Purpose

Local Air Quality Management is a statutory duty of local authorities under the Environment Act 1995.

Part of those duties includes preparing an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) when parts of the borough do not meet national Air Quality Objectives.

Defra is required to appraise a draft AQAP prior to adoption by the Council, the statutory deadline for submission to Defra being 31 May 2026.

The Executive Director of Place made the decision to submit the draft AQAP to Defra prior to the deadline.

Options considered, to not submit the AQAP was considered, but rejected, as this would mean the Council was not meeting its duties. 

Decision

To submit the draft Air Quality Action Plan 2026-2031 to Defra for its consideration and approval.