Decision details

The principle aim of the Air Quality Technical Planning Guidance is to coordinate an emission mitigation approach to improve air quality across Thanet. This will enable key issues, including road traffic, transportation and development, to be addressed in an integrated manner and will assist in the promotion of effective Air Quality monitoring, management and education across a broader geographic area. The report seeks Cabinet approval to amend the Air Quality Action Plan to include updated Planning Guidance.

Cabinet approved the updated Air Quality Technical Planning Guidance (Annex 1 to the Cabinet report) which will form part of the approved Air Quality Action Plan 2013.

i) To put into place technical planning guidance to reduce pollution levels across the urban Air Quality Management Area

ii) To comply with the requirements of Environment Act 1995, Part IV, Section 84.

i) Cabinet could have considered not adopting the updated guidance which will form part of the current Air Quality Action Plan. The production of the Air Quality Action Plan is a legal requirement following the declaration of an AQMA and further updated guidance has been produced by DEFRA since the implementation of Thanet Air Quality Action Plan 2013.

The recommended updated Technical Guidance is therefore considered to be appropriate and reflection of updated DEFRA guidance on Local Air Quality Management.