Issue - meetings

As no significant changes had been required following the consultation process, the Environmental Services Portfolio Holder APPROVED the Local Air Quality Strategy for South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The Portfolio Holder ENDORSED AND SUPPORTED the draft Local Air Quality Strategy 2008-2013 for consultation.

During consideration of this item, the Portfolio Holder noted the following issues arising from the discussion:

• That the Strategy would be taken into consideration within the planning process concerning new developments in the District and included, inter alia, climate change, congestion. Policies relating to Air Quality were also contained within the ongoing Local Development Framework
• Evidence had been given at local enquiries including new development adjacent to Air Quality Management Areas, particularly the NIAB site
• Air Quality in South Cambs was not causing high morbidity, although there were concerns over PM_2.5 and low level ozone and the effect on asthmatics and other susceptible people
• Air Quality was a national enforcement priority
• Current enforcement options relating to traffic were considered to have major practical problems
• The consultation process would be undertaken by e-mail to known interested parties and published on the council’s website
• Traffic congestion on the A14, particular in the region of the Northern Fringe would have an adverse effect on air quality
• Lower emissions from transport was seen as a priority in order to improve air quality
• The Council’s fleet of HGVs used at the Depot complied with relevant EU standards
• That the following additional organisations be included in the consultation process:

(a)   Highways Agency

(b)   Cambridge University

(c)   Cambridge Water

(d)   Local Stage Coach company

(e)   Network Rail

The Portfolio Holder ENDORSED AND SUPPORTED the draft Local Air Quality Strategy 2008-2013 for consultation purposes.