Decision

The Cabinet has decided to revoke or amend Air Quality Management Areas in Kirklees.

Analysis

outcome: The Air Quality Management Areas in certain locations will be revoked, while others will be amended.

summary: The decision involves the revocation or amendment of Air Quality Management Areas in Kirklees.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to revoke or amend Air Quality Management Areas in Kirklees.

reason_contentious: This issue is not contentious as it is largely an administrative process based on meeting national air quality guidelines.

affected_stakeholders: ["Residents", "Workers", "Visitors"]

contentiousness_score: 1

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12910

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: A report recommending the revocation or amendment of Air Quality Management Areas in Kirklees.   As the decision relates to the revocation or amendment (reduction in area) of Air Quality Management Areas it is a significant, positive impact for people living/working/visiting those areas as there has been sufficient reduction in air pollutants that the local air quality now meets national guidelines.    The revocation/amendment of AQMAs, is largely an administrative process, however it does have the resultant impact of removing that locality from the Council’s obligations to develop and implement an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP).  AQAPs are required to identify and implement interventions to lead to a reduction in the pollutants of concern in designated AQMAs.    Background papers;   -       Air Quality Management Areas for Revocation or Amendment Cabinet Report -       Kirklees Council Air Quality Annual Status Report 2024: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/crime-and-safety/pdf/kirklees-annual-status-report-2024.pdf     The proposed decision is a statutory requirement for local authorities as part of their obligations under Local Air Quality Management.  The proposed actions are in accordance with the requirements contained within the Environment Act 1995 (as amended), Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) guidance.

Content: A report recommending the revocation or amendment of Air Quality Management Areas in Kirklees.   As the decision relates to the revocation or amendment (reduction in area) of Air Quality Management Areas it is a significant, positive impact for people living/working/visiting those areas as there has been sufficient reduction in air pollutants that the local air quality now meets national guidelines.    The revocation/amendment of AQMAs, is largely an administrative process, however it does have the resultant impact of removing that locality from the Council’s obligations to develop and implement an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP).  AQAPs are required to identify and implement interventions to lead to a reduction in the pollutants of concern in designated AQMAs.    Background papers;   -       Air Quality Management Areas for Revocation or Amendment Cabinet Report -       Kirklees Council Air Quality Annual Status Report 2024: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/crime-and-safety/pdf/kirklees-annual-status-report-2024.pdf     The proposed decision is a statutory requirement for local authorities as part of their obligations under Local Air Quality Management.  The proposed actions are in accordance with the requirements contained within the Environment Act 1995 (as amended), Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) guidance. RESOLVED – That under the provisions of the Environment Act 1985: -   1)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA1 Copper Bridge and Bradley (ii) AQMA2 Scouthill and (iii) AQMA4 Birkenshaw, be revoked. 2)    the Air Quality Management Areas in (i) AQMA3 Ainley Top, (ii) AQMA7 Liversedge and (iii) AQMA10 Thornton Lodge, be amended. 3)    authority be delegated to the Head of Public Protection to carry out all necessary steps to execute the revocation or amendment of the Air Quality Management Areas. 4)    authority be delegated authority to the Service Director, Legal, Governance and Commissioning to enter into and execute any documents necessary to revoke or amend the Air Quality Management Areas.  

Date of Decision: July 8, 2025