Agenda and minutes

Councillor Rita Patel was elected as Chair for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Andrew Gill of Tesco.

The first main item on the agenda is Declarations of Interest where Councillors have to say if there is anything on the agenda they have a personal interest in. For example if a meeting was due to discuss a budget application put forward by a community group and one of the Councillors was a member of that group, they would not be able to take part in the decision on that budget application.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Councillor Barbara Potter declared an interest in the business to be discussed on the agenda as she was a council tenant. Councillor Potter also declared an item in the budget items to be discussed, as she had advised an applicant who had submitted a budget application for June Blooms at Gateway, and would abstain from decision making for the budget item.

The minutes of the previous Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting held on 23 October 2013 are attached and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting held on 23 October 2013 be agreed as a correct record.

Matters arising from the minutes included the following:

Minute Item 53, Proposed New Local Authority Housing Developments

Manor Farm, Phase 2 – Councillor Patel said she had received a letter and would speak with residents affect separately

Minute Item 54, Traffic and Highway Issues

Residents reported that the junction at the top of Netherhall Road by McDonalds was still dangerous.

Councillor Patel said a number of issues raised in Councillor’s Surgeries would be brought to the community meeting as and when they arose. She asked that if residents had any issues they could telephone or write to Councillors with details.

·      Tesco representatives have been invited to discuss the proposed development site plans.

·      Planning Officers have been invited to explain the development control process, should a formal application on proposals be submitted to the Council by Tesco.

Councillor Potter reported she and Hamilton Residents Association representatives had met with Tesco representatives, and invited them to attend the community meeting to discuss the proposed development site plans, but Tesco representatives had sent their apologies for the meeting.

It was reported that the development would include one KFC, one public house and one restaurant. An outline application and map of the development was circulated at the meeting. Councillor Potter said that of immediate concern was the moving of community recycling facilities and the safety of the public walking across the car park to and from the development.

A discussion followed and residents voiced the following concerns:

·         The development did not take into account the new housing development which would place greater pressure on the store, and increase local traffic which would require the use of all current car parking space.

·         There were no fitness, community or youth facilities in the area.

·         The buildings already in the perimeter that were boarded up should be maintained, and the businesses occupying other buildings in the perimeter be protected.

·         Tesco did provide local services such as an opticians and pharmacy.

·         The outline planning application was to test the waters prior to a detailed planning application being submitted.

·         Through the planning process, residents, councillors and other interested parties would have the opportunity to put their case forward.

·         Tesco had not honoured previous promises.

·         Residents asked if the original planning application had a ‘subject to’ clause to provide community facilities, and was Tesco expected to include community facilities for the site.

·         Residents believed that Spen Hill Developments Limited had not consulted widely enough with residents in the area on the proposed development, but were legally covered as the plan for development had been inside Tesco store for 28 days.

·         A resident said only a small amount of questionnaires had been submitted.

·         The food and alcohol on offer from all venues would mean they were competing against each other.

·         A public house would be good for the community.

·         Residents requested a gym be provided, to inspire generations to become sports people. They added that with proposed venues would inspire them to become fat and slovenly with the alcohol and food offer.

·         It was noted that when Tesco originally opened, no one in the units could sell anything that was available in Tesco store, but now appeared to have changed their policies.

·         Some residents were happy that a family public house was proposed, to enable them to socialise within walking distance from their homes.

·         The meeting was informed the library was open for several hours in a Sunday. Library workers were concerned that people under the influence of alcohol would go into the library or that people would leave their children in the library while they visited the public house.

·         A resident informed the meeting there was a doctor’s surgery in east Hamilton, but none in the west of the estate.

·         A resident said the Sainsbury’s development on Troon Way and subsequent removal of the flyover  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

The City Warden will be present to provide an update on environmental and enforcement issues in the Ward.

Charlotte Williams-Glover, City Warden was present at the meeting and reported the following:

·         City Wardens not had powers to issues fixed penalty notices of £80 for spitting in the street.

·         Residents were reminded of the free bulky waste collection service.

·         A new garden waste service was available which cost £20 for the first year if residents signed up before 30^th April 2014 (normally £30 per year).

·         Dog fouling continued to be a problem across the ward.

·         There was a big drop in fly tipping across the ward.

·         A licence at £30 per week has to be applied for to keep building materials on the highway.

Residents wished to thank Charlotte for all her hard work in the ward.

RESOLVED:

                        that the information be noted.

The Police will be present to provide an update on their activities in the Ward.

Sergeant Wayne Nimblette attended the meeting to provide an update on local policing and community safety issues.

Since the last meeting there had been 376 crimes in the ward, a 25% decrease when compared to the figure for the same period in 2013, at 428 reported crimes. Locally there had been five less burglary dwellings, less burglaries in other dwellings, and less damage to motor vehicles.

Sgt. Nimblette reported there had been a problem with youths behind the Sainsbury’s on Main Street, Humberstone. He said the LPU had targeted the area, and a PC and PCSO had gone to the location at stipulated times and moved the youths on. He also reported that there were problems with youths in the shed areas on Grosvenor Gate, and the police were working with the management company to try and get the road adopted to get lighting in.

Sgt. Nimblette said the problems with anti-social behaviour in the area of the shops on Netherhall Road had been targeted. He added the problems were mainly school children and the police had liaised with the schools, and had arrested a juvenile.

Sgt. Nimblette said that there continued to be parking issues around schools, and the LPU covered 20 schools. He added that the police would continue to patrol random schools each morning and afternoon.

Residents were informed that they should call the police immediately if they witnessed crime or were suspicious about any activity. If the issue was not an emergency, they could call 101, or resident could use the Police App or call Crimestoppers if they wished to remain anonymous.

A resident raised an issue with a staff member at Hamilton Community college, who escorted children to safety over roads. She did not agree that the staff member did not identify himself when asked, and asked what authority the staff members had at the school to restrain pupils to stop a fight. Sgt. Nimblette said that just having a visible staff member present stopped a large majority of people being hurt, and that the teachers were trained and qualified for physical restraint.

In response to a raised issue, Inspector McBryde-Wilding said McDonalds would be asked to reduce their free wi-fi range to prevent youths from congregating at the back of the building.

Councillors raised the issue of drug use and selling on Netherhall Estate, and asked that regular meetings between the police and housing take place to discuss the issues.

Inspector McBryde-Wilding introduced Inspector Lucy Batchelor to the meeting as his replacement at the LPU when he moved on to another role.

RESOLVED:

                        that the information be noted.

Highways officers will be present to provide an update on traffic and transport issues in the Ward.

Rupert Bedder, Highways Officer, provided an update on traffic and highways issues in the Humberstone and Hamilton Ward.

Rupert informed the meeting that the crossing at the Emerald Centre had approved monies carried over into the new financial year. The Chair responded that special needs groups needed to use the crossing and asked why after over a year the crossing was not complete. A response would be provided to the Chair within a week of the meeting.

Residents brought to the attention of the meeting the proposed new road through Hamilton Park to a proposed new development in the County. Members also said they were worried about the implications of traffic in the infrastructure of Hamilton as a ward, and noted the developers of the new houses in the county’s area had not invested in the city’s infrastructure. The Highways Officer was not aware of the development and agreed to contact Charnwood Borough Council, and bring specific details back to a future meeting.

Residents asked if traffic calming measures would be provided, and where on Herongate Road would they be installed. The Highways Officer said he would find out if a scheme was planned and bring information back to a future meeting.

The Chair asked the Highways Officer to find out how much Section 106 money had been generated from developments within the ward boundary over the past few years, and bring the information back to a future meeting. The Chair wanted to try and get a commitment to spend the money in Humberstone and Hamilton area.

The Chair thanked the Officer for the update.

RESOLVED:

1.    that the Highways Officer would provide details on the Emerald Centre crossing to ward members within one week following the meeting.

2.    that details on the proposed new road through Hamilton Park be brought to a future meeting.

3.    that the Highways Officer find out if a scheme for traffic calming on Herongate Road was planned.

4.    that details on how much Section 106 money had been generated and spent in the Humberstone and Hamilton ward be brought to a future meeting.

Post meeting note: Since the meeting the following information was provided to Ward Councillors following questions at the Community Meeting:

As part of the outline application (20122008) for the “Redrow” site a contribution of £60k towards traffic calming on Herongate Road and part of Gipsy Lane was secured through a Section 106 agreement. In addition junction tables are proposed on Herongate Road as part of the Highways Act Section 38 agreement for the roads on the new development. I have checked and we have not yet received the s106 contribution.

In addition as part of the adoption of Grosvenor Gate - William Davies are going to fund two sets of speed cushions on Herongate Road.

The intention is once all the funding has been confirmed consultations on traffic calming on Herongate Road will take place including with ward councillors, the emergency services and local residents. At the same time as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

Housing officers will be present to provide an update on housing activities and issues in the Ward.

Tracy McAllistair, Humberstone Housing Office, gave an update on the housing development on Laburnum Road, initially for 74 affordable homes, but had since been reduced to 62 homes, either two or three-bedroomed. The development would be built by Persimmon Builders, and completed in 2015.

The Chair asked the Housing Officer to identify long-term projects for the area, for example, landscaping at St. Mary’s Court, or external painting at Manor House gardens. The Housing Officer said spare money had been used to paint Netherhall shops, and be used on future tarmacking and bollards in the area, and enhance green areas in the ward.

The Housing Officer informed the meeting there were budget cuts in the Housing budget and the Director of Housing had asked that all anti-social behaviour unit and STAR support decisions go through the Directorate for approval, to ensure the budget was only spent on Council tenants. Chrissie Field, Area Manager, Housing said that previously LASBU and STAR had been supported by Housing Revenue Account money, and that private tenants and housing association tenants must now pay for the anti-social behaviour service themselves.

The Chair said houses on Netherhall Estate urgently needed insulation as the houses were damp, and did not help people with asthma issues, and resulted in high energy bills for tenants. The Chair asked that a project be put in place over a period of time to upgrade the insulation. The Area Manager said the project would be looked at city-wide by the Assistant Mayor for Housing.

A resident requested that Humberstone Gardens receive some attention as it was looking untidy.

The Chair thanked officers for the update.

RESOLVED:

                        that the information be noted.

Councillors are reminded that they will need to declare any interest they may have in budget applications.

a)        The Members Support Officer will present the latest position with regard to the Ward Community Budget.

b)        The following applications have been received for consideration:

Application 1           (2477)

Applicant:      Seabrooke Group

Amount:         £200

Proposal:       Day Trip/Theatre Visit

Summary:      Instead of a Christmas Party the Seabrooke Group would like to organise a day trip or theatre visit.  Seabrook are a group of around 35-45 people, all aged over 60 years.

Application 2           (2478)

Applicant:      Humberstone RBC Senior Citizens

Amount:         £425

Proposal:       Trip to an Organ Recital and Meal

Summary:      A proposed trip to an Organ Recital at Sharnford for members of the Humberstone RBC Senior Citizens Group followed by a meal.

Application 3           (2482)

Applicant:      New Shoots Garden Club

Amount:         £480

Proposal:       Hamilton in Bloom

Summary:      A proposal for hanging baskets and floral displays on Sandhills Avenue, incorporating 50 years of Britain in Bloom and the centenary of the start of the First World War.

The following budget applications were reported as having been received: -

i)          Day out or theatre – Seabrook Group, Ocean Road             £500

Application received to organise an event for 35-45 people over 60.

RESOLVED:

                        that the application be supported - £200

ii)         Humberstone RBC Senior Citizens to organise an organ recital trip                                                                                                      £425

Application received to organise a trip to an organ recital at Sharnford and a meal for all members of the group. The Members were keen to support the application, but requested further information on whether Humberstone and Hamilton residents were beneficiaries.

RESOLVED:

                   that the funds be committed - £425 pending further information

iii)        Hamilton in Bloom                                                                         £480

Application received for hanging baskets to be placed around the shopping area in Sandhills Avenue.

RESOLVED:

                        that the application be supported - £480

iv)        Summer Holiday Club                                                                   £900

Application received for a summer holiday club at Hope Hamilton School, aimed at 5-11year olds.

RESOLVED:

                        that the application be supported - £900

v)         June Blooms at Gateway – summer fete event                      £510

Application received for funding for an event to say thank you to parents that have supported their students with studies, and showcase the garden area in the Hamilton in Bloom competition.

RESOLVED:

                        that the application be supported - £510

vi)        Easter Golf Taster Sessions for Young People                     £500

Application received for funding an Easter playscheme at Humberstone Heights golf course, with various coaching and driving range sessions for young people in the Humberstone and Hamilton area.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported - £500

vii)       Leicester Ladies Sports Club                                                     £1,000

(joint bid Evington, Coleman, Humberstone & Hamilton – total bid, £3,000)

Application received for funding for ladies badminton sessions. Members were keen to support the application subject to the appropriate documents and information being submitted to the council for viewing.

RESOLVED:

that the funds be committed - £1,000 pending further information

viii)      Leicester Parks Tennis Programme                                         £600

(joint bid Castle, Abbey, Humberstone & Hamilton – total bid, £3,000)

Application received for funding to fund a comprehensive tennis coaching programme at all three venues, catering for under 11s. Members were informed that other wards had refused the application. Members committed the money but deferred payment pending further details from the applicant.

RESOLVED:

that the funds be committed - £600 pending further information

The Chair informed the meeting that £1,800 of Ward Community Budget would be carried forward to the financial year for 2014/15 following payment of the above applications. She added there remained a balance of £2,602 which would be committed to the Highways and Traffic project for a disabled facility on Gypsy Lane. Should the money not be required for the project, then £1,000 would be committed to the Neighbourhood Centre at Netherhall for a soup kitchen.

1.    Humberstone Heights Golf Course

Mark Wallis from the venue was present at the meeting to inform residents of the Council’s six-week consultation on whether the Council should continue to financially support the two council-owned golf courses in the city, Humberstone Heights and Western Park following cuts in government funding.

Mark said the council would be lobbied and petitioned to prevent closure, and believed the figure the council had given at £3.70 subsidy per person was wrong. He added that more recently money had been lost due to the poor weather, and a lack on investment in the course, for example irrigation, and that Humberstone Heights had, in the past, made a profit for the Council. Mark said the course was prime building land, and once developed would be gone for good.

As Assistant Mayor and a member of the Executive, Councillor Patel at this point relinquished the chair to Councillor Potter.

Residents said new generations would use the course, and it was the only driving range in the area, and the biggest community facility on the east of the city. They said it provided a healthy lifestyle and had many long-term members, and if no investment was made in the course then it would lose money.

Mark said the land was green wedge and the council had a duty of care to residents. He added the consultation had been kept quiet, and a hastily convened public meeting would be held on Friday 28^th March at 7.00pm to discuss the issue, and the meeting had been advertised in the Leicester Mercury and on local radio. He added the Assistant Mayor for Culture Heritage, Leisure and Sport, Councillor Clair would be at the meeting, but no officers would be attending. He said Keith Vaz would be asked to take the petition to Parliament.

Mark informed the meeting he had offered to take the lease, but had received no contact by the council. He added there were two limited companies based on the course. A resident added that under the Localism Act the community could tell the council they would take over the course if it was not making a profit, and it would have to be considered by the Council.

The Chair said there were safeguarding children issues with the course, in particular the toilet facilities. Mark said £40 in funding had been approved by Council in 2013 to change the facilities to children’s facilities, but had since been withdrawn.

Chair said letter marked ‘complaint’ should be sent to the City Mayor, and asked resident to copy Assistant Mayor Clair and Ward Councillors into the letters. She added the petition should also target schools and parents in the area.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.