Air Quality Monitoring
The Council undertakes air quality monitoring in order to track changes over time, to contribute to national data and to prioritise interventions where they are most needed. We do this through an air quality monitoring station, currently located on the A5190 Cannock Road in Heath Hayes, and diffusion tubes that are located across the District.
Air Quality Management Areas
The Council has declared three Air Quality Management Areas within the District. This is because levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in those areas exceed the national air quality objectives, mainly due to road traffic on the A5 Watling Street and A5190 Cannock Road. Maps of the three Air Quality Management Areas can be found here, and more general information is available here.
Air Quality Annual Status Report
Our Air Quality Annual Status Report shows how we are working to achieve the national air quality objectives. The most recent report can be found at the bottom of this page.
Air Quality Action Plan
Our Air Quality Action Plan is available here.
Advice on Outdoor and Indoor Air Quality
Short videos on steps you can take to reduce air pollution and to protect yourself from poor air quality can be viewed at this link.
Contact Environmental Health
Telephone 01543 462621 or email environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
- Proposed Revocation of Air Quality Management Area 2
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Cannock Chase Council has a duty to monitor and improve local air quality. In 2012, the Council found that air quality along a stretch of the A5 (Watling Street) between Churchbridge and the district boundary at Brownhills failed to meet legal objectives for the annual average concentration of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). The Council went on to declare this to be an ‘Air Quality Management Area’ (AQMA 2) in 2014.
In 2021, the Council commissioned an independent review of air quality in the district. The review found a trend of improving air quality and that, subject to further monitoring that shows continued compliance with the air quality objective, AQMA 2 should be revoked.
The Council have recently completed an up to date review of air quality at AQMA 2, which found that compliance with air quality objectives has been achieved for over five years. The review recommends that AQMA 2 should be revoked.
Councillors will now consider a formal proposal to revoke AQMA 2, and we are seeking residents views, which will be taken into account as part of the decision making process.
“Cannock Chase Council is fortunate to be located in an area with high air quality. This needs be recognised through the revocation of our final Air Quality Management Area.We will remain dedicated in our efforts to ensure that our residents continue to reap the benefits of high air quality to their health.”
Councillor John Preece
Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate ChangeConsultation
Any comments we receive will be included in the officer report to the Council members, who will then make the final decision on the proposal. Comments will be reproduced verbatim, but personal details will be redacted.
Consultation responses should be received by Friday, 19 September 2025.
Regardless of the outcome of the proposal, Cannock Chase Council will continue to work toward improving air quality throughout the District.
Representations can be made by email: environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Or by writing to: Environmental Health
Cannock Chase Council
Civic Centre
Beecroft Road
Cannock
WS11 1BG
A copy of the review can be downloaded here alternatively, a printed version can be provided on request.