Air Quality and Health

Poor air quality is a major influence on public health, causing particular problems for those with respiratory illnesses and cardio-respiratory conditions. Whilst air quality in Stratford-on-Avon District is generally good, there are localised air quality problems caused by road transport and traffic congestion, where levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) are the key concern. Two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) have been declared within Stratford-on-Avon, the first in Studley and the second in Stratford–upon-Avon town in response to high levels of nitrogen dioxide. Whilst pollution levels have generally improved since their declaration, further improvements in air quality remain important to deliver benefits to all.

Policies AS.1 and AS.8 in our Core Strategy reflect Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Vision for Air Quality: to encourage well designed sustainable development that reduces emissions and exposure to pollution, and contributes to better air quality management. The Warwickshire Local Transport Plan provides a comprehensive area strategy for Stratford-on-Avon District with particular emphasis on encouraging modal shift to a greater use of more sustainable forms of transport. The strategy seeks to deliver transport improvement across the district, reducing the environmental impact of traffic as well as reducing the dominance of vehicular traffic in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre and improving air quality within existing AQMAs.

Our Development Requirements SPD sets out circumstances in which Air Quality Assessments will be required for proposals for new development. A study was carried out in 2015 to assess the cumulative impact on air quality of the developments proposed within the Core Strategy.

Find Out More

• Core Strategy
• Transport and Infrastructure Planning
• Development Requirements SPD
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