Agenda item

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

RESOLVED (Unanimously)

That the improving performance of air quality levels and the extensive Air Quality Action Plan be noted.

Councillor Karen Walton presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that informed Members of the Air Quality in South Ribble and the actions that had been taken to improve the levels of Air Quality and further work currently being undertaken.

The air quality monitoring results are independently tested results which are verified by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

The report provided an overview of data from 2013 to 2017 and Members of the opposition argued that the information was now over two years old and referred Cabinet to a recent publication by the Public Health Authority that stated that Air Quality levels in the Borough was the single most threat to the Health and Wellbeing of our residents.

Members of the public who were in attendance at the meeting complained of the large volumes of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV’s) that used various lanes across the borough, for example, Turpin Green Lane as short cuts to the motorway junctions. This had increased more recently with the positioning of the Amazon parcel depot and they urged the Council to take action to alleviate the pollution problems this created.

The Cabinet Member explained that unfortunately, this Council was only the monitoring authority and that it was Lancashire County Council who were the responsible authority. It was further explained that this Council is doing everything in its power to help alleviate the problem and lobbying the County Council, local business and schools where possible.

It was proposed by Councillor Karen Walton, seconded by Councillor Margaret Smith and

Decision made (Unanimously)

That the improving performance of air quality levels and the extensive Air Quality Action Plan be noted.

Reason(s) for the decision:

1.    The reason for the report is to provide Cabinet with an update on the Air Quality monitoring undertaken in South Ribble including the actions that have been taken to improve the Air Quality and the further work currently being undertaken.

2.    Health and Wellbeing is a major priority within the Council’s Corporate Plan. We want to promote our health and wellbeing objectives by developing high quality community open spaces, connected across the borough which supports residents in adopting healthier and more active lifestyles.

3.    Air Quality represents one of the largest concerns to our residents and in the most recent South Ribble Partnership Survey residents identified air quality as an area for improvement.

4.    An extensive programme of consultation has been started with residents on our Green Links programme and Planning for Real events. There has been a high level of engagement and involvement from residents and the feedback received at those events show that air quality is an area that concerns residents.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The alternative option was to do nothing but the Council places air quality as a key priority action area that it commits to and has demonstrated this through the positive actions undertaken along with a future long term commitment of the air quality action plan. The Council also has a statutory duty to comply with.