared housing/HMOs aimed at students. Rents for self contained private rented housing are becoming unaffordable to those on lower incomes.
The average rent for a 2 bed flat in the area would take up over 45% of the monthly income of a single person with a ‘bottom quartile’ income (Under £17,500 per year) and 130% of the monthly income of a single person with an income in the bottom 10% (£6,000 per year). The average rent for a 1 bed flat in the area would take up 38% of the monthly income of a single person with a ‘bottom quartile’ income (Under £17,500 per year) and all the monthly income of a single person with an income in the bottom 10% (£6,000 per year) – more affordable but the risk of incurring other debt in order to afford to pay the rent.
This has meant that rooms in shared housing have become more attractive to young workers as rent payments would take up a considerably lower % of disposable income and bring the sociability of sharing. This however, in turn, has meant increasing demand for shared housing and to some degree, a replacement of groups of students in shared housing with groups of young workers.
Access to home ownership With competition for family housing coming from investment landlords, the parents of students and residential households then prices have risen leading to severe problems for first time buyers and households seeking to either move into the area or within the area. For first time buyers the situation has become acute.
The average entry level house price across the area is £161,958. This requires a single income of £46,274 or a joint household income of £55,848 compared to the single average income in Leeds of £23,500 or a joint average income of £35,250.
Even small back to back terraces in parts of Hyde Park, central Headingley or Woodhouse are becoming unaffordable; most sell now for £100,000 to £140,000 which requires a single income of £34,500 or a joint income of £41,500. The table below shows some of the variations across the area. This effectively means that entry level housing in the area is largely unaffordable to households with average incomes or below.
November 2008 8 Page 117 Entry Level Single Joint Monthy % of joint % of joint % single % of single Price Income income mortgage bottom 25% average average bottom 25% needed needed income income income income (£26,250 pa) (£35,250 pa) (£23,500 pa) (£17,500 pa)
Woodhouse £138,991 £39,712 £47,928 £1,054 48.2% 35.9% 53.8% 72.3% Hyde Park £148,468 £42,419 £51,196 £1,127 51.5% 38.4% 57.6% 77.3% Little Woodhouse £161,430 £46,123 £55,666 £1,222 55.9% 41.6% 62.4% 83.8% South Headingley £164,336 £46,953 £56,668 £1,261 57.6% 42.9% 64.4% 86.5% Central Headingley £177,059 £50,588 £61,055 £1,354 61.9% 46.1% 69.2% 92.9% Headingley Hill £170,697 £48,771 £58,861 £1,298 59.3% 44.2% 66.3% 89.0% Becketts Park £177,511 £50,717 £61,211 £1,360 62.2% 46.3% 69.5% 93.3% West Park £183,035 £52,296 £63,116 £1,413 64.6% 48.1% 72.2% 96.9% Kirkstall £132,613 £37,889 £45,729 £1,008 46.1% 34.3% 51.5% 69.1% Burley £165,438 £47,268 £57,048 £1,261 57.6% 42.9% 64.4% 86.5%
Recently the ‘credit crunch’ has had an impact on access to home ownership in the area. Reducing mortgage lending especially to first time buyers and the withdrawal of 100% mortgages and requirement for deposits being reinstituted), then this situation may well further worsen.
Need for increased affordable housing and a better housing mix The scope for development of new housing and new affordable housing across the area remains limited. There are few large development sites and those sites that exist are small to medium sized brownfield sites, where there are complexities of site preparation, clearance and finding an appropriate housing mix that is financially viable.
The main development sites are at Leeds Girls High School and Tetley Hall with some smaller sites around Clarendon Road (see Appendix C). These may generate a significant number of new homes but it is important not only that these deliver an affordable housing requirement in line with Council policies but also that housing developed adds to the housing mix of the area.
Current Council policy requires affordable housing provision under S106 agreements to be on site and to reflect the general nature of the housing being delivered. However, on some sites in the area student housing is being sought, and on others the size of the sites would only deliver more flats, which would not contribute to an ability to meet housing needs within the area as the area already contains a large stock of flats. The current review of the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document on Affordable Housing is giving consideration to seeking off-site provision where on-site provision is inappropriate (for example where student housing is proposed) or where a mix of on-site and off site affordable housing provision would provide benefits to the local area and would deliver similar levels of affordable housing. In the Area of Housing Mix this could be in the form of off-site provision being existing street properties sold at discount through the Headingley Development Trust as a Community Land Trust for letting through local housing associations
November 2008 9 Page 118 Reducing the number of empty/unlet properties The housing market changes that have been occurring within the Area of Housing Mix have led to an emerging issue with empty or unlet homes. It is currently estimated that there are 312 unlet private rented properties in the area with 1,168 unlet bedspaces. Clearly however there are differences between empty and unlet properties and it may be that letting at less than capacity could generate improved quality as landlords restore communal rooms and improve to attract lower demand.
With clear indications of a movement of first year students and some, albeit a small number, of returning students taking up rooms in new purpose built halls of residence, then demand from students for shared housing in the area has been shown to have diminished. However, this is the first full year of letting for many of the purpose built halls and there are still a significant number of new purpose built halls under construction.
Some landlords have simply diversified their demand base and sought to let to young workers or professionals and there is clear evidence of an increase in the numbers of such households sharing housing in the area. Many other landlords are biding their time until they have a better and clearer picture of demand and supply, and are letting at under capacity in order to ensure at least some income is received.
In the meantime the ‘credit crunch’, the changes in mortgage rates and lending policies and a likely stagnation or reduction in house prices could have an impact on the market, and, if accompanied by reductions in demand from students, may well push landlords, and especially buy to let landlords, to cut their losses and sell up, raising the risk of more empty homes. On the other hand with mortgage finance being restricted and lenders now requiring deposits before granting mortgages then this may indicate a growing demand for shared private rented housing in the area from young households unable to afford to rent self contained private rented flats
November 2008 10 Page 119 INTERVENTIONS
A range of housing interventions will be needed with some variation between the various parts of the Area of Housing Mix. These actions could be divided into demand side measures, supply side measures and measures to better manage housing markets in the Area of Housing Mix.
A. Demand Side 1. Rebalancing the community (new markets) a) Seeking to introduce more ‘settled’ households into the area, including encouragement to families (wishing to move to the area or within the area trading up); student families; refugees and migrant workers seeking to stay in the UK; young couples (family builders), young professionals/ workers (in their first or second jobs) and graduates. b) Headingley Homes , Manning Stainton’s and Headingley Development Trusts scheme to enable residential households to sell to other residential households rather than landlords c) Encouraging dispersal of students to areas outside the Area of Housing Mix , through the actions set out in the Strategy for Housing Students in Leeds 2. Assistance with Deconversion a) Seeking Funding to enable loans to secure de-conversion of homes converted to HMOs that will require substantial costs, on top of high prices, to enable reoccupation by residential households b) Considering using Leeds rebuild trainees to do conversion work 3. Housing Improvement a) Decent Homes improvements to social housing stock in the area b) Equity Release loan provision for vulnerable private owners c) Measures to improve the energy efficiency of housing across sectors and increase provision of affordable warmth and reduce the number of households living in fuel poverty d) Maintaining the quality and affordability of housing, through continuing to encourage higher standards of provision, reviewing the affordability of rents
B. Supply Side 1. Affordable housing provision a) Land availability in the Area of Housing Mix needs to be assessed as part of the wider Strategic Land Availability Assessment being undertaken by the Council including identification of any Housing Revenue Account land for development of affordable housing (shared equity and social rented provision) using Housing Corporation grant b) Using S106 agreements to secure affordable housing to provided on-site; with a balance between social rented, shared equity, discounted sale and sub-market rent, or off-site; through sale of street properties at discounted rates to Headingley Homes CLT (see below) for renting through a local housing association to households in need, or sale under shared equity to key workers.
November 2008 11 Page 120 2. Community Land Trust a) Establishing Headingley Homes, a Community Land/Asset Trust linked to the Headingley Development Trust, with structure, governance and purpose and a Business Plan to deliver a feasible programme of acquisition of assets and use of those assets to fund further acquisition and finance a balance between properties to rent or sell under shared equity through a housing association b) Establishing a management agreement with a local housing association(s) to undertake housing management and maintenance of rented units leased or sold to Headingley Homes
3. Bringing empty homes back into use a) Establish an Empty Homes team/officer with responsibility for bringing empty homes back into use to i. Identify the scale and ownership of unlet properties and owners intentions and those long term voids ii. Establish options for using Housing Act 2004 powers of Empty Dwelling Management Orders iii. Encourage the Council to levy a full council tax charge on empty homes iv. Explore partnerships between landlords/owners and housing associations to bring empty homes back into use b) Assess the potential for acquisition for improvement and letting or sale under shared equity through Headingley Homes
C. Market Management 1. HMO Licensing a) Continuation of action to implement mandatory HMO licensing. b) Consideration of additional licensing to include all shared housing. 2. Landlord Accreditation a) Continuing to encourage increased accreditation of private landlords through UNIPOL or the Leeds Landlords Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) 3. Planning policies a) Ensuring application of Leeds Development Plan policies (affordable housing) and consideration over time of an Area Action Plan for the area and implementation of Area of Housing Mix policies H15 and H15A b) Lobbying for a change in the Use Classes Order to oblige purchasers of properties seeking to let them as HMOs or shared housing to seek planning permission.
November 2008 12 Page 121
3. Housing/ Tenancy Management and Support and Neighbourhood Management a) Identification of measures to improve the management and support of tenants including investigation of ‘common services’ jointly resourced by WNW Homes, housing associations and local private landlords? b) Implementation of the measures relating to neighbourhood, area and environmental management contained in the Shared Housing Action Plan to ensure that the area is safe and secure and attractive to new residents. c) Management and representation of students living in the area
November 2008 13 Page 122 DELIVERY
The delivery of this housing strategy for the Area of Housing Mix should be guided through the Area Committee for Inner North West Leeds, the Shared Housing Group and the West North West District Housing Partnership with the operational support of the West and North West Area Management Team, West North West Homes and the range of housing providers and service providers covering the area.
Delivery of this strategy will depend on effective partnerships being developed and maintained between the Council and housing providers across sectors.
The prime partnership grouping will be the Shared Housing Group which, with the support of Inner North West Area Committee and the West and North West Area Management Team, will oversee the implementation of the Shared Housing Action Plan , instrumental to ensuring that the area is attractive to incoming residents and provides the attractive, safe and secure environment that will persuade residents to remain there.
The Inner North West Area Committee will ensure the implementation of this strategy. The Housing Strategy Sub Group of the Area Committee will monitor progress in its delivery and recommend remedial action to the Area Committee where necessary.
The West and North West Homes District Housing Partnership (WNW Leeds DHP) will seek to identify housing needs and requirements, gaps in provision and the types and mix of housing development needed to meet needs and demand.
Community Groups in the area, individually, or through the Headingley Network and the Leeds HMO Lobby, need to both continue to apply pressure for continuing action to improve the range of housing available ion the area and to provide a mechanism for community engagement and participation.
The Headingley Development Trust is increasingly developing as a key component of the continuing improvement and management of the area with the potential development of the Heart initiative and the establishment of Headingley Homes to try and bring unwanted assets into community ownership and use to provide access to affordable homes.
West North West Homes Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) is a prime partner in the delivery of housing services in the area and is the lead partner in the WNW Leeds DHP. It will deliver improvements to the council housing stock and access to housing for households in housing need. It will lead in establishing opportunities for redevelopment of council estates in the area that could deliver increased numbers and an enhanced range of affordable homes.
Leeds City Council Development Department is responsible for ensuring implementation of the planning policies applicable to the Area of Housing Mix.
Leeds City Council Environment and Neighbourhoods Department has responsibility for encouraging the development of more affordable housing in the area and for ensuring efficient and effective waste management, refuse collection and street-scene services to the area.
November 2008 14 Page 123
Under the guidance of the Inner North West Area Committee, the Leeds City Council West and North West Area Management Team will ensure that that measures and actions are in place to deliver effective neighbourhood management, community safety and street scene services.
Housing Associations operating in the area will provide the means to develop affordable housing options on development sites, provide access to affordable housing and work in partnership with the City Council and Headingley Development Trust to bring empty homes back into use.
The Universities and Students Unions will contribute through their implementation of the Strategy for Housing Students in Leeds and their own respective housing strategies. They are also keen They can also continue to support and promote accreditation to improve the range of housing already available, to provide mechanisms for ensuring that students choose landlords recommended to them by their peers to ensure a high standard within the shared housing stock, and to ensure that students rent from the agents with the best management practices. The Universities and Students Unions can also commit themselves to influencing the behaviour of students and provide mechanisms for enhanced community engagement of students. .
UNIPOL will continue to act as the major provider of ‘halls of residence’ and shared housing (for students and young professionals), as well as being a promoter for accredited housing for students. UNIPOL will also continue to promote to students the benefits of a wide range of localities and provide an excellent example of pro-active management practice.
Estate and Lettings Agents in the area provide access to housing and a means of matching those looking for housing with available supply. Manning Stainton in particular will continue their initiative aimed at enabling households wishing to sell to a ‘family’ only to do so.
Private Landlords will continue to provide housing to meet local needs and demands and will be encouraged to become an accredited landlord ( if not so already) and continually improve their quality of housing and management.
Housebuilders/developers will provide new housing in the area and in line with Council planning policy will ensure that the appropriate proportion of that new housing is affordable.
The Leeds Tenants Federation can represent the interests of social housing tenants living in the area and may develop mechanisms for securing the engagement and participation of private tenants in local tenants and residents groups.
November 2008 15 Page 124 OUTPUTS/OUTCOMES
There are a number of key outputs that this Housing Strategy for the Area of Housing Mix seeks to achieve
• A more balanced community – With housing tenure patterns closer to the Leeds average – With a population and household mix closer to the Leeds average – With a majority of homes to be in permanent occupancy
• Increased provision of affordable housing – More social rented homes built and let – More homes available for sale through equity share – More rented homes available at below market rent levels aimed at low paid and key workers – Better access for starter households to housing in Leeds 6
• Fewer unlet or empty properties – More empty homes brought back into use
• Improved Management of rented housing – Continual increase in the number of accredited landlords in the area and in the number of bedspaces covered – All HMOs liable for licensing to be licensed – Better management standards in the private rented sector – Less nuisance incidents reported from residents of shared housing
November 2008 16 Page 125 Appendix A: Area of Housing Mix and Sub Areas
November 2008 17 Page 126 Appendix B: Concentrations of Student Households 2006/07
Area/Street Map Ref Population LMU Students University of Leeds ALL % of all % Students Students Students Population students
Univerity Campus's W2 2315 509 4.00% 1675 10.13% 2184 7.46% 94.30% North Hyde Park HP2 1900 77 0.79% 1380 7.88% 1457 5.35% 76.70% Central Headingley H1 7515 1307 10.27% 2636 15.95% 3943 13.48% 52.50% Little Woodhouse W3 4770 1783 14.01% 710 4.30% 2493 8.52% 52.30% South Headingley H3 4526 475 3.73% 1877 11.36% 2352 8.04% 52.00% Hyde Park HP1 8126 824 6.47% 3242 19.62% 4066 13.90% 50.00% Woodhouse W1 8944 863 6.78% 2474 14.97% 3337 11.41% 37.30% Cardigan Triangle H3 1703 219 1.72% 411 2.49% 630 2.15% 37.00% Burley Lodge (inc Harold's) B2 3972 380 3.93% 916 5.23% 1296 4.77% 36.36% Far Headingley (inc Becketts Park) H2 1705 359 2.82% 226 1.37% 585 2.00% 34.30% B1
Page 127 Burley 8611 758 5.95% 1111 6.72% 1869 6.39% 21.70% Headingley Hill H4 1168 107 1.10% 116 0.66% 223 0.86% 19.10% Kirkstall K 8024 910 1.60% 224 1.27% 1134 4.17% 14.13% Meanwood M 8835 281 2.21% 311 1.88% 592 2.02% 6.70% Moor Grange MG 1910 80 0.63% 30 0.18% 110 0.38% 5.80% West Park/Weetwood WP 2902 52 0.41% 77 0.47% 129 0.44% 4.40% Unknown postcode/address 697 5.47% 91 0.55% 788 2.69%
Inner NW Leeds 76859 9681 35.60% 17507 64.40% 27188 100%% 35.40%
November 2008 18 Appendix C: Inner North West Leeds Housing Intervention Matrix
Intervention Package for across the Area of Housing Mix
Housing Supply • Bringing empty properties back into use • Acquisition and refurbishment of unlet unwanted properties for equity share or social /intermediate rent under S106 agreements for sites in NW Leeds (HDT) • Increased affordable housing provision from sites identified through the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment - Equity share housing - Sub market rented housing - Social rented housing
Page 128 Demand management • Equity loans for homeowners to secure refurbishment to Decent Homes Standard at least • Encouragement of young families and young couples • Self-contained and shared housing for young workers • Homelessness leasing • Encouraging movement of students into purpose built accommodation where appropriate • Encouragement of demand from refugees with permission to stay and migrant workers wishing to settle • Financial assistance to 1 st time buyers • Mortgage rescue products to help homeowners in difficulties maintain their homes
Housing and neighbourhood management • Infrastructure improvements • HMO Licensing • Environmental/streetscene management • Community safety
November 2008 19 Area Specific Interventions
Map Area Housing Supply Demand management Housing and neighbourhood management Code W1 Woodhouse • Deconversion loans/grants • Intensive Neighbourhood Management • Decent Homes Improvements • Operation Champion • Environmental Improvement and ‘greening’ W3 Little Woodhouse • Deconversion loans/grants • Environmental Improvement and ‘greening’
HP1 Hyde Park • Leeds Girls High site – S106 agreement – • Deconversion loans/grants • Intensive Neighbourhood Management on site/off site • Decent Homes Improvements • Operation Champion • Environmental Improvement and ‘greening’ HP2 North Hyde Park • Leeds Girls High site – S106 agreement – • Deconversion loans/grants on site/off site H4 Headingley Hill • Leeds Girls High site – S106 agreement – • Deconversion loans/grants on site/off site H3 South Headingley • Leeds Girls High site – S106 agreement* • De-conversion grants/loans • Intensive Neighbourhood Management • Leeds and Yorkshire - Valley House – S106 • Environmental Improvement and ‘greening’ agreement - off-site
Page 129 • Parklane/Glassworks site – off site provision of affordable housing H1 Central Headingley • De-conversion grants/loans • Intensive Neighbourhood Management • Environmental Improvement and ‘greening’ H2 Far Headingley • Tetley Hall Site – S106 agreement – off • De-conversion grants/loans (including Becketts site/on site provision of affordable housing Park) • Parklane- Baltimore Diner site – S106 – off- site provision of affordable housing • Headingley Campus halls of residence MG Moor Grange • Parklane- Baltimore Diner site – S106 – off- • Decent Homes Improvements site provision of affordable housing • Headingley Campus halls of residence WP West Park/ • Tetley Hall Site – S106 agreement – off • Decent Homes Improvements Weetwood site/on site provision of affordable housing B2 Burley Lodge • Parklane/Glassworks site – off site provision • Deconversion loans/grants? • Intensive Neighbourhood Management of affordable housing • Group repair in Burley Lodge B1 Burley • Decent Homes improvements
K Kirkstall • Parklane- Baltimore Diner site – S106 – off- • Decent Homes improvements site provision of affordable housing • Kwiksave site – S106 agreement – on- site/off-site provision of affordable housing
November 2008 20 This page is intentionally left blank
Page 130 Agenda Item 17
Originator: Jade Corcoran
Tel: 24 78027
Report of the Director of City Development
Inner North West Area Committee
Date: 18th December 2008
Subject: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Electoral Wards Affected: Specific Implications For: Ethnic minorities
Women
Disabled people
Council Delegated Executive Delegated Executive Function Function available Function not available for for Call In Call In Details set out in the report
Executive Summary
This paper outlines the significance and importance of a document (HMO Report), which was recently written by officers, summarising a report that has been published by Community & Local Government (CLG) regarding Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
1.0 Background Information
1.1 The purpose of this paper is to make Members of the Area Committee aware of the recent research that was conducted into Houses of Multiple Occupation and the possible planning responses to this. The report outlining the research, finding, and recommendations was produced by ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
1.2 The attached document (appendix one) has been written by officers to brief members on Leeds City Council’s involvement in the research and outline the findings and recommendations of the report produced by ECOTEC. In addition to this, the paper advices what the implications of the findings are for Leeds.
1.3 The report produced by officers has also been circulated to West, Central, and East Plans Panels. The research conducted by ECOTEC considers issues relating to high concentrations of HMOs/shared housing, and does not focus on one particular type of household. Therefore, the findings and implications of this study are relevant for the whole city.
Page 131 2.0 Main Issues
2.1 The attached report firstly outlines the background to why Leeds and other Local Authorities have lobbied for legislative change with regards to HMOs. The approach taken by Northern Ireland in relation to HMOs, and how this could be incorporated into the planning system relating to England and Wales, is discussed.
2.2 The purpose of the evidence gather exercise conducted by ECOTEC and the conclusions that are drawn from this are summarised. Particular attention is made in relation to the three options that are suggested, and how these are related to the short, medium, and long term.
2.3 The implications of this research in terms of local policy and resources for Leeds are outlined.
3.0 Conclusions
3.1 The paper concludes that the areas of good practice that the ECOTEC report documents (see appendix A) are dealing with the symptoms of the effects of high concentrations of HMOs and not the causes. Leeds does many of the initiatives that are outlined, and there are clearly still problems arising from high concentrations of HMOs. Considering this, continuing to lobby for legislative change with support from the Core Cities, MPs, the National HMO Lobby and community groups is an appropriate action. In addition to this, we must continue to expand on our own best practice and learn from other Local Authorities.
4.0 Recommendations
4.1 Members are asked to note the contents and recommendations of the attached report and comment as they feel appropriate.
5.0 Background reports
5.1 Report of the Director of City Development (LCC), 2008. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
5.2 Communities & Local Government, 2008. Evidence Gathering – Housing in Multiple Occupation and possible planning responses. Communities & Local Government, [Online], Available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/evidencegatheringresearch
Page 132 Originator: Andrew Crates / Jade Corcoran
Tel: 0113 247 8027
Report of the Director of City Development Appendix 1
Plans Panel West
Date: 30 th October 2008
Subject: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Elector al Wards Affected: All Specific Implications For:
Equality and Diversity √
Community Cohesion √
√ Ward Members consulted Narrowing the Gap (referred to in report)
Executive Summary
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) fulfil a useful function in providing relatively short term accommodation. However, large concentrations of HMOs can cause problems and these have been well documented, particularly in university towns and cities, such as Leeds.
For some time, local communities have expressed concern about the impact of HMOs with regard to loss of family housing stock, demographic imbalance, transient communities and the difficulties experienced in delivering local services. Local Authorities have historically had a great deal of difficulty in exercising control over HMOs, particularly in planning. Whilst the Housing Act 2004 introduced mandatory licensing for many forms of HMOs, this is concerned with safety and housing quality, rather than land use planning. It is often argued that many of the initiatives in place deal only with the symptoms of large concentrations of HMOs, but do not deal with the causes in planning terms. These concerns have been expressed most recently to Communities and Local Government (CLG), who commissioned ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd to undertake an evidence gathering exercise. A report outlining the findings of the research has now been published (September 2008).
The aim of the research was to identify good practice, test if good practice could have wider application and also determine how planning can tackle these problems. Leeds is one of five focus areas included in the research and is praised for its good practice. Consideration is also given to changing planning legislation, specifically the Use Classes Order, and the report concludes that CLG ought to conduct further research into the effects that this would have. Such legislative changes have already taken place in Northern Ireland in 2004. This is one of the key areas where many community organisations feel that Local Authorities could obtain tighter planning controls, assisted by the correct policies, in order to realise the objectives of sustainable, cohesive communities.
Page 133 1.0 Purpose of this Report
1.1 This report is intended to update Plans Panel Members on the recent work carried out for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd have now produced a final report for CLG outlining their research, findings and recommendations. For information, a full copy of the final report can be viewed by following the web link: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/evidenceg atheringresearch
1.2 This report also aims to advise on what the implications of ECOTEC’s findings are for Leeds.
2.0 Background Information
2.1 In Leeds, the larger part of the student population live in shared houses, forming part of the traditional housing stock. This is often housing which may well otherwise be used for family housing. Despite planning policies and initiatives which try to deal with the effects of student developments in the locality, one of the key overriding problems is that the vast majority of student accommodation requires no planning permission to be used in the nature that it is (i.e. to accommodate six individuals or less). Where the Council has tried to pursue enforcement action against what are considered to be unauthorised HMOs, appeals have often been allowed on the basis that the property arguably still functions as a single dwellinghouse. This undermines the Council’s policies and initiatives to try and improve local environments and create more sustainable communities.
2.2 A large proportion of the student accommodation is concentrated in inner north west Leeds, particularly in the Headingley and Hyde Park & Woodhouse Wards. Local residents, and in particular Leeds HMO Lobby, have made repeated representations to the Inner North West Area Committee, who have requested that the Council should lobby for legislative change. Leeds HMO Lobby is part of the National HMO Lobby, which has been campaigning for a number of years on issues affecting communities with high concentrations of HMOs. Through the exchange of ideas between the HMO Lobby and officers, a paper was presented to the Core Cities group, of which Leeds is a member. It was agreed that Leeds and Nottingham, who share similar issues with student HMOs, should write jointly to CLG to offer solutions. In addition, contact was made with the Local Government Association (LGA), Planning Advisory Service and the Planning Officers Society. Through the process of lobbying, officers have sought to keep Members abreast of progress, in addition to Leeds North West MP, Greg Mulholland, who is also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Balanced and Sustainable Communities, which has an interest in HMO issues.
Page 134 The ‘Northern Ireland Model’
2.3 In the joint letter from Leeds City Council and Nottingham City Council, it was suggested that CLG should consider an approach similar to the ‘Northern Ireland model’. The approach taken in Northern Ireland has long been advocated by the National HMO Lobby. In Northern Ireland, the definition of an HMO is the same in both Planning and Housing terms. Furthermore, the Planning (Use Classes) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004 defines HMOs as being Sui Generis. This approach means that HMOs are more clearly and tightly defined and planning permission is required to change a use to and from them. This would give much greater control to Local Planning Authorities over the future development of HMOs.
2.4 In Northern Ireland, the existing use rights were conferred to those properties newly defined as HMOs. As such only properties being used as HMOs post 2004 are subject to planning control.
2.5 In order for the above to work in England and Wales, this would firstly require the re-definition of HMOs in planning legislation to the definition provided in the Housing Act 2004, which defines an HMO as an entire house, flat or converted building which is let to three or more tenants forming two or more households, who share facilities. Secondly, HMOs would need to be removed entirely from Class C3, either by being deemed Sui Generis, as above, or by adding an additional Class C4. The benefit of this approach is that it would deal with HMOs in their entirety, counteracting the argument that such an approach is seeking to discriminate against students.
2.6 Whilst concentrations of students in HMOs is the primary issue in Leeds, the above approach would have significant benefit to many other towns and cities across the country, such as market and coastal towns with high concentrations of HMOs.
3.0 Main Issues arising from the ECOTEC research
3.1 ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd were commissioned by CLG to carry out an evidence gathering exercise to review the problems caused by high concentrations of HMOs. The purpose of the evidence gathering exercise was to:
• Identify good practice in areas that manage to cope relatively well with high concentrations of HMOs (particularly those occupied by students who tend to be transient, thus potentially causing problems around community cohesion and survival of community facilities), • Test whether these ideas could have a wider application in those areas that are having more difficulty with such issues and • Determine whether (and if so what) planning policy is a suitable lever to tackle these problems.
Page 135 3.2 As part of their work, a series of five focus groups with interested parties were set up to obtain a more in-depth understanding of the issues faced in each of the particular localities. The focus groups were held in areas that were currently experiencing issues around high concentrations of HMOs and student populations, including Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton, Loughborough and Exeter.
3.3 Given that Leeds was one of the five focus group areas, Leeds City Council has been significantly involved in the evidence gathering exercise and made strong representations with regard to the need for legislative change, in addition to the initiatives that are already in place. Specifically, ECOTEC carried out a number of interviews with local stakeholders including Council officers and held a workshop with the Council’s Shared Housing Group. The existence of this multi agency group was one of the areas where Leeds was praised in the final report. This work culminated in a seminar session held at CLG’s headquarters, attended by officers and members of Leeds HMO Lobby.
Findings of the research
3.4 CLG have now issued their final report, which contains the observations and recommendations made by ECOTEC, following the evidence gathering exercise. The report considers the arguments put forward by all of the stakeholders and the existing local level initiatives. The report states that there is much good practice and organisations in Leeds are praised in a number of areas, as illustrated in the table at Appendix A , extracted from the report. The text of the report specifically highlights initiatives such as Leeds City Council’s ‘Area of Housing Mix’ Policy, a dedicated Community Planning Officer, ‘To Let’ board controls, the Shared Housing Group and Shared Housing Action Plan (SHAP). Whilst the report refers to the ‘Area of Housing Mix’ as an area of good practice, it is however disappointing that little support has so far been received by the Planning Inspectorate through appeals against the refusal of planning permission.
3.5 The report goes on to suggest a number of options as follows: • Option one – do nothing, • Option two – promote the use of non-planning related mechanisms and planning policy levers through wider dissemination, and • Option three – amend the Use Classes Order to provide a definition of HMOs and allow tighter planning controls over houses in multiple occupation.
3.6 The report acknowledges that many stakeholders consider that the existing initiatives only really deal with the symptoms of HMO problems, but do not deal with the causes. It is also recognised that many stakeholders consider that changes to the Use Classes Order are an essential part of trying to control the growth and location of HMOs in the future, as per the ‘Northern Ireland model’. Nevertheless, it is also recognised that there are counter arguments to the above made by some stakeholders, particularly with
Page 136 regard to avoiding any unintended consequences, such as increasing rents, undermining regeneration and creating resource pressures.
3.7 The report suggests that various actions can be considered in the short term and medium-term to long-term. In the short term, it is suggested that there should be: • Wider dissemination of good practice. • Monitoring of existing housing and planning powers to ensure that they are being adequately used – HMO licensing, Landlord accreditation, dedicated staff and the use of specific development plan policies etc • A Task and Finish Group established by CLG to monitor the impact and effectiveness of current legislative powers and policies, identifying any weaknesses.
3.8 In the medium-term to long-term, should the evidence suggest that there is a need to consider amendments to the Use Classes Order, it is recommended that: • Further examination into Northern Ireland’s experience should be undertaken and an assessment made of how effective the measures have been. • If legislative change is considered, attention must be paid to issues raised by stakeholders, including any unintended consequences, as mentioned above.
4.0 Implications for Council Policy and Governance
4.1 As previously outlined, the majority of the methods of good practice are already adopted by Leeds City Council and other stakeholder organisations. It is argued that these address the symptoms, but do not respond to the structural issues involved with community cohesion and demographic imbalance, which are the result of a high proportion of students. Therefore, the implications of this report for Leeds are associated with continuing to lobby CLG with regard to further designing and testing of any legislative changes as a specific short term action. Subject to any future changes to the Use Classes Order, the Council would need to draw up appropriate and robust development plan Policies to deal with HMO issues. We can of course identify any other areas of good practice that we can learn from and apply within the city.
5.0 Legal and Resource Implications
5.1 It is anticipated that officers, the Community Planner for Inner North West and groups such as the Shared Housing Group, Leeds HMO Lobby and other community organisations will continue to collaborate and assist with sharing good practice, as well as lobbying for legislative change.
Page 137 6.0 Conclusions
6.1 The role of ECOTEC has been to undertake an evidence gathering exercise for CLG in order to review the problems caused by high concentrations of HMOs. The report distils the issues and provides information on areas of best practice from the localities involved in the focus groups. Whilst the information on areas of good practice is useful, the report cannot go any further than to recommend that further research is carried out in relation to the Northern Ireland experience.
6.2 Leeds is often regarded by other local authorities as being at the forefront of good practice in dealing with the effects of high concentrations of HMOs. Clearly, despite these initiatives, there are still problems and so lobbying for legislative change is an appropriate course of action. Therefore, we must consider if there are any areas of good practice that we can learn from and also continue to lobby CLG, with support from the Core Cities, MPs, the National HMO Lobby and community groups, with regard to changes to the Use Classes Order, whilst being mindful of any unintended consequences.
7.0 Recommendations
7.1 Members are asked to note the contents of the report and comment as they feel appropriate. It is recommended that lobbying of CLG, MPs, the Local Government Association and other appropriate organisations continues in order to advance legislative change. Additionally, it is recommended that consideration be given to reviewing planning policy with regard to HMOs and student accommodation through the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) process in order to ensure that we have robust policies in place.
Page 138 Appendix A: Good Practice Checklist
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Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150 Agenda Item 18
AGENDA ANNEX
West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE
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