East Suffolk Council
Comments welcome on proposed revocation of Air Quality Management Area in Stratford St. Andrew
Residents are invited to give their views on the proposed removal of an Air Quality Management Area located in Stratford St. Andrew, which is no longer required due to significant improvements in air quality.
To meet national air quality objectives, local authorities must regularly review and assess air quality in their areas. If a location is found where the objectives are not being achieved, the local authority must declare the area as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and develop an Air Quality Action Plan to reduce air pollution.
The AQMA located in Stratford St Andrew was established in 2014 after monitoring showed levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) above the national air quality objective at a group of 4 houses - Long Row on the A12 in Stratford St. Andrew. Studies showed that these levels were most likely caused by emissions from traffic using the A12.
The Steering Group for the AQMA, consisting of District and County Council Officers and Members together with the Parish Council, produced an Action Plan in 2017. The Action Plan investigations suggested that the change in the southbound speed limit from 30mph to 50mph, located at the end of the Long Row houses, was a cause of increased emissions as vehicles began to accelerate and was a large part of the problem. The main priority measure in the Action Plan was therefore for Suffolk County Council to move the 30/50mph change of speed limit further south out of the village, and this was undertaken in December 2017.
Since 2015, NO2 concentrations within the AQMA have shown a downward trend, with the last exceedance of the objectives seen in 2016 and the lowest recorded level to date in 2023 being 26.2 micrograms per metre cubed - well below the objective level of 40.
As a result, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that the AQMA should now be revoked by the Council, and an assessment was carried out earlier this year to establish whether removal of the AQMA was appropriate. The revocation assessment considers the historical monitoring data, projected NO2 concentrations over the next 5 years, local and national trends in NO2 emissions, and local and regional factors that may impact on the AQMA. This includes the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) expected to commence within ESC – including Sizewell C, EA1N and EA2 Offshore Windfarms. The assessment concludes that, having considered the above, the AQMA can be revoked.
These findings were discussed by East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet on 1st October 2024, and it was unanimously agreed to proceed with a public consultation regarding the revocation.
Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment said: “Poor air quality negatively affects the lives and health of our residents, and it is a priority at East Suffolk to consider air quality in our policy formation. It is great news that the air quality at this location has significantly improved to such an extent that the Air Quality Management Area is no longer necessary. This proves with some focus and thought we can make positive improvements in our environment.
“If the AQMA is revoked as recommended by Defra, this will not alter our monitoring regime - we will continue to monitor air quality in Stratford St. Andrew and along the A12. This is particularly important as the Early Years works have now started for Sizewell C, construction associated with cabling has begun for the EA3 Offshore Windfarm, and initial surveying work has started for both the EA1N and EA2 Offshore Windfarms. We will be keeping a close eye on NO2 concentrations at this location, and across the district, and working closely with each project individually and cumulatively. I can reassure residents that we will be ready to take appropriate action if needed.”
East Suffolk residents are invited to submit their comments on the assessment report and East Suffolk Council’s proposal to revoke the AQMA located in Stratford St. Andrew by emailing environmental.protection@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
View a summary of the report and the report itself.
Residents living in and around the area covered by the AQMA located in Stratford St. Andrew have been contacted directly for their comments.
All comments received will be taken into consideration and published.
The consultation closes on Friday 6 December 2024.