A developer's guide to planning for air quality in Devon - Part 2

Introduction

It is recommended that you read Part 1 first, as this provides valuable advice to developers and planners on the below topics:

• Do I need to carry out an air quality assessment for my development in Devon?

• What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?

• Air quality tips for developers to be aware of.

This article covers the following administrative areas:

• North Devon and Torridge

• Plymouth and South West (including South Hams)

• Teignbridge

For information on the remaining districts, listed below, please refer to Part 1.

• East Devon

• Exeter

• Mid Devon

Air quality planning guidance in North Devon and Torridge

The North Devon and Torridge District Council's Local Plan includes a policy designed to ensure the preservation of the environment and prevent situations where environmental pollution could pose a threat to others. This joint local plan specifies that if there is a potential risk that a development could lead to a decline in air quality beyond national standards, the developer will need to provide an air quality statement.

There is currently one AQMA in Braunton, North Devon.

Air quality planning guidance in Plymouth and South West Devon

Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon have jointly created a local plan that is effective until 2034. This plan addresses the Western Road Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and, under Spatial Priority 2 (SP2), emphasizes that any development, whether singular or cumulative, must not have a detrimental effect on the ability of relevant authorities to enhance air quality within the Western Road AQMA.

Numerous policies are in place to ensure appropriate strategies are implemented to mitigate the impact on air quality in various areas, including Okehampton, Land at Stockley, Totnes, Land at KEVICC, and Land at Baltic Wharf. Furthermore, a general policy (DEV2) stipulates that any development situated in or influencing an AQMA will necessitate an air quality assessment.

Currently, there are three AQMAs, with one encompassing a portion of the A38, and the other two covering Ivybridge and Totnes.

Air quality planning guidance in Teignbridge

Teignbridge District Council has declared AQMAs in Teignmouth and Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton.

The current and new proposed draft Local Plans for the Teignmouth district have perhaps the most detailed air quality policies among all the districts in Devon.

The proposed new Local Plan includes a detailed policy on air quality. The policy highlights the requirement for an air quality impact assessment where developments will introduce additional vehicular movements that may have an impact within or near an AQMA, mentioned above. Other permitted developments nearby will need to be assessed alongside any proposed development to ensure that the cumulative impacts are assessed. Additionally, developments introducing sensitive/vulnerable uses into the AQMAs will be required to provide an air quality impact assessment. Sensitive uses may include hospitals, schools, residential care homes, etc.

The policy also includes a requirement for an assessment on agricultural development that may have an adverse impact on air quality resulting from ammonia emissions.

Given the presence of multiple European Wildlife Sites within the Teignbridge district, an evaluation will be necessary in cases where there is a potential for a development to significantly impact the environment and biodiversity. Further information about the European Wildlife Sites in the Teignbridge district can be found here.

A Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be required where traffic associated with the earthworks or construction stages of a development could result in a harmful impact on air quality.

Although the Teignbridge Local Plan is not yet in use, this is something to be aware of.

The air quality policy in the current Local Plan specifies that areas with poor air quality must undergo an air quality assessment as part of any development proposal. Additionally, if anticipated impacts are identified, the implementation of a Low Emissions Strategy becomes mandatory.

How can we help?

Seeking expert advice will help provide an early understanding of the feasibility of your development site and any potential constraints involved, before committing to a development.

Understanding local guidance on air quality is a fundamental responsibility for developers. This task can be designated to an expert air quality consultant, already familiar with local policy and guidance.

Exe Valley Environmental can help navigate you through the planning process and understanding the air quality consultancy services that may be necessary for your development. We will guide you through each stage, from early design and pre-planning advice, to supporting planning applications and discharging air quality conditions. If you’re unsure about the assessments your project might need in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message or a note via the contact form, for some non-committal advice.

kerrie@evenvironmental.co.uk

07805951564