Agenda item

To receive the report of the Chief Planning Officer the report provides an update on neighbourhood planning progress and issues across the city, including good practice.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer provided an update on neighbourhood planning progress and issues across the city, including good practice.

Members were informed that there are 35 designated neighbourhood areas across Leeds, covering the diversity of the city’s neighbourhoods with neighbourhood plans under preparation in villages, markets towns and inner city communities. It was noted that most groups involved were generally making good progress although some have struggled with the long and democratic process.

The first plan to be made in Leeds is the Clifford Neighbourhood Plan and sets a good standard for other areas.

The neighbourhood plans deal with a number issues including design of houses, protection of local green spaces some are also looking at issues specific to the area including:

Clifford – Relocation of a village green next to the village hall

Walton – Proposal to allocate some housing sites to provide for local housing need.

Holbeck- a green corridor to improve the general environment, air quality and safe and attractive walking and cycle area

Hyde Park – a policy to protect key cultural assets

Members heard that other areas which included Farsley, Halton, Armley, Cross Green, Morley had expressed an interest in producing a neighbourhood plan. There were a number of factors as to why the plans had not gone forward however one of the main factors was due to the lack of local leadership that these plans had not progressed.

Members were informed that there were 2 main ingredients for a successful neighbourhood plan they were a good local leader who was trustworthy and collaboration with the Council working with both Officers and Members.

It was noted that leadership in the development of neighbourhood plans and their enthusiasm was key to the success of the plan going forward.

Members were advised that a leader was usually an individual who was prepared to bring people together and had the capacity and understanding of the needs of the community. It was noted that the individual is usually someone who already is undertaking work in the community.

Members discussed the following issues:

·  Local leadership

·  Capacity to include more inner areas in neighbourhood planning

·  For communities to learn from each other with an opportunity to hold event workshops

Cllr. P Gruen spoke about his experience of working on an inner city neighbourhood plan. He said that it was a pleasurable experience because of the work being put forward. He thanked the Officer and his team for all the assistance and good work in helping people through the neighbourhood planning process.

The Chair suggested that Elected Members may be able to provide a little time to assist in capacity building even if it was only pointing people in the right direction.

A couple of mistakes were noted on Appendix 1 of the submitted report

Collingham Parish Council and Linton Parish Council are located in Harewood Ward.

A brief discussion took place about the location of the green linear walk into the city centre. It was agreed that the Head of Planning Services send details of this to Cllr. Nash.

It was agreed that officers would send the link to the Good Councillors Guide to Local Planning to all Members of the Panel.

RESOLVED – Members to note the progress on neighbourhood planning in Leeds and the issues highlighted in the submitted report.