Air Quality SPD

The Town Council has recently considered the above document which is subject to public consultation.

The Council has asked me to respond as follows:-

1) The SPD is welcomed and represents an important document to be used in conjunction with other Planning Policies to achieve an acceptable balance between the need for development and environmental protection.
2) Measures to seek financial compensation through the use of Section 106 Agreements, where mitigation measures cannot be integrated into a planning proposal, are welcomed.
3) The SPD does not indicate a time span or date for review. Given the pace of technological change in terms of both vehicles and societal attitudes, it is suggested that a review is conducted no later than on the fifth anniversary of the SPD adoption.
4) It is pleasing to see a Section (5.56) devoted to "green infrastructure". Whilst there remains some conflicting evidence on the benefits of the green environment to managing air quality, the Town Council firmly endorses the principles within the District Council Green Spaces Strategy and advocates the retention of trees within the sites of future developments wherever possible. Where trees need to be removed there should be compensatory planting elsewhere within the same site.