Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services.

That the Air Quality Action Plan for Chideock be approved and adopted.

Reason for decision

The Air Quality Action Plan is required as part of the Councils statutory duty within the Local Air Quality Management framework. The Council is committed to improving the air quality and it is important to consider the cost effectiveness and feasibility of different measures.

The Environment Act 2021 includes provision for additional air quality objectives related to particulate matter which have not been previously included in the national framework. The proposed AQAP reflected this addition.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services presented a report seeking the adoption of the Air Quality Action Plan for Chideock.  She explained that the plan outlined measures to improve air quality, although it was accepted that the Council had no control over the A35 trunk road.

Members were further advised that Chideock Parish Council had been fully consulted on the plan; and that the plan had been considered by Place and Resources Overview Committee prior to it being submitted to Defra for approval.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the comments of the local ward and other members, who indicated that the issue of air pollution was a serious matter and not only in Chideok, but other areas of Dorset. In response to further questions the Head of Community and Public Protection confirmed that other suitable areas would be considered for monitoring in the future.

The recommendation was proposed by Cllr L Beddow seconded by Cllr R Bryan. In seconding the motion, Cllr Bryan stated that introduction of electric and other more sustainable powered vehicles, would have a positive impact on air quality going forward.

Decision

That the Air Quality Action Plan for Chideock be approved and adopted.

Reason for decision

The Air Quality Action Plan is required as part of the Councils statutory duty within the Local Air Quality Management framework. The Council is committed to improving the air quality and it is important to consider the cost effectiveness and feasibility of different measures.

The Environment Act 2021 includes provision for additional air quality objectives related to particulate matter which have not been previously included in the national framework. The proposed AQAP reflected this addition.