Homeowners in Cornwall could be EVACUATED due to EU pollution laws allowing councils to take their homes

  • Dozens of families in Cornwall could be affected by the clean air proposals
  • Some families could lose their homes under compulsory purchasing laws
  • Cornwall council proposed the evacuation to protect residents from pollution
  • The council is evacuating areas that are below EU standards

By Apex News And Pictures and Harry Pettit For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Dozens of families in pollution hotspots could be evacuated under new clean air proposals.

The plans would lead some to lose their homes under compulsory purchasing laws.

Cornwall council proposed the evacuation to protect residents from dangerous levels of air pollution.

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Dozens of families in pollution hotspots could be evacuated under new clean air proposals. The plans would lead some to lose their homes under compulsory purchasing laws. Pictured are shoppers in Truro in Cornwall, one of the areas that could be affected by the proposals

Dozens of families in pollution hotspots could be evacuated under new clean air proposals. The plans would lead some to lose their homes under compulsory purchasing laws. Pictured are shoppers in Truro in Cornwall, one of the areas that could be affected by the proposals

NITROGEN OXIDES 

Around 40,000 deaths a year are caused by air pollution in the UK, many a result of Nitrogen Dioxide pumped from diesel engines. 

Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant that can often be seen as a reddish-brown smog over many urban areas.

It is formed when fuel is burned at high temperatures.

Its most common sources are diesel engines and power plants. 

Nitrogen dioxide is highly toxic to plants, animals and humans.

High levels can be fatal as the chemical is very damaging to delicate lung tissue.

The pollutant can cause respiratory problems, lung disease and cancer. 

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The council admitted the scheme was controversial but said it was cheaper than building bypasses to take diesel vehicles away from residential areas.

It said relocation was just one of many options being considered.

But a council spokesperson said there was still 'no specific area' in mind for relocation.

Around 40,000 deaths a year are caused by air pollution in the UK, many a result of nitrogen dioxide pumped from diesel engines.

The pollutant can cause respiratory problems, lung disease and cancer.

Many councils have brought in Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) to keep pollution levels below EU standards.

There are seven Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Cornwall which fail to meet safe pollution levels.

Truro, Gunnislake, St Austell, Tideford, Bodmin, Camelford and the area of Kerrier - containing Pool, Camborne and Redruth - have all been declared AQMAs since 2005.

There are seven Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Cornwall which fail to meet safe pollution levels. Truro, Gunnislake, St Austell, Tideford, Bodmin, Camelford and the area of Kerrier - containing Pool, Camborne and Redruth - have all been declared AQMAs since 2005

There are seven Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Cornwall which fail to meet safe pollution levels. Truro, Gunnislake, St Austell, Tideford, Bodmin, Camelford and the area of Kerrier - containing Pool, Camborne and Redruth - have all been declared AQMAs since 2005

All seven of Cornwall's AQMAs, including St Austell pictured here, have been singled out for their heavy nitrogen dioxide levels. Cornwall council proposed the evacuation to protect residents from dangerous levels of air pollution

All seven of Cornwall's AQMAs, including St Austell pictured here, have been singled out for their heavy nitrogen dioxide levels. Cornwall council proposed the evacuation to protect residents from dangerous levels of air pollution

All seven areas have been singled out for their heavy nitrogen dioxide levels. 

As part of the 'Clean Air for Cornwall Strategy', six approaches have been explored, including building new neighbourhoods in 'clean air' zones.

Camelford was given AQMA status in January 2017 after pressure from the Camelford Clean Air Group.

Chairwoman Claire Hewlett said: 'If you look at Cornwall Council's transport strategy, it's all about people living close to where they work so that they can use active transport.

'To move people to a new town seems to go against that.

Around 40,000 deaths a year are caused by air pollution in the UK, many a result of Nitrogen Dioxide pumped from diesel engines. The pollutant can cause respiratory problems, lung disease and cancer. Pictured here is Gunnislake in Cornwall

Around 40,000 deaths a year are caused by air pollution in the UK, many a result of Nitrogen Dioxide pumped from diesel engines. The pollutant can cause respiratory problems, lung disease and cancer. Pictured here is Gunnislake in Cornwall

'Surely you want people to stay where they're working so that they can walk or cycle.'

Green lobby group ClientEarth Healthy Air's Andrea Lee branded the idea 'extraordinary' but said it was important to tackle the sources of air pollution.

Cornwall council is also considering anti-idling legislation which would see motorists fined £20 ($25) for keeping their engines running while idle in places like taxi ranks, train stations and schools. 

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