Revocation of the Air Quality Management Area in Disley

Background

For some time now the Council has been undertaking air pollution monitoring at various sites across Cheshire East to determine whether the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are above the UK air quality objective, which is set as an annual mean of 40 µg.m³ (mircograms per cubic metre).  All the monitoring data can be found on our air quality pages.

Where levels of nitrogen dioxide are above the objective, local authorities are required to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The purpose of the AQMA is to ensure that the Council implements measures to reduce the concentration of NO₂ within the area.  In total, over several years, the Council was required to declare twenty AQMAs and has been working on measures to improve the air quality within these areas.

Current day

Over the last 5 years, monitoring data shows that along the Market Street stretch of the A6 through Disley, the concentration of NO₂ has declined significantly and is now consistently below the national objective. Reasons for the improvement in NO₂ concentrations are due to a number of factors, such as alterations to the traffic light sequencing at the junction with Jackson Edge Road and Buxton Old Road, and an increase in the number of low emission vehicles. The increase in the number of low and zero emission vehicles will continue to improve air quality.

Next steps - engagement

In accordance with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) guidance and advice to the Council, it is now our intention to revoke the following AQMA:

1. Cheshire East Borough Council AQMA (A6 Market Street, Disley) declared 01/04/2010

We have produced a detailed assessment for the AQMA and a copy of the proposed Revocation Order can be found below:

• A6 Market Street, Disley AQMA detailed assessment (974Kb) 
• Draft AQMA revocation order A6 Disley (826Kb)

Going forward

The Council will continue to monitor NO₂ in the AQMA to confirm that the concentration of NO₂ remains compliant with the national objective and to gauge improvements in local air quality over time.

We will also continue to drive forward both the Air Quality Strategy and the Low Emission Strategy, whilst promoting air quality awareness campaigns and education.

What do I need to do?

We would like to know your thoughts on our intention to revoke this AQMA, including whether there are any additional factors you think we should consider. If you do have any questions or comments on our intention to revoke the above AQMA, then please send them to the Air Quality Team using the online form.

 Responses need to be received before the 17 October 2025.

More information can be found on the air quality pages of our website including, in due course, the outcome of our engagement on the intention to revoke the AQMA.