Published: Tuesday, 8th November 2022
Cannock Chase Council are consulting on the proposed revocation of air quality management areas in the District.
The Council has a duty to monitor and improve local air quality. Between 2006 - 2017, the Council identified three areas where air quality failed to meet legal standards. The Council subsequently declared these areas to be 'Air Quality Management Areas' (AQMAs).
These areas are:
• A5 Watling Street in Bridgtown (AQMA 1)
• A5 Watling Street (Churchbridge and the Turf Island) (AQMA 2)
• A5190 Cannock Road, Heath Hayes (Five Ways Island) (AQMA 3)
Monitoring across the District has shown a trend of improving air quality. So, in 2021, the Council commissioned an independent review of the three AQMAs. The review found that the air quality has improved to the extent that AQMA 1 and AQMA 3 could be revoked.
The Council now plans to revoke AQMA 1 and AQMA 3, but before a decision is made, the Council seeks the views of residents and specifically, invites public comments on:
• The independent review
• The proposal to revoke the AQMAs at Bridgtown and Fiveways Island
Councillor Justin Johnson, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change said “This is great news for Cannock Chase. Two of the three zones are no longer failing to meet standards. During the pandemic, there was a marked improvement in levels due to the lockdown restrictions. These improvements have been maintained during 2021, which is very encouraging not only for air quality but also for the climate. Should the public support our view on local air quality, the Council will continue to look for ways to improve it as part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
Documents regarding this consultation are available to view on our website:
https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/environmental-health/environmental-protection/air-quality-management-consultation
Send any comments to environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
The consultation will close on Sunday 18 December 2022.