Issue - meetings

The Democratic Services Officer introduced the report and stated that the Committee was being asked to consider the call-in request received against the Executive decision made which were shown respectively at Appendices 1 and 2 to the report.

The options available to the Committee were to agree that no further action was required, recommend an alternative decision to the Executive or recommend the decision’s review by the full Council.

Councillors Cleator, Harper and Jeffery were invited to address the Committee as the Members that had called-in the decision. The issues raised were that the data provided to support the proposal was inaccurate, which included that several areas within the previous Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) had not been consistently monitored and that at least three years of compliance data to support a reduction in the overall AQMA had not been evidenced. This was perceived to be against the guidance produced by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The age of the local bus fleet and the increased pollution generated from the vehicles was highlighted, with reference made to the reports presented to the Executive and Communities, Housing and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CHE PAC) whereby Kent County Council had identified that government funding would be needed to improve the service’s provision, for example through electric vehicles. It was felt that given the financial difficulties being experienced by KCC the identification of future funding opportunities was unlikely. It was further mentioned that the prevalence of congestion within certain areas of the previous AQMA supported the need to retain the pre-existing AQMA.

The Lead Member for Environmental Services addressed the Committee and stated that the Executive decision made was taken based on the supporting evidence provided, and that the evidence was trusted.

The Senior Scientific Officer explained that the purpose of an AQMA was to define the areas where the statutory limit of 40 microgram per m³ of nitrogen dioxide was exceeded, with an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) developed to target improvements to the AQMA. A larger AQMA than was necessary would make it difficult to focus the plan on the specific areas where the 40 microgram per m³ limit was exceeded. In response to concerns on the collection of air quality readings across the previous AQMA, it was confirmed that over 150 locations had had diffusion tubes installed. Once an air quality within an area was compliant with regulations, the tubes would be moved to an alternative area.

The Senior Scientific Officer stated that the data used to support the Executive decision made had been reviewed by experienced and reputable air quality consultants, who had recommended that the AQMA be changed in size; this had been supported by DEFRA. It was stated that any changes to the AQMA were reversible should there be a future concern.

In confirming the Council’s compliance with the DEFRA guidance, the Senior Scientific Officer stated that the sites removed from the previous AQMA had demonstrated compliance with the statutory air quality limits  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40