Decision details

This report has a dual purpose.  The first is to provide a progress update to the Executive on the continuing works to meet the requirements of the compliance Directive which was issued to the Council by the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs on 27 July 2017 in respect of Air Quality. The second is to obtain authority from the Executive to undertake a public consultation on those measures that are being considered for submission as part of the Outline Business Case.  If approved by JAQU at that stage, the measures will be presented as part of the Final Plans/Final Business Case to be submitted before the end of the year.  Following public consultation, the results of that consultation will be brought back to the Executive with the Outline Business Case in late October for approval for submission to JAQU.

On 27 July 2017, the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued a Compliance Directive on Fareham Borough Council, along with the other (22) Authorities that were listed. This Direction required the Authority to undertake, and submit by 31 March 2018, a Feasibility Study (Initial Plan/Strategic Outline Case).  This was completed and the Strategic Outline Case submitted under delegated authority granted by the Executive following a report to its January 2018 meeting. This case set out a list of options which, if implemented, could make a positive difference to Air Quality within the study area.  Since March, officers have been working with consultants towards identifying exactly what the likely exceedance would be and also refining the option or options which will deliver compliance with legal limits.  The Authority must also submit a Final Plan/Final Business Case by 31 December 2018 which must identify the preferred option or options to deliver compliance.  Prior to this an Outline Business Case needs to be submitted to JAQU, this is likely to be ready towards the end of October.  This report therefore seeks to obtain Executive approval to carry out a consultation on the current list of measures for six weeks from 04 September 2018 to the 08 October 2018.  The results of the consultation and the Outline Business Case would then need to be brought to the Executive for approval in time for submission on 24 October 2018.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves the proposed consultation on the current list of Air Quality Improvement measures detailed in Appendix C.