Decision details

(Minute 85)

The report of the Assistant Director Environment was submitted, updating Members on the Council’s duties relating to local air quality management and work being conducted on a Low Emissions Strategy.

Members were updated on the four key objectives in this Second Air Quality Action Plan and the development of a Low Emissions Strategy Plan. The Council had been successful in obtaining a DEFRA grant of £60,000 to establish a Low Emissions Strategy.

Councillor Leadbetter spoke on this item under Standing Order no.44. He stated that  there had not been any improvement  within the Air Quality within the last seven years. In response to the Leader regarding Devon County Council input as transport authority, he said he would look to move the issue forward with Devon County Council through Exeter HATOC.

The Assistant Director Environment advised that the funding from DEFRA was ring- fenced and would be used to develop the Low Emissions Strategy. More recently the air quality within Exeter had not worsened, and in fact had improved slightly in the short-term, despite the city’s growth. He also advised that the Council’s work on Air Quality and Low Emission strategies, together with respective action plans were instrumental in influencing partners to take account of the importance of air quality in such issues as transport management.

The Leader highlighted the need to take forward the proposal for the park and ride site at Alphington.

The Portfolio Holder for City Development emphasised the need to work closely with the County Council to improve air quality within the City and proposed an additional recommendation seeking high level meetings with the County Council to move forward improvements in Air Quality. This was agreed.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at its meeting on 3 September 2013 and the comments of Members were noted.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)          the progress on the Air Quality Action Plan be noted;

(2)          the development of a Low Emissions Strategy to fulfil air quality objectives be agreed; and

(3)          discussions take place with Devon County Council as a matter of priority to take forward issue of the Air Quality in the City.