Work to address DEFRA feedback on future air quality actions for West Northants

30 September 2024

A plan of key actions to improve air quality across West Northamptonshire is set to progress once approval of the plans is given by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has recently submitted an updated version of the Draft Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) to DEFRA as part of our work to improve air quality within our existing Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) and to support removing two of these AQMAs where significant improvements have already been seen.

It follows a review of the draft by DEFRA earlier this year which highlighted some further work, including a local technical study, that needed to be carried out ahead of publishing the final version. WNC has now completed the required work and has resubmitted the updated plan for approval.

The Council gathered a wide range of feedback from residents, businesses, partners and other key stakeholders on the draft AQAP, receiving over 1,000 responses to the public consultation to help shape the approach.

WNC monitors air quality in several locations across the area in line with current national guidance. This ensures that the data is reliable and can be used in making informed decisions to support improving air quality for the health and wellbeing of our residents. 

“We know that improving air quality is of paramount importance to those who work and live in West Northants, and although levels within our area generally fall within Government limits, we know there is work to be done to improve them as we work towards cleaner greener communities for everyone.

“This feedback from DEFRA has allowed us to strengthen the AQAP and ensures that we are focusing our efforts in the best way possible in line with expectations and requirements as we work towards reducing pollution in West Northants.” Cllr Matt Golby, WNC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services

We will continue to keep residents and stakeholders updated on the work we are doing to monitor and manage air quality and the final AQAP will be published later this year.