Air quality

We’re committed to using cleaner fuels in all vehicles, which will greatly reduce the amount of harmful emissions from council vehicles. Emissions of nitrogen oxide, particulates and carbon dioxide should all be reduced.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that certain industrial premises are permitted.

Some of these permits are issued by the Environment agency and some by us. Information on the permits issued by us are kept on a public register at the council and can be viewed on request.

The information held by the Environment agency can be viewed on their website.

Visit the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website for more information on the levels of air pollution in the UK.

Visit the Clean Air Greater Manchester website:

Clean Air Plan

Greater Manchester is under direction from the government to develop a Clean Air Plan to meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide on local roads, in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.

The Greater Manchester proposed investment-led Clean Air Plan does not include a charging Clean Air Zone.

The investment-led plan developed by all 10 Greater Manchester local authorities would bring air quality within legal limits by 2025, faster than a Clean Air Zone and without causing hardship to residents or businesses.

If the government approves the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, no vehicle would be charged to drive in a Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester.

You can keep up to date on developments with the Clean Air Plan and sign up for updates on the Clean Air Greater Manchester website.

Clean air act approval

You need to have the height of your chimney approved by us if you propose installing equipment to burn certain fuel types or minimum volumes of matter.

You'll need to submit details and calculations regarding the height of chimney(s) used to vent the emissions.

Contact the Environment Team on 0161 474 4181 or email environmental.health@stockport.gov.uk for an application form.

Note: we must consider an application and give a written decision within 28 days of receipt, unless it's agreed in writing between us and the applicant that a longer period is allowed.