Purpose

To revoke the Air Quality Management Areas declared for Fitzwilliam Road and Rawmarsh in respect of nitrogen dioxide.

Decision

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

Date of Decision:

24th July 2026

Title:

Revocation of the Fitzwilliam Road and Rawmarsh annual

mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Areas

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Sam Barstow, Service Director Community Safety and Street Scene

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

Item 16 Sub-Scheme of Delegation Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment delegates power to the Service Director of Community Safety and Street Scene in relation to:

The discharge of any executive function not otherwise reserved to the full Council, the Cabinet, a committee of the Cabinet, a member of the Cabinet, a joint committee discharging executive functions or another local authority, and any non-executive functions not otherwise reserved to the Licensing Board, or any other person or body discharging non-executive functions in accordance with executive arrangements made by the Council, in respect of the Environment Act 1995 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and related statutory instruments.

The powers conferred include:  

• Service of Statutory Notices

• Issuing of Statutory Documents

Page 511-530 of Appendix 1 refers.

Decision:

To revoke the Air Quality Management Areas declared for Fitzwilliam Road and Rawmarsh in respect of nitrogen dioxide

Reasons for the Decision:

The levels of nitrogen dioxide have consistently been below national objective levels and projected to be for over three years. Consequently, there is no legal requirement to have an Air Quality Management Area in these areas, subsequently the Air Quality Management Areas can be revoked.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

The Council might consider keeping the declared Air Quality Management Areas in place. However, this would be counter to statutory guidance as the air quality monitoring data demonstrates that air quality continues to improve in Rotherham and the areas which are compliant are likely to continue to be so.

The preferred option is to begin the revocation process of the Air Quality Management Areas and undertake the necessary statutory consultation. Monitoring demonstrates the improvement of air quality in the areas and consequently, within the provisions of legislation, the declarations should be revoked.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

None declared

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports relevant to the decision being taken:

Report - Revocation of the Fitzwilliam Road and Rawmarsh annual mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Areas

Appendix 1   Equalities Screening Assessment

Appendix 2 Fitzwilliam Road annual mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Area – Revocation Notice 2026

Appendix 3   The Rotherham Borough Council Air Quality Management Area Rawmarsh (annual mean nitrogen dioxide) – Revocation Notice 2026

Appendix 4 Fitzwilliam Road annual mean nitrogen dioxide Air Quality Management Area – Revocation Order 2026

Appendix 5   The Rotherham Borough Council Air Quality Management Area Rawmarsh  (annual mean nitrogen dioxide)  – Revocation Order 2026

Appendix 6   Carbon and Climate Change Assessment

Environment Act 1995

DEFRA The Air Quality Strategy for England

DEFRA Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)

The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010

DEFRA Local Air Quality Management Policy Guidance (PG22, England (exc. London) Policy Guidance

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to:

To revoke the Air Quality Management Areas declared for Fitzwilliam Road and Rawmarsh in respect of nitrogen dioxide

I confirm that in making this decision, due regard was given to the seven principles of public life.

Signed by the Decision Maker:

Dated:          24th July, 2026

Name:          Sam Barstow                   

Job Title:     Service Director, Community Safety & Street Scene