Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is requested to consider the agenda report and its two appendices in the agenda supplement and to make the resolutions set out below:

(1)  That West Sussex County Council’s air quality plan ‘Breathing Better’ be endorsed.

(2)  That the draft terms of reference for the West Sussex County Council proposed Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be endorsed.

(3)  That the Council’s participation in the proposed West Sussex County Council Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be supported.

RESOLVED

(1)  That West Sussex County Council’s air quality plan ‘Breathing Better’ be endorsed.

(2)  That the draft terms of reference for the West Sussex County Council proposed Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be endorsed.

(3)  That Chichester District Council’s participation in the proposed West Sussex County Council Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be supported.

The Cabinet received and considered the agenda report and its two appendices in the agenda supplement.

This item was presented by Mr Connor.

Mr Ballard was in attendance for this matter.

Mr Connor summarised the report, emphasising the high profile air pollution had gained in the political and judicial spheres and giving examples of its adverse impact on the quality and longevity of human life. He outlined the action taken by CDC to fulfil its statutory obligations with respect to air quality, notably the declaration of three air quality management areas (AQMA) in Chichester District, the need for which being due principally to vehicle emissions. He emphasised the vital importance of partnership working in tackling air pollution, exemplified in the Breathing Better plan produced by West Sussex County Council as a partnership approach to improving air quality in West Sussex. One of its proposals was the establishment of an Inter-Authority Air Quality Group (I-AAQG) to achieve the implementation and governance of the plan.          

Mr Ballard emphasised that each of the AQMAs in Chichester District were created for transport-related reasons. He said that a fourth air quality monitoring station would be established in Westhampnett Road in Chichester.

Mr Connor and Mr Ballard responded to members’ questions and comments with respect to (a) the principal cause of air pollution being vehicle emissions, especially from diesel engines; (b) the active steps currently being taken by CDC to procure electric vehicles for its public services and to provide more charging points and bays in its car parks throughout Chichester District; and (c) the input (without additional cost to CDC) from officers and the Cabinet Member for Environment Services to the I-AAQG.

Decision

The Cabinet voted unanimously on a show of hands to make the resolutions below. 

RESOLVED

(1)  That West Sussex County Council’s air quality plan ‘Breathing Better’ be endorsed.

(2)  That the draft terms of reference for the West Sussex County Council proposed Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be endorsed.

(3)  That Chichester District Council’s participation in the proposed West Sussex County Council Inter-Authority Air Quality Group be supported.