CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is proposing to revoke air quality management area (AQMA) orders for Frodsham and Ellesmere Port following significant and continued improvements in air quality levels.
The Frodsham AQMA was declared in 2015, to address road traffic related nitrogen dioxide (NO2 }) from road vehicles, and covers a small number of residential properties on Fluin Lane and High Street (A56).
The Ellesmere Port (Whitby Road / Station Road) AQMA was declared in 2005 in order to address similar issues affecting residential properties on parts of Whitby Road, Station Road and Princes Road.
According to the Environment Act 1990 and guidance, an AQMA can be revoked if a review demonstrates that air quality objectives are being met and there is confidence that they will continue to be met. Air quality objectives are limits on the acceptable presence of pollutants in the atmosphere established to protect human health and the environment.
A review of current and historical monitoring data has shown that the roadside concentrations of NO2 have declined significantly since the initial declaration of the AQMAs in both Frodsham and Ellesmere Port. Air quality in the AQMAs is demonstrably compliant with the objectives as there have been no exceedances for five years.
National air quality monitoring data follows a similar trend to that observed locally. Furthermore, predictions of future trends in NO2 show that a recurrence of exceedances of the air quality objectives in the AQMAs is highly improbable.
The council’s cabinet member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, Cllr Christine Warner said: “Air pollution is associated with several adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children, the elderly, and those with existing heart and lung conditions.
“Ongoing reviews of air quality in two of the council’s Air Quality Management Areas for Whitby Road/Station Road in Ellesmere Port and Fluin Lane in Frodsham; have shown evidence to revoke this status.
“The council is confident that compliance has been and will continue to be achieved. However, monitoring of NO2 will continue at worst-case locations in the current AQMAs to confirm that ambient levels of the pollutant remain compliant with the national objectives and to gauge improvements in local air quality over time.
“We’re currently asking residents to get in touch with us if they have any views on this proposal and further details are available on the Council’s website.”