Issue - meetings

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

That the revised Air Quality Action Plan be approved for public consultation.

RESOLVED

That the revised Air Quality Action Plan be approved for public consultation.

Cllr Plant introduced the item.

Mr Ballard noted a minor amendment to section 8.2, page 3 of the agenda report pack to include Midhurst Town Council and Midhurst Vision Steering Group in the consultation.

In response to members’ comments and questions Mr Ballard explained that the air quality data is subject to quality assurance processes which are carried out at the year end. As such there is always a lag in reporting the last year’s air quality data. He noted that the 2020 data although interesting will provide less useful information about true trends in air quality due to the unprecedented year of the pandemic and the related reduction in traffic volumes and related emissions. He confirmed that the Statutory Annual report which updates the data is due in June and is scheduled to be discussed at Environment Panel in due course.

Mr Ballard explained that modelling predicts a continued gentle positive trend towards greater compliance with the UK air quality standards. He outlined the focus from nitrogen dioxide to particulate matter and explained that 38% of PM2.5 derives from domestic wood and coal burning. With regard to electric vehicle charging the council has installed 18 electric vehicle charging points with an informal policy to monitor the demand before investing further. Mr Ballard explained that as the Government has not classified Chichester as one of the designated clean air zones it would be unlikely that the council could attract associated funding for diesel scrappage schemes.

Mr Ballard confirmed that he would be working with the PR team on a multimedia approach to the consultation. Discussions are also planned with West Sussex County Council to provide input on the revised West Sussex Local Traffic Plan.

Cllr Lintill noted that the report had already been considered by the Environment Panel with no recommendations made to Cabinet.

In a vote the following resolution was made:

RESOLVED

That the revised Air Quality Action Plan be approved for public consultation.