Cleaner air consultation under way
Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on a practical four-year plan to improve air quality in Newcastle town centre.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Air Quality Action Plan sets out measures for 2026 to 2030 designed to ensure nitrogen dioxide levels remain permanently within legal limits. It follows successful work in Kidsgrove, Little Madeley, and the May Bank, Wolstanton and Porthill area, where previous air quality concerns have been addressed.
The new plan focuses on practical and proportionate action, including tackling congestion, improving traffic flow, working with businesses and transport operators, and targeting pollution where evidence shows action is necessary.
Cllr. Vanessa Renshaw, Cabinet member for Housing and Public Protection, said:
The Council has already successfully worked with others to improve air quality in other parts of the borough and we want to build on that success.
This is about practical action to deal with a specific problem and ensure we meet the legal standards expected of us. Air quality figures for the town centre and surrounding main roads are usually within acceptable nitrogen dioxide limits, but there are still periods when those limits are exceeded.
We want sensible and proportionate solutions which improve air quality and reduce congestion without unnecessarily penalising residents, motorists or local businesses.”
Once adopted, air quality will continue to be monitored regularly, with an annual update presented each June.
Proposed initiatives include:
• ensuring major developments consider and, where necessary, mitigate their impact on local air quality;
• supporting practical and voluntary travel choices for residents, businesses and visitors;
• working with highways and transport partners to tackle congestion and improve traffic flow;
• providing residents and businesses with practical information on reducing unnecessary emissions; and
• regulating permitted industries to ensure emissions standards are properly monitored and enforced.
Cllr. Renshaw added:
We are not interested in imposing unnecessary restrictions on residents.
Our focus is on evidence, enforcing sensible standards, keeping traffic moving and working constructively with residents, businesses and other organisations.
Previous improvements have included upgrades to older buses, improvements to local routes and campaigns to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling outside schools.
The Council cannot tackle every source of air pollution itself, which is why we want residents and businesses to have their say on the measures being proposed.”
Residents and businesses who would like to contribute to shaping the Air Quality Action Plan can find further information on the Council’s website.
Comments can be e-mailed to environmental_health@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk by Wednesday, 30 September.