MORE action is needed to tackle air pollution in Basingstoke, according to an environmental group.

As previously reported by The Gazette, the Basingstoke Transition Network (BTN) issued a report showing that levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were too high across certain areas of the borough.

Following the findings of the BTN’s research, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) has looked into how it can tackle air pollution – which according to the BTN survey would reach ‘illegal’ levels by 2019.

However, despite BDBC showing willing to change, the BTN wants to see more done.

Martin Heath from the BTN said: “It is great that the borough council is taking action, but we have to think about the impact future developments may have on the area.

“With all the houses set for Manydown and the additional traffic this proposed leisure destination will bring, we want the council to think about the impact of pollution during the planning process.

“We want to see the consideration of air pollution embedded into planning applications to help provide a cleaner future for Basingstoke.”

Mr Heath added that schemes such as car sharing, ride to work or encouraging people to use the town’s buses more regularly should be considered.

A petition has been set up, which will be presented to BDBC at the community, environment and partnerships committee meeting tomorrow (January 17) to get the council to show a clear plan to provider cleaner air.

Cabinet member for regulatory services and the environment  at BDBC, Cllr Hayley Eachus said: “A report on air quality is being presented at the Committee for Environment and Partnerships on January 17 that addresses how the council goes about monitoring and assessing air quality in the borough. This will give councillors and the public alike, an opportunity to look closely at the council’s work in this area.

“Each year the council prepares an air quality report which we submit to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. These findings are available on our website and show that the air quality in the borough is generally good.

“The Basingstoke Transition Network monitoring was only carried out for one month at roadside locations where reading will be higher. This type of monitoring should be carried out for a minimum period of six months and the air quality standards apply at locations where the public would be exposed for long periods of time, such as their homes. When you take account of the distance, the levels indicated by the network’s monitoring are well below the national air quality standards at the nearest residential properties. Therefore the air pollution limits cannot be called ‘illegal’.

“However, we recognise there are areas that can be improved on. As a borough council we have no powers to implement changes to the road network that could assist with air quality issues although we work closely with the county council who have this responsibility. We are keen to work with the Basingstoke Transition Network and have already met with them to discuss this report and future actions.”