Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Development and Safety

RESOLVED THAT :

1.    The existing borough-wide AQMA be revoked;

2.    A new AQMA be declared in the area identified as having the worst air pollution levels;

3.    The redeployment of existing equipment be approved to monitor those sites which are closest to exceeding the legal limit.

The Cabinet Member Development and Safety presented the report. He acknowledged that the report had already been explored to some degree during the public and member questions. He reported that the council declared a borough wide AQMA in 2011, as part of the broader context of the Transport Plan. Specific goals included ending the ring-road around the centre of Cheltenham, which was successful. This followed all the relevant legal standards, and led to a steady reduction in the town centre’s level of air pollution.

He explained that the formally monitored area is to be reduced from the whole town to an area on the A4019, from the Gloucester Road junction through Poole Way to St George’s Street. This is an area of continuing exceedances that requires extra attention. The junction of Princess Elizabeth Way and Tewkesbury Road also requires extra care. He stressed that the report is not an excuse to remove air quality monitoring equipment from the town, and reminded members that more monitoring will be done in the town centre than previously. The AQMA is being reduced in line with DEFRA regulations. Air quality monitoring data must be used to inform future decisions.

The Leader referred to air quality issues in his ward, and said he was pleased that pollution levels have decreased. He added that reducing the AQMA does not mean reduced monitoring. The overall issue of air quality is a major one, but progress so far is good.

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The existing borough-wide AQMA be revoked;
2. A new AQMA be declared in the area identified as having the worst air pollution levels;
3. The redeployment of existing equipment be approved to monitor those sites which are closest to exceeding the legal limit.