URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4390

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report by the Lead Environmental Health Officer (Environmental Protection) (circulated previously) regarding the adoption of the Air Quality Strategy.   The Lead Environmental Health Officer (Environmental Protection)  highlighted the following:   ·       North Devon Council revoked its single air quality management area in Braunton in June 2023 and is therefore required to produce an air quality strategy. This strategy must be formally adopted by the Council and included in the Annual Status report to DEFRA. ·       The formal consultation on the draft air quality strategy had been undertaken for a period of 6 weeks. ·       The consultation responses and draft strategy had been considered by the Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee at its meeting on 11 September 2025.  Following the consultation and consideration by the committee, minor amendments had been made to the strategy. ·       Following the adoption of the strategy, other bodies such as Devon County Council Highways and Director of Public Health were required to have regard to the strategy.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Lead Environmental Health Officer advised the following:   ·       The Annual Status report submitted to DEFRA would include details of the successes and what had been achieved such as the spend of Section 106 fund. ·       Gaseous ammonia was seasonal, however there was a slight upward trend in measurements, however currently there was no impact locally.  A lot of work had been done in other countries, such as Holland, in relation to using the good waste on the ground.  The Council was now carrying out annual monitoring of ammonia emissions.   There was a number of external factors that affected the data. ·       It was important to make sure that farmers were supported and networks were in place to provide support. ·       The Environmental Health Team were consulted on proposals for slurry pits. ·       The air quality in North Devon was relatively clean.  There were some spikes in areas such as Braunton.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   ·       That officers met regularly with their counterparts from other local authorities to share good practice, which was then shared with senior officers.   RESOLVED   (a)  That the Council’s Air Quality Strategy be adopted. (b)  That the outcomes of the Equality Impact Assessment as summarised in paragraph 6 of the report be noted.

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025