Air quality

Colne Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) cancellation consultation

This consultation relates to the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in Colne. The Colne AQMA was made in 2011 because of high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). The high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide were from road vehicle exhaust emissions. They were higher than the annual national average.

Nitrogen Dioxide is associated with harmful effects on human health and the environment.

We regularly measure the air quality in Colne. The Colne AQMA has improved and is likely to remain below harmful levels for the foreseeable future.

We are considering cancelling Colne AQMA and are asking for comments before making the decision.

Where is the Colne AQMA?

The area includes Windsor Street, and Skipton Road between the junction with Windsor Street/Byron Road and Temple/Oak Street.

What is the evidence?

We have monitored Nitrogen Dioxide in the AQMA from 2005. Our measurements are compared against the national target for the annual average of Nitrogen Dioxide (which is 40 µg/m3).

The Air Quality in Colne has not exceeded the national target since 2018. Levels have remained below 36 µg/m3 at all locations since 2020.

There was a large decrease in Nitrogen Dioxide in 2020. This was caused by a reduction in road traffic emissions during the COVID pandemic. Traffic increased in 2021 but remains lower than the national standard.

Under with the most recent Local Air Quality Technical Guidance Document by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide have been below 90% of the annual average national standard for three years. This means we have the option to consider cancelling Colne AQMA.

If the Colne AQMA is cancelled, will air quality still be monitored at these locations?

Yes, monitoring will continue in the AQMA. We will report measurements in the Council’s Air Quality Status Report each year.

Have your say?

Tell us your views on the proposed cancelling of the Air Quality Management Area in Colne and how it affects you.

The consultation is open until Tuesday 4 February.

To take part, you can:

• Email: environmental.admin@pendle.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01282 662009
• Write to: Housing and Environmental Health, Pendle Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Street, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7LG