Decision details

The National Air Quality Plan for Nitrogen Dioxide sets out how the Government will ensure that compliance with air quality limits is achieved in the shortest time possible. A key part of the Plan is a requirement on some local authorities to undertake feasibility studies to explore a range of measures to improve air quality. Surrey Heath Borough Council; Guildford Borough Council; and Rushmoor Borough Councils  have been directed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to submit a feasibility study for reducing the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide along the Blackwater Valley (A331) Road in the shortest time possible. The study has been completed and the report seeks Executive approval of the Outline Business Case prior to submission to Defra.

The Executive RESOLVED that

(i)          the Outline Business Case (OBC) to date and the preferred option of a 50mph speed limit on a section of the A331, as set out in the OBC annexed to the agenda report, be endorsed; and

(ii)         the Executive Head of Community, in consultation with the Environment & Health Portfolio Holder, be authorised to

a)    make any minor amendments to the Outline Business Case;

b)    submit the Outline Business Case to the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) at The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by the 31 December 2018; and

c)     submit the Full Business Case to the Joint Air Quality Unit.