Decision details

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Warriner)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Health & Housing) which sought approval for varying the current Air Quality Management Area (City of Lancaster) (No.1) Order 2004 by replacing it with a new Air Quality Management Area (City of Lancaster) (No.2) Order 2017.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The Council needs to vary the Air Quality Management Area order for the City of Lancaster and Option 1 is recommended.  This carries no disadvantages.  No advantages have been identified in making any wider changes to the existing Order.  Arrangements are in hand to monitor and review the impact of several key pollution-influencing actions (the Bay Gateway road opening, and pending passenger bus technology modifications) however these will take some time. 

The proposed variation to the Air Quality Management Area order for the City of Lancaster addresses an important administrative update about air pollution levels in parts of central Lancaster, serving the interests of residents living in areas close to busy roads and highest concentrations of air pollution from road traffic. 

Councillor Warriner proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)       That the current Air Quality Management Area (City of Lancaster) (No 1) Order 2004 be revoked.

(2)       That an Air Quality Management Area be re-designated as proposed in the draft Air Quality Management Area (City of Lancaster) (No 2) Order 2017, attached to the report.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Health & Housing)

Reasons for making the decision:

Air quality review and assessment forms an important part of the Council’s protection of the community’s health.  Air pollution poses particular threats to the elderly, young children and people with heart and breathing difficulties.  It is essential that the potential air quality problems highlighted to date by Air Quality Review and Assessment are resolved and this proposal serves that objective.