Issue - meetings

Minute 421 refers

RESOLVED – that the Air Quality Planning Guidance, October 2016, as now submitted, be agreed as guidance to inform Development Management decisions.

(see also Minute XXX)

Minutes 67 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 13 October 2016, on the Air Quality Planning Guidance, October 2016.

RECOMMENDED – that the Air Quality Planning Guidance, October 2016, as now submitted, be agreed as guidance to inform Development Management decisions.

(see also Minute 427)

Note – Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to follow.

The Panel considered a report presenting Air Quality Planning Guidance, which had been prepared to support the East Herts District Plan and to assist in the Development Management process.  The guide was intended to provide clarity and consistency by confirming how the Council would assess planning applications in relation to air quality.

Chapter 24 of the Draft District Plan addressed air quality issues and the Panel was reminded that Policy EQ4 Air Quality required development and land uses to minimise potential impacts on local air quality and be supported by an Air Pollution Assessment in line with the Council’s Air Quality Planning Guidance Document.  Policy EQ4 Air Quality further required developments within a designated Air Quality Management Area, or which may impact on these areas, to have regard to the Council’s latest strategy and action plan for the reduction of pollutants.  Evidence of mitigation measures was required.  To this end, the Council had prepared an Air Quality Planning Guidance, as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted.

Officers responded to Members’ comments submitted in advance of the meeting as well as those at the meeting.  It was confirmed that the maps at Appendix 1 had been omitted and would be included in the final document.  Officers also explained that section 106 contributions could be used for air quality issues and cited the example of Bishop’s Stortford North where £20k had been earmarked for air quality monitoring and mitigation measures.

In respect of major developments and air quality, Officers also clarified that the cumulative impact of a development application would need to be considered in terms of making a judgement on the additional harm caused.  Reference was also made to sustainable transport policies, which would look at measures such as green travel plans, car sharing, etc.

The Panel supported the recommendation as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that the Air Quality Planning Guidance, October 2016, as now submitted, be agreed as guidance to inform Development Management decisions.