That the decision to revoke the Lyndhurst Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and the development of an ‘Air Quality Strategy’ for New Forest District Council be supported.
REASONS FOR DECISION:
As set out in the report.
KEY DECISION:
Yes
PORTFOLIO:
Community, Safety and Wellbeing.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:
As set out in the report.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
None.
DISCUSSION:
The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing introduced the report, highlighting that the air quality objectives for Lyndhurst had been met and that the Air Quality Management Area would be revoked. Following this an Air Quality Strategy would be developed across the whole district.
The Environmental Protection Team Manager briefly presented the report and explained that the revocation of the Lyndhurst Air Quality Management Area in Lyndhurst was in line with DEFRA’s guidance. Local authorities without any AQMA were required to develop an Air Quality Strategy, in line with the Government's Air Quality Strategy. It was therefore proposed that a strategy for the entire District would be developed.
The Cabinet was reassured that monitoring would continue in Lyndhurst using the existing techniques.
Members noted that there was a lack of guidance on the development of the Government’s Air Quality Strategy, however it was understood that there would be a greater focus on a wider range of pollutants, such as agriculture and indoor air pollutants.
The Cabinet was pleased to note that the pollution levels had reduced in Lyndhurst and as a result the Lyndhurst Air Quality Management Area would be revoked and supported a District-wide strategy. Reassurances were given by officers in response to a question that areas such as Fawley and the Waterside would continue to have its air quality monitored and that this would be considered as part of the Strategy.