Decision details

2.1          Cabinet acknowledged the excellent work of Scrutiny Panel 4 in the production of their report Emissions Strategy (Action Plan).

2.2           Cabinet would respond to the recommendations of the Scrutiny report as outlined in the report and confirmed that the Low Emissions Strategy would be brought forward for adoption as soon as possible.

2.3           Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a multi-agency Air Quality Working Group to actively engage all stakeholders in the implementation of the Low Emissions Strategy and to develop further air quality initiatives. 

2.4           Cabinet endorsed the extension of the Council’s air quality monitoring network on a risk based basis to incorporate locations such as schools and residential areas where significant numbers of sensitive receptors may be exposed to elevated concentrations of air pollution.

2.5           Cabinet, noted that the Council was legally required to take action to address recently identified exceedances of air quality objective for Nitrogen Dioxide around Northgate Bus Station and The Drapery, Abington Square and Wellingborough Road, resolved to declare appropriate air quality management areas (AQMAs).

2.6           Cabinet declared a single air quality management area which encompasses existing areas of exceedance in the town centre and newly identified areas of exceedance.  As outlined in Appendix 2 of the report

2.7.          Cabinet noted that the work undertaken so far in the development of theStrategy is broadly in line with the requirements for the designation of a Non Charging Clean Air Zone as outlined in the DEFRA / DoT Clean Air Zone Framework and authorised the further development of this work with the aim of the development of a Clean Air Zone for Northampton.