Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

Councillor T Eynon declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 5 – 2019 Air Quality Annual Status as a Leicestershire County Councillor.

Councillor D Harrison declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 5 – 2019 Air Quality Annual Status as an associate of Mr W Moore, who was addressing the committee.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules. The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2019

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2019.

It was moved by Councillor J Geary, seconded by Councillor D Tebbutt and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2019 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive presentations from Julia Knight (Public Health Team, Leicestershire County Council) and the Head of Community Services

Due to the nature of the item, the Chairman reminded Members of the decision making process and that any comments made by the committee would be considered by Cabinet at its meeting in December.  He then gave an overview of the format in which the item would be considered and stressed that there was to be no discussion on any related planning matter.

Mr W Moore, a local resident who had some experience in the measurement of air quality, was invited by the Chairman to address the Committee and gave a presentation.

In response to a question from Councillor T Eynon, Mr W Moore reported that the diffusion tubes that were placed around the district only measured NOxin the air; other particulate levels were measured by the use of models.  He stressed the importance and need for taking scientific measurements for all particulates.  Councillor T Eynon expressed concerns that some of the data shown by Mr W Moore indicated that the air quality in some parts of the district was worse than London.

Councillor K Merrie did not believe the example given of particulate levels in an enclosed HGV garage was appropriate, as this would be covered under health and safety legislation due to it being a workplace.   He would like to have seen data in relation to outdoor areas, which would be more relevant.  He also raised concerns regarding the mortality figures, as the total figures were incorrect.

In response to a question from Councillor C Benfield, Mr W Moore stated that there were 30 measurement points across the district, predominantly in the north of the district with nothing at all in the South, particularly Ashby.  Councillor C Benfield expressed concerns that there was a lot of focus on mortality rates and none on the impacts on general health.

Councillor J Geary was disappointed that air quality was not being measured throughout the whole district.  He particularly liked the DEFRA website demonstrated by Mr W Moore where you could see the air quality hotspots and asked for the link to be shared with Members.  Councillor T Eynon also asked for the link the County Council reports to be circulated.

Councillor A Bridgen commented that as Mr W Moore indicated that North West Leicestershire was the worst performing district in Leicestershire, more consultation should be had with neighbouring authorities to learn what they had in place in relation to air quality.

With the permission of the Chairman, Councillor S Sheahan who was observing the meeting addressed the Committee.  He pointed out that that the Cabinet report attached for information stated that the district had the second lowest particulate related deaths in Leicestershire, however Mr W Moore’s presentation indicated differently.  He asked for clarification.  The Chairman reported that mortality rates would be addressed in the presentation from the Leicestershire County Council representative.

Ms J Knight, Public Health Team at Leicestershire County Council gave a presentation to the Committee in relation to a recent study conducted on air quality in Leicestershire.  She  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Report of the Head of Economic Regeneration

The Cultural Services Team Manager presented the report to Members.

Members were pleased to see the heritage of the district celebrated and felt that the focus on the National Forest was a positive way forward for the future.  The need to attract visitors was recognised and the work being undertaken around the lack of accommodation for visitors was welcomed.

Officers were thanked for the excellent report and attendance at the meeting.

To consider any items to be included in the work programme. The plan of forthcoming Cabinet decisions and the current work programme are attached for information.

A discussion was had regarding the items for future meetings at the previous meeting.  The Strategic Director of Place reported that work was ongoing on developing the work programme and Members would receive more information at the next meeting.