Air Quality Study for Davyhulme & Urmston

Since 1999 the Council have been sending air quality reports to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in relation to the established air quality management area that includes the Davyhulme area. The M60 corridor through Davyhulme is one of the most polluted areas in the borough due to the high numbers of vehicles using the M60 and surrounding A-roads.

In addition to the Council's regular assessments of air quality and in preparation for proposed development in the area the Council have commissioned a special study to find out how air quality may change in the future. The purpose of the study is to provide up-to-date and detailed local baseline levels of nitrogen dioxide, to forecast future levels. This will assist the Council in reviewing air quality and considering planning proposals and is available to the public and interested parties.

The study indicates that because of the increase in traffic on the motorway and the surrounding roads, that the main pollutant of concern, Nitrogen Dioxide, is predicted to rise. This is forecast to outweigh a likely reduction of Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations from nearby industrial sources. However there are plans to make improvements to the local road network that may in the future reduce pollution levels in hotspot areas.

The study provides an up to date picture of air quality in the area and will be useful in reviewing the impact of future planning applications made to the Council. It will also be helpful in reviewing the boundaries of Trafford's Air Quality Management Area and providing up to date advice to the local community.

This detailed study should give assurance to the local community that decisions taken relating to air quality are made based on accurate and up to date information. The report also shows the challenges faced by the Council and local businesses in trying to balance redevelopment and improvements in the area, whilst trying to reduce the effects of air pollution.

Air quality is a recognised priority of the Council and the study provides useful and accurate information on pollutants of concern, their sources and how they may change in the short term.