Cornwall Council is asking residents and stakeholders to have their say on its plan to improve air quality in the Duchy over the next five years.
The Council has published its draft Air Quality Action Plan for 2026 to 2031.
The document sets out proposals to reduce emissions in Cornwall’s three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), which are defined geographical areas where air pollution levels are, or are likely to, exceed national air quality objectives.
Over the last five years, six AQMAs in Cornwall (Camelford, Bodmin, St Austell, Grampound, and Truro and Kerrier (Camborne, Pool and Redruth), have been revoked following improvements in air quality within the defined areas.
Three AQMAs remain in Tideford, Gunnislake and Launceston.
The draft Plan includes the following five priorities which have been set out to improve air quality within the AQMAs, and across the Duchy:
1. Reduce transport emissions within AQMAs and across Cornwall
Invest in Cornwall’s walking, cycling, public transport, and low-emission vehicle infrastructure to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality across the county.
2. Support behaviour changes through schools and employers
Deliver infrastructure and information improvements that create a safe, accessible, and healthy environment for children and staff walking, cycling, and wheeling to school or work.
3. Strengthen air quality monitoring and improve public accessibility to data
Maintain and expand real-time monitoring networks across AQMAs to track progress, evaluate interventions, and support evidence-led decision making.
4. Integrate air quality into planning and infrastructure
Ensure air quality remains a material consideration in planning decisions, particularly within or near AQMAs.
5. Maintain compliance in Air Quality Areas of Concern (AQACs)
Although Cornwall Council has revoked six AQMAs within the last 12 months, measures will be retained in these AQACs to ensure that air quality objectives continue to be met.
The Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to share their views on the draft Air Quality Action Plan by completing a survey on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “We know that air quality can have a really significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
“It’s great to see that air quality has improved in several areas and I look forward to seeing more progress in the coming years.
“I urge residents, particularly those living in the three Air Quality Management Areas, to review the proposals and share their views.”
The survey will close on 31 January 2026.
Press release issued on December 2, 2025