Air Quality
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
- Southwark Council approved plans for 1,060 new dwellings at Bermondsey Place in October 2026. Source
- Greenwich Council decided in September 2026 to provide every child aged 4-16 with a £150 voucher for active travel equipment. Source
- Lewisham Council approved a £107 million contract for electric vehicle charging points across the borough in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council approved commencing the statutory process to establish a borough-wide smoke control area in September 2026. Source
- 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.