Air quality is a term used to describe the condition of the air based on the amount of pollutants (as concentration) within the air. Poor air quality has identified as the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK due to the numerous health risks associated with it.
Air pollutants are emitted from a range of both man-made and natural sources. Many everyday activities such as transport, industrial processes, farming, energy generation and domestic heating can have a detrimental effect on air quality. Air pollution can be harmful to human health and the environment. Smoke, offensive smells and fumes are common types of air pollution which can affect the quality of everyday life.
In Cheltenham, the main pollutants of concern are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM). Nitrogen dioxide occurs when fossil fuels (coal, oil or gas) are burned at high temperatures, as they are in an engine. Particulate matter encompasses everything in the air that isn’t a gas. The main sources of particulate matter are industrial processes, domestic and industrial combustion and road transport.
Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution in Cheltenham. Others are space heating and, to a lesser extent, various industrial processes such as printing and coating.
We have a responsibility to review and assess air quality periodically and produce air quality reports. We must produce an action plan if we are not likely to meet national targets.
We regulate the most polluting industrial processes in Cheltenham under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and keep a public register of those that are covered by the legislation.
The 1995 Environment Act says that local authorities should review air quality to assess whether national air quality standards and objectives are being met. We carry out regular monitoring of air quality across the borough to identify where air pollution may be a problem. Results are collated into reports which are submitted each year to Government.
If air quality limits are exceeded in an area where people live or work, we must declare this an air quality management area (AQMA) and develop an air quality action plan.
We also check premises that may emit pollution to air. For further information, please view the environmental permitting pages.
We will respond to complaints from members of the public about possible nuisance problems with smoke and odour.
To submit a complaint, please contact envhealth@cheltenham.gov.uk or telephone: 01242 264135.
Burning of any kind produces tiny particles (known as particulate matter or PM) which can cause damage to lungs and other organs, causing harm to your health. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have launched guidance for best burning practices to improve the air we all breathe and to reduce the amount of pollution we produce.
Burning any material outside can cause air pollution. If you decide to burn outdoors, you must not:
Information published by DEFRA on reducing air pollution from outdoor burning gives information about the air quality impact of outdoor burning to help reduce emissions. It also details how we can reduce the risk of wildfires.
DEFRA have produced guidance and educational materials for people with a stove or open fire. This tells people what actions they can take to reduce the amount of the smallest, most harmful particles (PM2.5) they produce.
To reduce emissions, you should:
Burning fuels with the ‘Ready to Burn’ logo, appointed by DEFRA, means you can be confident you are choosing the cleanest available fuels, and are reducing the risk of air pollution to you and your family.
Air quality is a material planning consideration in the development control process. The potential impact on air quality from new development needs to be considered at the earliest stage of the planning application process.
Developers will need to carry out an Air Quality Assessment where their proposed development may affect air quality in the borough.
A good practice guide has been produced to assist developers and planners in understanding the role of air quality in the planning process.
© Cheltenham Borough Council 2026
