Air quality describes the condition of the air based on the concentration of pollutants it contains. Poor air quality is the UK's largest environmental risk to public health, as exposure to air pollution is linked to a wide range of health problems.
Air pollutants are released from both natural and human-made sources. Everyday activities such as transport, industry, farming, energy generation, and domestic heating all contribute to air pollution, which can harm both human health and the environment.
We have a statutory duty to monitor and assess air quality across the borough and report our findings annually to the Government. This work helps determine whether national air quality standards and objectives are being met. Each year, we produce an Annual Status Report (ASR) which details the levels of pollutants across Cheltenham and the actions being taken to address these.
We carry out regular air quality monitoring at locations across Cheltenham and review the results to identify areas where pollution may pose a risk to public health. If national air quality objectives are unlikely to be achieved in an area where people live or work, we must declare it an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare an Air Quality Action Plan to improve local air quality.
We also regulate the most polluting industrial processes in Cheltenham under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and maintain a public register of the installations covered by this legislation.
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 any fuel releases tiny particles, known as particulate matter (PM), which can damage the lungs and other organs and harm your health. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published guidance on best burning practices to help reduce air pollution and improve the air we all breathe.
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
