Planning a large-scale development in London? Meet the Air Quality Positive (AQP) Statement

What is it?

The Air Quality Positive guidance was introduced in February 2023.

It is a statement that demonstrates how benefits to local air quality have been maximised, and how measures to minimise pollution exposure will be implemented.

The statement should be submitted in addition to the air quality assessment, and should not duplicate the measures already identified within the air quality assessment, but show how the development goes beyond compliance in regards to air quality.

Essentially, it will maximise the benefits to local air quality in and around a large-scale development site and masterplan area while also minimising exposure to existing sources of poor air quality.

Who is it aimed at?

Anyone involved in the plan making stage of the development, such as planners, designers, architects and air quality experts to demonstrate what measures have been taken during the design stages to achieve the best possible outcomes for air quality.

When should it be applied?

It should be applied to large-scale development sites that are likely to be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and should start to be considered at the plan making stage to masterplans and development briefs.

Technical air quality expertise should inform every stage of the design process to maximise air quality benefits, therefore having an air quality consultant on board at the outset allows for a holistic approach and avoid issues down the line as a result of last minute design changes.

How do you incorporate an air quality positive approach into a planning application?

Where a full planning application is being submitted for a large-scale development subject to an EIA, an AQP Statement should be submitted as part of the EIA. Note that measures that are fundamental to the design of a development, may be secured through conditions or legal and binding agreements.

AQP Statements supporting an outline planning application will need to details how measures will be secured in subsequent reserved matters.

Subsequently, where an AQP Statement has already been produced this may require updating and resubmitting with the EIA if the application has changed or if there are additional detailed matters to be addressed.

Should full or reserved matter applications deviate significantly from the outline planning application, it will be necessary to submit an updated AQP Statement.

What does this mean for developers and anyone planning large scale developments in London?

It would be beneficial for developers to consider air quality at an early stage, to avoid unwelcome surprises down the line. Developers will need to be prepared to invest time and money to ensure the development goes above and beyond compliance in regards to air quality. The project timeline and costs can be managed if an air quality consultant is onboarded at an early stage. This can be as early as choosing a viable site for development, which will help understand the implications that the area will have on the development; or early in the design stage to help understand what applicable measures can be incorporated into the design which work with other disciplines’ requirements.

Exe Valley Environmental provide a range of air quality consultancy services to assist with the planning and design stages of a development. If you’re unsure what assessments your project will require in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message for some non-committal, friendly advice.