AS Mid Devon District Council continues to improve air quality in the district, further public consultations are now underway to support its climate ambitions.

The Council has already taken a number of steps to address air pollution and this includes the installation of electric charging points in the district, a new bonfire policy and a low emissions taxi programme.

It has also upgraded its fleet of vehicles and is actively supporting the opening of a new railway station at Cullompton.

New air quality monitoring locations have also been installed and the Council is proud to show this work is having a positive impact.

Air Quality Management Areas are in place at Crediton and Cullompton.

While the Council already has an Air Quality Action Plan, which is reviewed annually and includes priority areas for work, a new document designed to support developers and planners has now been written.

This is called the Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and it is a new document open for public consultation.

Cllr Richard Chesterton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “It’s important that we fully consider air quality when any new developments are being planned.

“We want to ensure we provide new homes but that we balance this with ensuring new developments are designed and constructed in ways which minimise emissions and the impact of air pollution on our communities.”

The Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document has a number of purposes which aim to:

• Support relevant policies in the adopted Mid Devon Local Plan 2013 – 2033 in relation to air quality

• Engage with developers earlier on in the planning process and assist in determining when an air quality assessment is required for a new development

• Set out a clear method for developers to provide air quality information as part of their applications

• Identify suitable mitigation measures to be included at the planning stage.

Whilst this document is intended to be used by developers, consultants and the Council’s own planning department, the Council also knows that its residents and businesses can also help with its air quality ambitions.

A public consultation is now underway, and the Council is keen to hear views about the Supplementary Planning Document and its supporting documents.

MDDC says that all comments received within the consultation period will be carefully considered to help it finalise the Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document before it is adopted by the Council.

The Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document and further information about the consultation can be viewed on the Council’s website: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/planning-policy/supplementary-planning-documents/air-quality/ .

Printed copies of the consultation documents will be available to view at the Council Offices in Tiverton (Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane EX16 6PP) or at libraries within Mid Devon during normal opening hours throughout the consultation period, including Crediton Library.