Agenda item

The Chairman began by thanking Officers for the training provided on Air Quality on 4 February. This was reiterated by those Members who attended.

Adam Dracott, Team Leader for Environmental Protection introduced the report. It is based on information provided to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and was approved by them in August 2019. The Council currently has 33 monitoring sites which show a gradual decrease in pollution from nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and one Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) around part of the Stonepound Crossroads in Hassocks.

Members discussed the issues of particulate matter and short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide around routes to schools. The Team Leader for Environmental Protection confirmed that current modelling does not register levels sufficient to trigger problematic short-term exposure levels. The Council is part of the Sussex Air Quality Partnership which secured funding from DEFRA to work with schools on an anti-idling project. Alongside this, there is work underway on school travel plans to encourage a modal shift from car travel to walking.

Discussion was held on the AQMA at Stonepound Crossroads and it was noted that continual improvements to the vehicle fleet was a contributing factor to the downward trend of NO2 in the area. A Member queried the potential to amend the report to reflect different KPI’s and key actions to mitigate the air quality issues. There is limited scope to amend the content of the report as items are prescribed by DEFRA, however Members were encouraged to put suggestions through the Air Quality Steering Group for the AQMA at Hassocks for consideration.

Members discussed the funding potential for more sophisticated monitoring stations in the major towns across the District, as well as other steps that the Council can take to improve air quality. The Head of Digital and Customer Service confirmed that the next revision of the Council’s Sustainability Strategy was in development to look at wider Council aspiration. It was also noted that a real-time air quality monitoring station was being proposed in the Service Plans for 2020/21, which if successful could be rolled out in appropriate areas.

The topic of wood burning stoves and bonfires was discussed and it was confirmed that the Sussex Air Quality Partnership has carried out a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the issue of domestic solid fuel burning and is in the process of analysing survey responses on this subject, as well as promoting cleaner fuel options and upgrading appliances.

A Member raised the subject of funding for cycling route improvements around Hassocks and it was agreed that the Team Leader for Environmental Protection will provide a written response to Members following the meeting

The Cabinet Member for Community concluded by noting that the monitoring sites across the District record NO2 levels significantly below the national average and that the Council continues to work with West Sussex County Council and the Sussex Air Quality Partnership to mitigate against the impact of traffic and other factors on air quality. Examples of ‘Cut your Engine’ signage commissioned by the Council were also displayed to Members and these will be rolled out for a short time in a variety of locations to encourage more environmentally friendly driving habits.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation which was agreed.

RESOLVED

The Committee endorsed the approach of the Council on Air Quality Management.