Appendix 1 - Local Air Quality in Argyll and Bute
Argyll and Bute Council · 18 March 2026
Back to Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee — 18 March 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid 2025 Air Quality Annual Progress Report (APR) for Argyll and Bute Council In fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, as amended by the Environment Act 2021 Local Air Quality Management September 2025 Appendix 1
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid Information Argyll and Bute Council Local Authority Officer Anthony Carson Department Development and Economic Growth Address Kilmory, Lochgilphead PA31 8RT Telephone 01546 604421 E-mail envhealth@argyll-bute.gov.uk Report Reference Number LAQM/APR/2025 Approved by Alan Morrison, Regulatory Services and Building Standards Manager Signature Date 19 September 2025
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 i Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area Air Quality in Argyll and Bute Council Air quality in Argyll and Bute is considered to be generally very good and complies with all the air quality objectives listed in Table 1.1. The Council has not identified any areas where air quality objectives may be under threat and where specific action is required to improve air quality. Monitoring during 2024 showed annual average nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentration well below the OBJECTIVE There is therefore no requirement to undertake a Detailed Assessment for any pollutant. Argyll and Bute is an authority with over 73% of its area classified as remote1 and a widely distributed population. Helensburgh is the only town with a population greater than 10,000 and industries tend to be geographically diverse and related to the natural assets of the area. Forestry and agriculture are prevalent inland, whilst in coastal areas there are a number of distilleries, aquaculture and fishing businesses. Large scale industry is absent and this is reflected by the low number and nature of industries regulated by SEPA under the Pollution Prevention and Control regime. Tourism makes a significant and important contribution to the Argyll and Bute economy and is responsible for higher summer-time traffic flows in some areas. The shift to install small to medium-sized biomass boilers at commercial premises has continued. Technical details supporting planning applications are subject to scrutiny and evaluation in accordance with guidance to ensure that air quality objectives should not be compromised. National modelling of sources of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulates⁷ show that background concentrations are very low. In the absence of industry hotspots, the major potential source of pollution that may impact on resident’s health is transportation. However, traffic flows tend to reflect the low density dispersed population. Nitrogen dioxide levels have been monitored at locations in a network of town centres for more than 10 years. This monitoring has shown a trend of low and decreasing NO₂. Current monitoring summary
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 ii • Monitoring at locations in Helensburgh and Oban, representing the highest likelihood of relevant exposure to traffic related NO₂ emissions, showed during 2024 that NO₂ levels were well below the annual objective, and that trends in the data over the last ten years are decreasing. • Monitoring location N2 Oban was moved at some point during 2023 and no longer meets the requirements for relevant exposure. Reporting of 2024 data from this location is not considered relevant and the continuation of monitoring at an alternative location is under review. • Monitoring activity in Helensburgh was affected by resourcing difficulties in the early months of 2024. These were resolved and sufficient data collected to enable annual average calculations. Actions to Improve Air Quality Where opportunities exist the Council supports initiatives such as the multi-agency Argyll Timber Transport Forum which aims to minimise the environmental impact of timber transport between forest and mill. This is achieved through the use of dedicated off- highway transport routes and sea transport via the TimberLINK network. The TimberLINK service ships up to 100,000 tonnes of timber a year from the Argyll ports of Ardrishaig, Campbeltown, Sandbank and temporary facilities to wood processing plants in Ayrshire. This removes around 8,000 lorry journeys (or nearly one million lorry miles) a year from roads between Argyll and Ayrshire, including tourist routes in Argyll and roads within the Greater Glasgow conurbation. The Council works in Partnership with Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to secure funding to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region and to improve accessibility to public transport services with the aim of reducing the dependence on vehicles powered by fossil fuels. Local Priorities and Challenges Although the Council does not face any specific challenges in relation to air quality, it is anticipated that the expected publication of Cleaner Air for Scotland 3 (CAFS3), within the next year, will provide the Scottish Governments objectives for engagement and better
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 iii regulation to improve air quality. By establishing a Multi-Service Working Group, Argyll and Bute Council aim to provide a corporate framework to act on and deliver to these objectives realising their associated benefits for Public Health and Climate. The critical role of Development Management, in ensuring that air quality is protected through development, is recognised in the key action to review arrangements for consultation on air quality impacts within the Planning process. A key role of the convened Multi-Service Working Group will be to develop and publish an Air Quality Strategy. How to Get Involved The Council publishes a report summarising the results of its air quality monitoring Copies can be downloaded at https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/air- pollution-and-local-air-quality
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 1 Table of Contents Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area ................................................................... i Air Quality in Argyll and Bute Council ........................................................................................... i Actions to Improve Air Quality ..................................................................................................... ii Local Priorities and Challenges ................................................................................................... ii How to Get Involved ....................................................................................................................iii 1 Local Air Quality Management ................................................................................... 4 2 Actions to Improve Air Quality ................................................................................... 5 2.1 Air Quality Management Areas .............................................................................................. 5 3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives ............ 8 3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken ...................................................................................... 8 Automatic Monitoring Sites .......................................................................................................... 8 Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites .................................................................................................. 8 3.2 Individual Pollutants ............................................................................................................... 8 3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) ..................................................................................................................... 9 3.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM10) .................................................................................................................. 9 3.2.3 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) ................................................................................................................. 9 3.2.4 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) ...................................................................................................................... 9 3.2.5 Carbon Monoxide, Lead and 1,3-Butadiene ..................................................................................... 9 4 New Local Developments ......................................................................................... 10 4.1 Road Traffic Sources ........................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Other Transport Sources ..................................................................................................... 10 4.3 Industrial Sources ................................................................................................................ 11 4.4 Commercial and Domestic Sources ..................................................................................... 11 4.5 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources .................................................. 11 5 Planning Applications ............................................................................................... 13 6 Conclusions and Proposed Actions ........................................................................ 15 6.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data ............................................................................... 15
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 2 6.2 Conclusions relating to New Local Developments ............................................................... 15 6.3 Proposed Actions ................................................................................................................ 15 Appendix A: Monitoring Results .................................................................................... 16 Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2024 ......................................... 25 Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC ........................................................................................................................................... 26 New or Changed Sources Identified Within Argyll and Bute Council During 2024 ...................... 26 Additional Air Quality Works Undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council During 2024 .................... 26 QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring ......................................................................................... 26 Diffusion Tube Annualisation ................................................................................................................... 27 Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors ................................................................................................. 27 NO2 Fall-off with Distance from the Road ................................................................................................ 27 Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................... 29 References ....................................................................................................................... 30
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 3 List of Tables Table 1.1 – Summary of Air Quality Objectives in Scotland ................................................. 4 Table 2.2 – Progress on Measures to Improve Air Quality................................................... 6 Table A.2 – Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites ..................................................... 16 Table A.4 – Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results: Non-Automatic Monitoring (µg/m3) .... 17 Table B.1 – NO2 2024 Monthly Diffusion Tube Results (µg/m3) ......................................... 25 Table C.1 – Bias Adjustment Factor .................................................................................. 27 List of Figures Figure 1 Monitoring locations in Oban ............................................................................... 19 Figure 2 Monitoring locations in Helensburgh .................................................................... 20 Figure 3 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N1 Oban 2014 to 2024 ....................... 21 Figure 4 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N3 Oban 2014 to 2024 ....................... 22 Figure 5 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N8 Helensburgh 2014 to 2024 ........... 23 Figure 6 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N10 Helensburgh 2014 to 2024 ......... 24
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 4 1 Local Air Quality Management This report provides an overview of air quality in Argyll and Bute Council during 2024. It fulfils the requirements of Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) as set out in Part IV of the Environment Act (1995), as amended by the Environment Act (2021), and the relevant Policy and Technical Guidance documents. The LAQM process places an obligation on all local authorities to regularly review and assess air quality in their areas, and to determine whether or not the air quality objectives are likely to be achieved. Where an exceedance is considered likely the local authority must declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and prepare an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) setting out the measures it intends to put in place in pursuit of the objectives. This Annual Progress Report (APR) summarises the work being undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council to improve air quality and any progress that has been made. Table 1.1 – Summary of Air Quality Objectives in Scotland Pollutant Air Quality Objective Concentration Air Quality Objective Measured as Date to be Achieved by Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 200 µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than 18 times a year 1-hour mean 31.12.2005 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 40 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2005 Particulate Matter (PM10) 50 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 7 times a year 24-hour mean 31.12.2010 Particulate Matter (PM10) 18 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2010 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 10 µg/m3 Annual mean 31.12.2021 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 350 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 24 times a year 1-hour mean 31.12.2004 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 125 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 3 times a year 24-hour mean 31.12.2004 Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 266 µg/m3, not to be exceeded more than 35 times a year 15-minute mean 31.12.2005 Benzene 3.25 µg/m3 Running annual mean 31.12.2010 1,3 Butadiene 2.25 µg/m3 Running annual mean 31.12.2003 Carbon Monoxide 10.0 mg/m3 Running 8-Hour mean 31.12.2003
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 5 2 Actions to Improve Air Quality 2.1 Air Quality Management Areas Argyll and Bute Council currently does not have any AQMAs. Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) are declared when there is an exceedance or likely exceedance of an air quality objective. After declaration, the authority must prepare publish and implement an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) within the shortest possible time and no later than 12 months of the date of AQMA Designation Order. The AQAP must set out measures the local authority intends to put in place in pursuit of the objectives within the shortest possible time Measures should be provided with milestones and a final date for completion. The action plan itself should have a timescale for completion and for revocation of the AQMA. Where measures to reduce air pollution may require a longer timescale an action plan shall be reviewed and republished within five years of initial publication and then five-yearly thereafter. A number of measures considered by Argyll and Bute Council as key to improving air quality require a broader formal engagement between Council Services. These are included in Table 2.2 and in summary are: • Reviewing consultation processes for Air Quality issues within Development Management • Convening of a multi–Service Strategic Local Air Quality Working group. • Developing a Local Air Quality Strategy
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 6 Table 2.1 – Progress on Measures to Improve Air Quality Measure No. Measure Category Expected/Act ual Completion year Organisations Involved Measure Status Funding Status Key Milestones Progress Barriers to implementation 1 Review monitoring location Oban N2 Public information Completion in Dec 2025 Argyll and Bute Council Planned Within existing funds Options by end of November 2025 2 Establish multi- Service local air quality working group Policy guidance and development control Completion in March 2026 Argyll and Bute Council Planned Within existing funds Confirmation of representation December 2025 3 Improve AQ consultation within Dev Management through process review Policy guidance and development control Completion in March 2026 Argyll and Bute Council Planned Within existing funds Draft process development January 2026 4 Publish an Air Quality Strategy Policy guidance and development control Completion by March 2027 Argyll and Bute Council Planned Within existing funds Agree delivery timescales in multi - service working group work plan September 2026 Availability of staff resources from Services
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 7
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 8 3 Air Quality Monitoring Data and Comparison with Air Quality Objectives 3.1 Summary of Monitoring Undertaken Automatic Monitoring Sites This section sets out what monitoring has taken place and how local concentrations of the main air pollutants compare with the objectives. Argyll and Bute Council does not undertake any automatic (continuous) monitoring within the authority’s area. Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites Argyll and Bute Council undertook non- automatic (passive) monitoring of NO2 at 5 sites during 2024 however data from only four monitoring locations are included in this report. One of the site locations (N2 Oban) was moved during street alterations in late 2023. Its new location doesn’t fulfil sufficient requirements for relevant exposure, and monitoring data collected there during 2024 is not considered appropriate for reporting. Continuation of monitoring at an alternative location is under review. Table A.1 in Appendix A shows the details of the sites. Maps showing the location of the monitoring sites are provided in Appendix A (Figures 1 and 2). Further details on Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and bias adjustment for the diffusion tubes are included in Appendix C. 3.2 Individual Pollutants The air quality monitoring results presented in this section are, where relevant, adjusted for annualisation and bias. Further details on adjustments are provided in Appendix C.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 9 3.2.1 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Table A.4 in Appendix A compares the adjusted monitored NO2 annual mean concentrations for the past five years with the air quality objective of 40 µg/m3 at non automatic monitoring sites. For diffusion tubes, the full 2024 dataset of monthly mean values is provided in Appendix B (Table B.1). The results show that for all sites the bias adjusted annual mean concentrations of NO2 continue to be well below the annual objective. These sites have been monitored continuously for more than 10 years allowing trends to be shown. Figures 3 to 6 (Appendix A) show continuing downward trend in annual average NO2 concentrations. Monitoring in this period has shown levels of NO2 well below the National objective with reductions of a minimum of 42% in annual average concentrations at all monitoring locations, and a 59% reduction at location N10 in Helensburgh (average reductions of 51% across all monitoring locations). This is likely to be the result of reduced vehicle emissions through improvements in engine technology and design and an increasing proportion of electric vehicles in transportation. 3.2.2 Particulate Matter (PM10) Argyll and Bute Council does not monitor Particulate Matter. 3.2.3 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Argyll and Bute Council does not monitor Particulate Matter. 3.2.4 Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Argyll and Bute Council does not monitor for SO2. 3.2.5 Carbon Monoxide, Lead and 1,3-Butadiene Argyll and Bute Council does not monitor carbon monoxide, lead or 1,3 butadiene.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 10 4 New Local Developments Consultation on the Scoping Request (24/01650/SCOPE) for Phase 4 Housing Development and Commercial Development Zone of the Dunbeg Corridor Strategic Masterplan (ref No 16/03368.MPLAN), was received from the Planning Authority. Air Quality was raised in the consultation, but the Planning Authority agreed it be scoped out of the EIAR. Air Quality assessments were deferred to be considered for individual planning applications (see section 5. below). 4.1 Road Traffic Sources Argyll and Bute Council confirms that there are no roads or features in the following list that are new or newly identified that would require further assessment: • Narrow congested streets with residential properties close to the kerb. • Busy streets where people may spend one hour or more close to traffic. • Roads with a high flow of buses and/or HGVs. • Junctions. • New roads constructed or proposed • Roads with significantly changed traffic flows. • Bus or coach stations. 4.2 Other Transport Sources Argyll and Bute Council confirm that there were none of the following that are new or newly identified that would warrant further assessment: • Airports. • Locations where diesel or steam trains are regularly stationary for periods of 15 minutes or more, with potential for relevant exposure within 15m.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 11 • Locations with a large number of movements of diesel locomotives, and potential long-term relevant exposure within 30m. • Ports for shipping. 4.3 Industrial Sources A new industrial installation involving construction of a distillery and brewery is nearing completion. The development has not been subject to air quality assessment. This only became apparent once the relevant planning application had been determined (21/02360/PP Formation of brewery and distillery comprising erection of visitor centre, production building, processing building, pump house and bonded warehouse, installation of sewage treatment plant and formation of vehicular access. Land South of Glenegedale River and East of Islay Airport Glenegedale Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute). This occurred during a period of staff changeover which has reinforced the need to establish good practice through review of Air Quality consultation process within Development Management. The risk management options for this matter are under review. 4.4 Commercial and Domestic Sources No new assessments of biomass boilers (>50kW) were received for developments during 2024. Argyll and Bute Council confirm that no new risks of objectives being exceeded have been established, due to individual installations or the combined impacts of multiple biomass/domestic combustion installations. 4.5 New Developments with Fugitive or Uncontrolled Sources There are a number of new un-metalled access roads associated with forestry extraction or windfarm construction that are of a temporary nature and are hard surfaced with graded and rolled aggregate. These roads are of a standard suitable for road-going vehicles and
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 12 are invariably remote, inherently damp and do not threaten to cause breaches of PM10 or PM2.5 objectives. The Council does not propose to carry out individual assessments of these sources unless particular circumstances indicate that it would be appropriate.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 13 5 Planning Applications Relevant planning applications (Chapter 3 of LAQM.TG22) submitted in 2024 were: Cullipool Slate Quarry - 23/02455/MIN The approved application was for the re-opening of an historic slate quarry on the island of Luing. This was conditioned to require submission and approval of Construction Environmental Management Plan (including air pollution and dust control measures) prior to commencement of development. Mid Argyll Community Hospital - 24/00571/PP The application was for the temporary siting of an external diesel fuelled boiler unit. This application followed an earlier retrospective application for the sitting of the boiler unit which was withdrawn. The boiler unit supplies hot water to hospital staff accommodation and is currently operating in the location subject of the withdrawn application. When an air quality assessment was requested, initial modelling showed potential for significant air quality impacts at nearby sensitive receptors, and the application was subsequently withdrawn. Air quality assessments for the proposed location have not been agreed, and the matter is outstanding. A suspensive condition has been recommended, and the application is yet to be determined. Laphroaig Distillery - 24/00786/PP The approved application was for the expansion of the distillery stillhouse which included a proposed boiler. A suspensive condition requiring an air quality assessment was recommended, however the matter was dealt with pre-determination, and an air quality assessment was submitted and agreed. Erection of Whisky Distillery - 24/01898/PP The application for a new distillery and visitor facilities includes provision of a boiler which could impact local air quality. An air quality assessment has been recommended predetermination. The application is awaiting decision.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 14 The Brewery Glenegadale – 24/01914/PP The approved application for Brewery included provision of a diesel generator with potential to impact air quality. An air quality condition was recommended and an air quality submission agreed. Laggan Bay Distillery – 24/01915/PP The approved application was for siting of a diesel generator within the Distillery. An air quality condition was recommended and an air quality submission agreed. Kilchoman – 24/02180/PP The application was for erection of an anaerobic digester with associated combined heat and power plant. An air quality assessment for the combined heat and power proposals was provided and agreed. Dunbeg Residential – 24/02246/PP The application for residential development comprising 300 units is still to be determined. The EIA didn’t include Air Quality, and an air quality assessment was recommended as a condition. Dunbeg Commercial – 24/02245/PPP The application to support commercial development is still to be determined. The EIA didn’t include Air Quality, and an air quality assessment was recommended as a condition. Dunbeg Commercial (transport infrastructure) – 24/02248/PP The application to support development is still to be determined. The EIA didn’t include Air Quality, and an air quality assessment was recommended as a condition.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 15 6 Conclusions and Proposed Actions 6.1 Conclusions from New Monitoring Data The graphs of diffusion tube monitoring results in Figures 3 to 6 (Appendix A) continue to show a long-term falling trend in NO2 levels for relevant locations in Helensburgh and Oban. All measured NO2 levels at these locations were well below the annual mean objective. On average over the last 10 years monitoring has shown the reduction in annual average NO2 levels of 51%, with a 59% reduction at location N10 in Helensburgh. There is therefore no requirement to undertake a Detailed Assessment. 6.2 Conclusions relating to New Local Developments A number of planning applications during 2024 were considered to contain proposals with potential adverse air quality impact. Recommendations for air quality assessment either pre-determination or through suspensive condition were recommended in most cases (see Section 5). Air quality impact will be considered when supporting assessment documents are submitted. 6.3 Proposed Actions Monitoring during 2024 was undertaken at locations in Oban and Helensburgh. There is relatively high local traffic flow through these towns, and the building heights and layout provide a topography which could concentrate ambient pollution levels. In both towns monitoring confirmed that levels of atmospheric NO₂ continue to be well below the air quality objective. Therefore, no actions to reduce NO₂ concentrations are required to meet this objective. Monitoring at locations in Helensburgh and Oban will continue in 2025. Results of monitoring and other air quality assessment work will be presented in the next Annual Progress Report due in June 2026.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 16 Appendix A: Monitoring Results Table A.1 – Details of Non-Automatic Monitoring Sites Site ID Site Name Site Type X OS Grid Ref Y OS Grid Ref Pollutants Monitored In AQMA? Which AQMA? Distance to Relevant Exposure (m) (1) Distance to kerb of nearest road (m) (2) Tube co- located with a Continuous Analyser? Tube Height (m) N1 George Street 1, Oban Roadside 185921 729942 NO2 N/A 5 2 No 2.5 N3 George Street 3, Oban Roadside 185870 730317 NO2 N/A 0 5 No 2 N8 East Princes St, Helensburgh Roadside 229919 682287 NO2 N/A 4 2 No 2.5 N10 Sinclair Street Helensburgh Roadside 229675 682442 NO2 N/A 0 3 No 2.5 Notes: (1) 0m if the monitoring site is at a location of exposure (e.g. installed on/adjacent to the façade of a residential property). (2) N/A if not applicable.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 17 Table A.2 – Annual Mean NO2 Monitoring Results: Non-Automatic Monitoring (µg/m3) Diffusion Tube ID X OS Grid Ref (Easting) Y OS Grid Ref (Northing) Site Type Valid Data Capture for Monitoring Period (%) (1) Valid Data Capture 2024 (%) (2) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 N1 185921 729942 Roadside 0, 14.0 19 11.1 N3 185870 730317 Roadside 100 16.1 18.3 9.4 N8 229919 682287 Roadside 75 10.3 10 9.24 5.9 6.12 N10 229675 682442 Roadside 75 10.9 14.1 13 8.1 9.16 ☐ Annualisation has been conducted where data capture is <75% and >25% in line with LAQM.TG22 ☒ Diffusion tube data has been bias adjusted. ☒ Reported concentrations are those at the location of the monitoring site (bias adjusted and annualised, as required), i.e. prior to any fall-off with distance correction. Notes: Exceedances of the NO2 annual mean objective of 40 µg/m3 are shown in bold. NO2 annual means exceeding 60 µg/m3, indicating a potential exceedance of the NO2 1-hour mean objective are shown in bold and underlined.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 18 Means for diffusion tubes have been corrected for bias. All means have been “annualised” as per LAQM.TG(22) if valid data capture for the full calendar year is less than 75%. See Appendix C for details. (1) Data capture for the monitoring period, in cases where monitoring was only carried out for part of the year. (2) Data capture for the full calendar year (e.g. if monitoring was carried out for 6 months, the maximum data capture for the full calendar year is 50%).
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 19 Figure 1 Monitoring locations in Oban
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 20 Figure 2 Monitoring locations in Helensburgh
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 21 Figure 1 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N1 Oban 2014 to 2024 This chart shows a drop in annual mean concentrations from 21µg/m3 in 2014 to 11.1µg/m3 in 2024. It shows a long-term falling trend in annual mean concentrations at this location. The drop between 2021 and 2024 appears more dramatic as there is no data for 2022 and 2023. All annual mean NO2 concentrations in this period are well below the annual mean objective. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2024 NO 2 CONCENTRATION YEAR Oban George Street (N1) Annual Mean NO2 Concentration (µg/m3) Annual Mean Concentration Air Quality Objective
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 22 Figure 4 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N3 Oban 2014 to 2024 This chart shows a drop in annual mean concentrations from 22.4µg/m3 in 2014 to 9.4µg/m3 in 2024. It shows a long-term falling trend in annual mean concentrations at this location. The drop between 2021 and 2024 appears more dramatic as there is no data for 2022 and 2023. All annual mean NO2 concentrations in this period are well below the annual mean objective. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2024 NO 2 CONCENTRATION YEAR Oban George Street 3 (N3) Annual Mean NO2 Concentration (µg/m3) Annual Mean Concentration Air Quality Objective
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 23 Figure 5 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N8 Helensburgh 2014 to 2024 This chart shows a drop in annual mean concentrations from 11.9µg/m3 in 2014 to 6.2µg/m3 in 2024. It shows a long-term falling trend in annual mean concentrations at this location. All annual mean NO2 concentrations in this period are well below the annual mean objective. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 NO 2 CONCENTRATION YEAR Helensburgh Princes Street (N8) Annual Mean NO2 Concentration (µg/m3) Annual Mean Concentration Air Quality Objective
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 24 Figure 6 Annual mean NO2 concentrations for site N10 Helensburgh 2014 to 2024 This chart shows a drop in annual mean concentrations from 15.6µg/m3 in 2014 to 9.6µg/m3 in 2024. It shows a long-term falling trend in annual mean concentrations at this location. All annual mean NO2 concentrations in this period are well below the annual mean objective. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 NO 2 CONCENTRATION YEAR Helensburgh Sinclair Street (N10) Annual Mean NO2 Concentration (µg/m3) Annual Mean Concentration Air Quality Objective
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 25 Appendix B: Full Monthly Diffusion Tube Results for 2024 Table B.1 – NO2 2024 Monthly Diffusion Tube Results (µg/m3) DT ID X OS Grid Ref (Easting) Y OS Grid Ref (Northing) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual Mean: Raw Data Annual Mean: Annualised and Bias Adjusted <(x.x)> Annual Mean: Distance Corrected to Nearest Exposure Comment N1 Oban 185921 729942 13.1 14.4 11.3 13.6 10.6 15.3 16.7 9.9 20.9 13.3 14.6 7.9 13.5 11.1 N3 Oban 185870 730317 8.2 10.9 8.7 6.3 13.2 8.6 16.5 7.7 19.3 10.3 17.8 8.8 11.4 9.4 N8 Helensburgh 229919 682287 12.2 5.3 3.7 5.7 5.7 10.1 9.3 4.8 10.4 7.5 6.12 N10 Helensburgh 229675 682442 17.5 6.6 5.6 10.6 6.9 11.7 10.7 15.9 15 11.17 9.16 ☒ All erroneous data has been removed from the NO2 diffusion tube dataset presented in Table B.1. ☐ Annualisation has been conducted where data capture is <75% and >25% in line with LAQM.TG22. ☐ Local bias adjustment factor used. ☒ National bias adjustment factor used. ☐ Where applicable, data has been distance corrected for relevant exposure in the final column. ☒ Argyll and Bute Council confirm that all 2024 diffusion tube data has been uploaded to the Diffusion Tube Data Entry System. Notes: Exceedances of the NO2 annual mean objective of 40 µg/m3 are shown in bold. NO2 annual means exceeding 60 µg/m3, indicating a potential exceedance of the NO2 1-hour mean objective are shown in bold and underlined. See Appendix C for details on bias adjustment and annualisation.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 26 Appendix C: Supporting Technical Information / Air Quality Monitoring Data QA/QC New or Changed Sources Identified Within Argyll and Bute Council During 2024 Argyll and Bute Council has not identified any new sources relating to air quality within the reporting year of 2024. Additional Air Quality Works Undertaken by Argyll and Bute Council During 2024 Argyll and Bute Council has not completed any additional works within the reporting year of 2024. QA/QC of Diffusion Tube Monitoring The NO2 diffusion tubes are supplied and analysed by Glasgow Scientific Services (GSS) and prepared by using 20% TEA in water. The duration of exposure is normally the 4/5 week period suggested by the calendar provided by Defra. GSS have adopted the procedures for preparation and analysis contained in the document “Diffusion Tubes for Ambient NO2 Monitoring:- Practical Guidance.” Section 3 of this document also provides the basis for the operation of the Council’s diffusion tube network GSS have advised they have accreditation for the analysis of exposed tubes and the cleaning and re-use of the tubes. Before deploying any re-used tubes they carry out quality control assessments to ensure they have been properly cleaned. GSS participate in the NPL intercomparison exercise, and also the LGC proficiency testing (AIR NO2 PT). A national bias adjustment factor of 0.82¹º (for GSS laboratory) was applied to the annual mean NO2 concentrations for 2024.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 27 No local co-location studies in Argyll and Bute were available to produce local bias adjustment factors. Diffusion Tube Annualisation All diffusion tube monitoring locations where there was sufficient confidence in the monitoring within Argyll and Bute Council recorded data capture of 75% therefore it was not required to annualise any monitoring data. Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Argyll and Bute Council have applied a national bias adjustment factor of 0.82 to the 2024 monitoring data. A summary of bias adjustment factors used by Argyll and Bute Council over the past five years is presented in Error! Not a valid bookmark self-reference.. Table C.1 – Bias Adjustment Factor Year Local or National If National, Version of National Spreadsheet Adjustment Factor 2024 National V06/25 0.82 2023 National V03/24 0.74 2022 National v03/23 1.05 2021 National v06_22 1.12 2020 National v06_21 0.95 NO2 Fall-off with Distance from the Road No diffusion tube NO2 monitoring locations within Argyll and Bute Council required distance correction during 2024.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 28
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 29 Glossary of Terms Abbreviation Description AQAP Air Quality Action Plan - A detailed description of measures, outcomes, achievement dates and implementation methods, showing how the LA intends to achieve air quality limit values’ AQMA Air Quality Management Area – An area where air pollutant concentrations exceed / are likely to exceed the relevant air quality objectives. AQMAs are declared for specific pollutants and objectives APR Annual Progress Report AURN Automatic Urban and Rural Network (UK air quality monitoring network) Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges – Air quality screening tool produced by Highways England DT Diffusion Tube FDMS Filter Dynamics Measurement System LAQM Local Air Quality Management NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide NOX Nitrogen Oxides PM10 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10µm (micrometres or microns) or less PM2.5 Airborne particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5µm or less QA/QC Quality Assurance and Quality Control SO2 Sulphur Dioxide
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal agus Bhòid LAQM Annual Progress Report 2025 30 References (1) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About/Methodology/UrbanRuralClassifi cation (2) Argyll and Bute Council. Local development Plan. (3) Argyll and Bute Council. Economic Strategy. (4) 2022 Air Quality Annual Progress Report for Argyll and Bute Council (5) Defra in partnership with the devolved administrations, Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(16), February 2018 (6) Defra in partnership with the devolved administrations, Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(09), February 2009 (7) http://www.scottishairquality.co.uk/data/mapping?view=data (8) Argyll and Bute Council. Online access to planning applications is available at http://publicaccess.argyll-bute.gov.uk/online-applications/ (9) Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. Online access to planning applications is available at https://eplanning.lochlomond- trossachs.org/OnlinePlanning/?agree=0 (10) http://laqm.defra.gov.uk/bias-adjustment-factors/national-bias.html (11) Local Development Plan 2 | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk)