Air quality

Within Derby we have a number of monitoring sites.

These sites have passive diffusion tubes installed that are collected and analysed monthly to provide a guide to the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide in the air. 

The tubes are generally installed alongside Derby's busy roads that are in residential areas.

The locations and results from the monitoring sites is contained in our Annual Status Reports.

There are currently two air quality management areas.

To view a map of the air quality management areas see the Derby Maps app and follow these steps:

  • Open the 'Choose an Option' menu
  • Click 'Choose Map Layers'
  • In the 'Map Features' menu choose 'Air Quality Mangement Data'.

Our air quality action plan is included in our Air Quality Annual Status Report 2020.

The business case to improve air quality has been submitted to DEFRA, as required, to reduce the levels of NO2 from vehicles.

We are also looking at many other measures to improve air quality in Derby. These are detailed in the Derby Air Quality Action Plan 2020.

In order to tackle poor air quality Derby has been consulting on and made proposals for a Local Air Quality Plan to comply with the Governments National Air Quality Plan for NO2 emissions.   

Find out more about the plans for air quality in Derby. 

Government National Planning Policy Framework guidance advises that new and existing development should not create or be adversely affected by unacceptable levels of air pollution.

Air quality impacts of developments are particularly important if:

  • the development is proposed inside or adjacent to the air quality management area (AQMA);
  • the development could in itself result in the designation of an AQMA; and
  • the granting of planning permission would conflict with the air quality action plan.

As a general rule, planning applications that may have a significant impact on air quality, or be significantly affected by existing air pollution levels, should be supported by an air quality assessment.

This must provide information necessary to allow a full consideration of the impact of the proposal on local air quality. Impacts may arise during both the construction and operational phases. Where necessary, suitable mitigation measures should be proposed to minimise impacts and allow the development to proceed.

The need for an air quality assessment will require an element of professional judgement and will take into account the characteristics and scale of the development, potential related changes in traffic flows and the air quality sensitivity of the location. 

Yes.

The whole of Derby City is a smoke control area. In this area you can only use authorised smokeless fuels or exempted appliances.

You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you break the rules.

Find out more on the Government website or see the information in DEFRA's Practical Guide - Smoke Control Areas do you know the rules?

Derby City Area is a Smoke Control Area which means there are controls in place to reduce air pollution.

Wood burning stoves can be used if they are classed as an exempt appliance and you can have an open fire if you burn an authorised fuel. More information is available in the guidance on open fire and wood burning stoves

If you have a stove that has been tested and classed as an exempt appliance by Defra you can burn fuels appropriate for the stove. You may burn approved smokeless fuels - these produce less carbon and smoke pollution.

For wood that is suitable for burning look for the ‘Ready to Burn’ fuel logo as a guarantee of good quality dry wood. Visit the Woodsure website to find out more. Information on buying, storing and seasoning wood is in DEFRA's guide How to get the most from your stove or open fire.

Do not burn household or garden waste; it creates smoke and creates air pollution. 

In a stove you should not burn:

  • wet or unseasoned wood; it is often sold in nets, is cheaper to buy, but it needs to be seasoned (dried) before burning.  Wet wood contains moisture which creates smoke and harmful particulates when burned which can damage your stove and chimney
  • treated waste wood, for example old furniture or household rubbish. This can emit harmful fumes and household rubbish may include plastics that can release toxic pollutants, such as arsenic, into your home when burnt.

You should:

  • Have your stove regularly maintained and serviced.  It will work better and generate more heat from what you burn. Always operate your stove in line with the manufacturer’s guidance and only burn permitted fuels.
  • Get your chimney swept regularly (up to twice a year)

Air quality data and information costs £90 per hour (including VAT).