Issue

Air Quality

75 stories · discussed at 243 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are addressing air quality through traffic management, promoting active travel, and scrutinising the impact of major developments.

In September 2026, Barking and Dagenham councillors questioned the air quality data used to justify expanding Controlled Parking Zones. Kingston upon Thames Council began a trial school street scheme in September 2026 to improve air quality for pupils. Greenwich Council backed a scheme in September 2026 to provide children with active travel vouchers, and Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points.

Southwark Council approved a major redevelopment with over 1,000 new homes in October 2026. Lewisham Council also approved starting the process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. In August 2026, Richmond Council formally objected to the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, citing concerns over air quality.

Upcoming meetings in October 2026 include Tower Hamlets Development Committee and Islington Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Air quality refers to the condition of the air in terms of its purity and freedom from pollutants, a factor councils consider in various planning and transport decisions.

Key facts

  1. Southwark Council approved plans for 1,060 new dwellings at Bermondsey Place in October 2026. Source
  2. Greenwich Council decided in September 2026 to provide every child aged 4-16 with a £150 voucher for active travel equipment. Source
  3. Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points across the borough in September 2026. Source
  4. Lewisham Council approved commencing the statutory process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
  5. Richmond Council formally objected to the government's Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement in August 2026, citing air quality concerns. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Southwark Council Approves Bermondsey Place Redevelopment with Over 1,000 New Homes Southwark Council Approves Bermondsey Place Redevelopment with Over 1,000 New Homes Southwark 7 October 2026
  2. Hillingdon Council Votes to Close Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site Despite Opposition A motion to halt the closure of the Tavistock Road Civic Amenity Site in Yiewsley has been lost by Hillingdon Council, with the proposal defeated by 30 votes to 19 at a Council... Hillingdon 25 September 2026
  3. Greenwich Council backs active travel vouchers for children Greenwich Council has officially backed a scheme to provide children with active travel vouchers, aiming to encourage cycling and scooting among youngsters across the borough.... Greenwich 25 September 2026
  4. Socioeconomic impact of Barking and Dagenham's Controlled Parking Zones questioned Barking and Dagenham Council's expanding Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) strategy is facing scrutiny over its socioeconomic impact, particularly concerning the affordability and... Barking and Dagenham 16 September 2026
  5. CPZ expansion faces scrutiny over air quality data and methodology Barking and Dagenham's proposed expansion of its Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) scheme has come under scrutiny from councillors concerned about the data used to justify air... Barking and Dagenham 16 September 2026
  6. Robin Hood Primary School Street Scheme trial begins A trial scheme to restrict traffic outside Robin Hood Primary School has begun, aiming to improve air quality and road safety for pupils. Kingston upon Thames 16 September 2026
  7. Lewisham Council approves £107m EV charging contract Lewisham Council has approved a £107 million contract for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the borough, marking a... Lewisham 10 September 2026
  8. Lewisham Council to establish borough-wide smoke control area Lewisham Council has taken a significant step towards improving air quality across the borough by approving the commencement of the statutory process to establish a single,... Lewisham 10 September 2026