To consider a report of the Service Manager - Environmental Protection.
Minutes:
The committee received and considered a
report of the Service Manager – Environmental Protection, which set out the findings
from the draft Air Quality Action Plan consultation and the measures contained
within the proposed Air Quality Action Plan.
The committee was invited to make comments and advise on any further
work for officers to undertake before the action plan was submitted to the
Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for comment and approval. Once approval had been received from DEFRA,
the action plan would be submitted to Cabinet for adoption.
The committee considered the issues arising
from the report and during discussion, points were raised in the following
areas:
·
The situation in Chideock was discussed and
options considered for improving the air quality in the area
·
The Portfolio Holder for Highways noted that
issues raised could be discussed with National Highways
·
The content of the action plan and arrangements
for monitoring progress were highlighted
·
Monitoring of Nitrogen Dioxide levels were undertaken and results submitted to DEFRA on an annual
basis, with feedback provided to the Council
·
The impact of the increased use of electric
vehicles was raised and reference made to national modelling of Nitrogen
Dioxide levels, which showed a reduction in levels over the next few
years. Further modelling could be
undertaken within the Council.
Requests for further work were made as
follows:
·
Monitoring of progress with the action plan on an
annual basis could be a role for the Place and Resources Scrutiny Committee
·
Preliminary investigation on the potential for a
footbridge at Chideock
·
Further information to be included in the action
plan on the possibility of an off-road pedestrian/cycle link between Chideock
and Bridport
·
The Executive Director of Place and Portfolio
Holder for Highways, Travel and the Environment to
action a meeting with National Highways and provide feedback on the outcome of
the discussions.
Decision
That
the Place and Resources Overview Committee:
2.1 Have considered the findings from the Draft
Air Quality Action Plan consultation and the measures contained within the
proposed Air Quality Action Plan
2.2 Have advised on further work to be
undertaken by officers in respect of the proposed Air Quality Action Plan as
set out in the notes above
2.3 Support the proposed Air Quality Action Plan
for submission to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for comment
and approval.