How do developers effectively comply with local air quality planning guidance?

Developers play a vital role in shaping our urban landscapes, and with this role comes the responsibility of understanding and adhering to local guidance on air quality. Air pollution poses serious health and environmental challenges, making it crucial for developers to be well-informed about the regulations and standards governing development projects. Below are some steps to help developers understand and comply with local air quality guidance at the planning stages of a development:

Step 1: Research Local Air Quality Policies and Guidance

The first and most crucial step for developers is to understand the implications of local air quality regulations and standards on their project. Local guidelines can vary from one local authority to another.

For instance, in Sussex, an emissions mitigation assessment is required within the air quality assessment scope as per the Air Quality and emissions mitigation guidance for Sussex (2021).

The London Plan requires all new developments within a London Borough to be Air Quality Neutral. The Air Quality Neutral assessment is required to be included within an air quality assessment for major developments and ensures that the proposed developments transport and building emissions do not worsen air quality in London.

Step 2: Seek Expert Advice

Understanding complex air quality regulations may be challenging, especially for developers who are not familiar with the technicalities involved. In such cases, it is wise to seek expert advice from an experienced air quality consultant well-versed in local air quality guidelines. These experts can provide valuable insights and help developers navigate through the air quality planning policies with ease.

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.

Step 3: Collaborate

Before undertaking an assessment, it is beneficial to actively engage with the local planning authority at pre-planning stage. The requirement for an air quality assessment and subsequently the appropriate scope of the assessment, can be agreed with the local planning authority. The air quality consultant is often best placed to carry this out.

This collaborative approach fosters transparency and helps address concerns related to air quality from the local authority, and hence avoids issues down the line after the submission of the planning application.

Step 4: Conduct an Air Quality Impact Assessment

At the planning stage on any development project, it may be necessary for developers to conduct an air quality impact assessment. An air quality assessment will help identify potential constraints of the area and the potential air quality impact of the proposed development. By understanding the potential impact on air quality, developers can devise effective strategies to mitigate pollution and comply with local guidelines.

Step 5: Implement Air Quality Mitigation Measures into the design

Following the air quality assessment, it may be necessary to include mitigation measures within the design of the development, prior to submitting for planning. This highlights the importance of carrying out an air quality impact assessment early on in the design phase.

Final step: Submit your planning application with full confidence you’re in line with the local air quality policy requirements.

Summary

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.

By following a step-by-step approach that includes research, expert advice, impact assessment, collaboration and good design measures, developers can create developments that not only meet local air quality standards but also contribute to cleaner and healthier communities. A proactive approach towards air quality can have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the well-being of the people living in and around these developments.

How can we help?

Exe Valley Environmental can help understand what air quality requirements your development might need. We provide a range of air quality consultancy services to assist you every step of the way from early design and pre-planning advice, to supporting planning applications and discharging air quality conditions. If you’re unsure what assessments your project will require in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message for some non-committal advice.