The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the adoption of a local heritage list and to review the annual air quality monitoring report. The committee agreed to send their comments and observations on both items to Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport.

Local Heritage List

The committee reviewed a proposal to adopt an updated Local Heritage List, formerly known as the Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest. The list focuses on locally significant public houses, hotels, and clubs, both past and present, and aims to protect and celebrate local buildings with working-class heritage.

Councillor De'Ath explained that the list update was a manifesto commitment, prompted by concerns over the favouring of certain types of heritage over others. He clarified that local listing differs from CADW listing, offering a lighter level of protection and council oversight in potential development changes.

Steve Ball, Operational Manager of Strategic Placemaking, presented the details of the plan, including the intention to use Article 4 directions[^2] to restrict permitted development rights related to demolition. He noted that 76 properties are proposed for addition to the list, following an eight-week public consultation with 84% support.

Key points from the committee's discussion:

• Criteria for inclusion: Members sought clarification on the weighting given to architectural merit versus social use. Officers clarified that there is no specific weighting, but a rigorous examination against eight criteria is undertaken.
• Preservation of usage: Members raised the issue of preserving the social function of buildings, particularly pubs. Officers explained the limitations in controlling changes of use under the General Permitted Event Order. Councillor De'Ath noted the difficulty of preserving land uses where they are not viable.
• Community involvement: A suggestion was made to give communities the first refusal to take over buildings slated for demolition or change of use. Officers acknowledged that this is not currently within their control but could be raised with the Welsh Government.
• National designation: Concerns were raised about buildings with national designations and how they would be noted on the list. Officers clarified the difference between national and local designations, with nationally designated buildings not proposed for the local list.
• Future phases: Members enquired about future phases of the list, including more ordinary dwellings. Officers indicated a desire for a second phase but noted resource constraints.
• Article 4 directions: Clarification was sought on the protection offered by Article 4 directions and how planning inspectors view locally listed buildings. Officers explained that Article 4 directions allow the council to bring demolition under planning control, giving them a greater chance of defending the building's retention.

The committee agreed to write to Councillor De'Ath to express their comments and observations, including exploring options for community involvement and noting the differences in planning regulations between England and Wales.

Local Air Quality Annual Monitoring Report

The committee then discussed the 2025 Air Quality Annual Monitoring Report, which provides information from 2024. Jason Bale, Operational Manager Enterprise and Specialist Services, presented the report, highlighting the statutory duty to monitor air quality and the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Councillor De'Ath expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the progress made but emphasising that there are no safe levels of air pollution. He highlighted the social justice aspect, noting that vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of poor air quality.

Key findings from the report:

• Continued improvement in Cardiff's air quality, with a 36% improvement in NO2 concentrations pre-Covid.
• All monitoring locations within the four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are below the air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide.
• The permanent scheme for Castle Street is progressing, with work potentially commencing in January 2026.
• The council is reviewing monitoring locations for 2026 and updating the clean air strategy.
• Detailed assessments are being undertaken on the city centre, Stephenson Court, and Ely Bridge AQMAs, with the potential to revoke these areas.

Committee members raised the following points:

• Electric vehicle charging: Concerns were raised about potential funding cuts for EV charging infrastructure and the need for contingency plans.
• Ely Bridge monitoring: Clarification was sought on the removal of monitoring from Ely Bridge. Officers confirmed that while the AQMA may be revoked, monitoring would continue to demonstrate the correctness of the decision.
• Public visibility: Members emphasised the need to raise public awareness of air quality issues and the improvements being made.
• Landaff improvements: Questions were asked about the reasons for improvements in Landaff, despite continued congestion. Officers cited a combination of factors, including the turnover of the vehicle fleet, hybrid working, and bus lane enhancements.
• Additional monitoring: A request was made for additional monitors in areas with high levels of dust and near schools.
• World Health Organization targets: Members enquired about aligning with WHO targets, which are more stringent than Welsh Government requirements. Officers noted that Welsh Government is considering WHO guidelines and that internal KPIs are already below legal standards.
• Relationship to RLDP: A question was raised about the relationship between air quality and the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP), particularly regarding the siting of schools near busy roads.

The committee agreed to write to Councillor De'Ath to express their comments and observations, including strengthening public visibility of the issue and ensuring that the RLDP adequately addresses air quality concerns.