At a meeting on 26 October, councillors approved the 2026 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) for submission to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The report confirmed that air quality remains generally good across the Harborough district, with sustained improvements in The Kibworths meaning the AQMA designation is no longer necessary.
The AQMA was initially declared due to concerns about nitrogen dioxide levels. Although the designation will be removed, the council will continue to monitor air quality in The Kibworths and across the district.
The council also announced plans to develop a new Air Quality Strategy to help maintain and improve air quality throughout the Harborough district.
“"We're pleased that air quality in The Kibworths has improved and remained within national objectives for a sustained period. The decision to revoke the Air Quality Management Area is based on robust evidence, and residents can be assured that air quality monitoring will continue in The Kibworths and across the district to ensure standards remain good and to identify any issues should they arise. We're committed to building on this progress through the development of a new Air Quality Strategy."
The Cabinet report and Air Quality Annual Status Report can be read on the Harborough District Council website.
