Issue - meetings

Consideration of recommendations of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee of 5 November 2025 in respect of air quality monitoring across the Borough.

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of the revocation of four  air quality management areas at Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green.

Due regard was given to the views of the Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications.  Cabinet welcomed the significant improvement in air quality and improved pollution levels and noted that this position was supported by DEFRA.

On the grounds that monitoring in some form within the areas of the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) would continue, Cllr Betts proposed, Cllr Taylor seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the improvement in air quality over the last four years, be noted;

(2)            the revocation of the Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green Air Quality Management Areas, be agreed; and

(3)            the continuation of air quality monitoring across the Borough, including to respond to any specific areas of concern, be agreed.

(Decision Notice D250125CAB)

Consideration was given to the recommendations of the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee in respect of the revocation of four  air quality management areas at Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green.

Due regard was given to the views of the Committee, the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risk and the legal implications.  Cabinet welcomed the significant improvement in air quality and improved pollution levels and noted that this position was supported by DEFRA.

On the grounds that monitoring in some form within the areas of the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) would continue, Cllr Betts proposed, Cllr Taylor seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the improvement in air quality over the last four years, be noted;

(2)            the revocation of the Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green Air Quality Management Areas, be agreed; and

(3)            the continuation of air quality monitoring across the Borough, including to respond to any specific areas of concern, be agreed.

The report provides an update in respect of Air Quality and, following submission to DEFRA of the Annual Status Report 2025, makes recommendations in respect of Air Quality Management Areas and continuing monitoring of air quality in the Borough.

The report of the Director of Planning, Housing and Environmental Health advised that, in line with statutory duties, monitoring of Air Quality had continued in the Borough and the Annual Status Report 2025 submitted to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) earlier this year had been appraised and approved.

Based on the evidence, the revocation of four of the five remaining Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) at Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green were recommended.  Members were advised that these AQMAs could be revoked as there had been significant improvement in air quality and improved pollution levels.  This position was supported by DEFRA as referenced in Paragraph 6 of their Annual Status Report appraisal, attached at Annex 1.  Members were pleased to note that monitoring in some form within the areas of the AQMAs to be revoked would continue, to keep air quality under review in known hotspots.

The potential of relocating continuous monitoring equipment to Wateringbury, the only remaining AQMA, was discussed and it was explained that previous attempts had not shown exceedance of nitrogen dioxide level.  The use of lamp post-mounted sensors was also noted and ongoing monitoring at known hotspots was confirmed.

In addition, air quality monitoring across the Borough would continue in line with statutory requirements and there would be flexibility to move monitoring sites currently outside of AQMAs as appropriate. 

RECOMMENDED*:  That

(1)          the improvement in air quality over the last four years, be noted;

(2)          the revocation of the Tonbridge High Street, Larkfield, Aylesford and Borough Green Air Quality Management Areas, be agreed; and

(3)          the continuation of air quality monitoring across the Borough, including to respond to any specific areas of concern, be agreed.

*Recommended to Cabinet