Air quality

We have a statutory duty to monitor local air quality and take steps to improve it where it does not meet the national air quality objectives.

Air pollution monitoring

Diffusion tube monitoring for nitrogen dioxide is carried out across the whole of the West Northamptonshire area.

The current locations of diffusion tubes can be found on our mapping system. Click on the Map Features and Tools Menu on the top left, the Map Features tab, Environment tab and the tabs available to view will become visible.

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) operate a continuous air quality monitoring unit in Spring Park in Northampton. This is part of their Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN).

Air Quality Management Areas

We have a duty to declare any area where an air quality objective is not being met, or is not likely to be met, as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

We have eight declared AQMAs for nitrogen dioxide, seven in Northampton and one in Towcester.

Locations of the AQMAs can be found on our mapping system. Click on the Map Features and Tools Menu on the top left, the Map Features tab, Environment tab and the tabs available to view will become visible.

Once an AQMA has been declared, we are required to develop an Air Quality Action Plan outlining the measures required to improve air quality in that area.

Draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP)

We hosted a consultation on a draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) which closed in April 2024. More information regarding the consultation outcomes will be posted here when available.

Grant funding for Air quality work

We have been successful in our bid to secure funds as part of the Government’s £10.1 million project towards air quality improvement.

The new grant will provide funding to develop an evidence base for possible action to deal with pollution in West Northants. Work will include air quality monitoring and modelling, along with survey work to identify patterns of fuel use in the area.

Air quality Guide for Developers

Air Quality and Emissions Mitigation Guidance for Developers has been produced in conjunction with the East Midlands Air Quality Network. This has now become Supplementary Planning Guidance following public consultation. 

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Last updated 23 August 2024