To consider the report of the Environmental Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the revocations of the following AQMAs as recommended by Defra, due to the ongoing compliance of the Air Quality Objectives for a number of years, be approved:

AQMA 1: A5460 Narborough Road South as recommended by Defra.

AQMA 2: M1 corridor in Enderby and Narborough

AQMA 3: M1 corridor between Thorpe Astley and Kirby Muxloe

AQMA 4B: Enderby Road, Whetstone.

2.    That the declaration of AQMA 7: Lubbesthorpe Road, Braunstone Town as advised by Defra under section 83 (1) of the 1995 Environment Act, be approved.

Reasons:

1.    For the proposed revocations: Monitoring has shown that the Air Quality Objective for Nitrogen Dioxide has been met in all areas for a number of years.

2.    For the proposed declaration: Local Authorities have a duty under section 83 (1) of the 1995 Environment Act to designate those areas where the Air Quality Objectives have not been met, where people are likely to be regularly present, as an AQMA. Monitoring has shown that the Air Quality Objective for Nitrogen Dioxide was not met in this area in 2022.

Considered – Report of the Environmental Services Manager.

Other options considered:

It would be possible to retain current AQMAs. However, this does not follow the advice and guidance set out by Defra in relation to AQMAs. The guidance states “For revocation this should demonstrate that air quality objectives are being met and will continue to do so”. In the AQMAs where revocation is proposed the Council have confidence that the improvements will be sustained due to a number of years of monitoring demonstrating compliance with the objective.