Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

1.    To seek approval from Executive to commence consultation on the revocation of the Council’s existing Air Quality Management Areas.

2.    To request that Executive grant delegated power to the Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, in consultation with the Assistant Director (Health and Environment),to authorise making a subsequent revocation order relating to the existing Air Quality Management Area, subject to any consultation responses.

Decision

1.    That the commencement of consultation on the revocation of the Council’s existing Air Quality Management Area be approved.

2.    That power be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place, in consultation with the Assistant Director (Health and Environment), to authorise making subsequent amendment or revocation orders in relation to the existing Air Quality Management Areas, subject to any consultation responses.

Alternative Options Considered

None. This was a statutory process.

Reason for Decision

The Environment Act 1995 placed a duty on the Council to regularly review air quality within the city against several national air quality objectives. The objectives were human health-based standards, seeking to protect the most vulnerable in society, i.e. the very young, the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Historically, areas closest to the city’s busiest roads had been found to have pollution levels above the national objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

The City of Lincoln Council currently had one Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), which was declared by the Council due to historical non-compliance with the national air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide, a road traffic related pollutant.

The Council’s air quality monitoring data for the last 5 years confirmed that there had been a significant improvement in air quality throughout the city. As a result, the Council’s latest Annual Status Report on air quality to Defra recommended that the AQMA for nitrogen dioxide be revoked, in accordance with national guidance. The proposal to revoke the AQMA was also supported by Defra.

Before revoking an AQMA, the Council was obliged to consult with a number of statutory consultees. The Council may also consult with other relevant stakeholders. This report sought the approval of Executive to commence this consultation process.

Following revocation, the Council would be obliged to put in place a local air quality strategy to ensure air quality remained a high-profile issue and to enable a quick response should there be any deterioration in air quality at any location within the city. The development of a local air quality strategy would require a robust consultation process and would be subject to separate committee reports and approvals. Defra would also be formally notified.

Members thanked officers for all their hard work resulting in serious progress being made in relation to Air Quality Management in the City; long may it continue.