Issue - meetings

1.   That the draft Air Quality Action Plan for 2019 – 2024 be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services to approve implementation of any of the measures noted in the Air Quality Action Plan following further feasibility and consultation where appropriate

Decision

1.    That the draft Air Quality Action Plan for 2019 – 2024 be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services to approve implementation of any of the measures noted in the Air Quality Action Plan following further feasibility and consultation where appropriate.

Corporate objectives

·         A clean, safe and enjoyable environment

·         Building strong and vibrant communities

·         Ensuring economic growth and prosperity

Monitoring Officer: 

The Air Quality Action Plan will ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties as set out in the Environment Act 1995 to regularly review and assess air quality in its area.

Deputy S.151 Officer:

The revised air quality action plan has no immediate financial requirements. Funding for any future approved measures required, outside of the approved budget, will be submitted for formal approvement.

Advice

Councillor Banks introduced the report. In 2012, the council declared three AQMAs in the borough due to exceeding limits of nitrogen dioxide. These were in Lawn Lane, London Road and High Street, Northchurch. Following this, the council had a duty to produce an air quality action plan. That plan has expired and this report is the updated plan to run from 2019 – 2024 and it covers 12 major measures that will directly affect air quality. The completion of a draft action plan comes under DBC’s responsibility but enforcement is the responsibility of HCC and the split of responsibilities is highlighted in the report.

Councillor Griffiths said it was frustrating that we must develop the policy but it is under the control of HCC. She said it would be interesting to see what comes out but do need to have conversations with our county colleagues.

Councillor England asked to clarify the date the action plan would be implemented and questioned whether this would be affected by the Lib Dem motion to council about electric charging points.

E Walker said if the plan was approved by Cabinet, it would come into effect immediately. One of the measures in the plan is to look at electric charging infrastructure.

J Doe said electric charging infrastructure is a feature of some parking policies too and this would also feed into strategy.

Councillor Tindall said he was pleased to see categorical statements that ensure there is no way out for developers to provide the infrastructure. He said it was good news and was pleased to see positive measures.

Councillor England queried page 109, he said the report looked incomplete.

E Walker said the red text is to be added.