Issue - meetings

To note the advice from Defra regarding updating the Air Quality Action Plan and the Air Quality Management Area, and the work required to complete the Air Quality Action Plan.

The Committee considered a report from the Principal Pollution Control Officer on the advice from Defra regarding the Air Quality Action Plan and the Air Quality Management Area. Defra had advised the Council that a new plan would need to be in place by May 2024. The Group Head – Place, Protection and Prosperity had written to Defra to explain that a consultation process needed to be followed and to request an extension to the deadline.

The Committee queried how many air quality monitors there were in the Borough and were informed that there were 48 non-automatic monitors, one automatic one (located at Sunbury Cross), and a continuous analyser in Stanwell which is funded by Heathrow Airport.

The Committee asked why the May 2024 deadline set by Defra would not be met. The Principal Pollution Control officer advised that work had begun on a new plan in 2022 but had paused due to uncertainty relating to the ULEZ expansion. There was also a requirement to complete statutory reporting to Defra during the same time period.

The Committee resolved to:

1. Note the advice from Defra regarding updating the Air Quality Action Plan and the Air Quality Management Area.

2.    Note the work required to complete the Air Quality Action Plan.