Air Quality Assessment Inverness
Chartered environmental consultants providing air quality, dust and odour assessments across Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Environmental Consultants in Inverness
Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and the fastest-growing city in Scotland, with significant new development planned across the city and its hinterland. The strategic housing allocations at Tornagrain and Stratton represent two of the largest planned urban extensions in Scotland outside the central belt, placing considerable demand on local infrastructure and raising important questions about air quality impacts along the A9 and A96 corridors. Highland Council operates within the Scottish Planning Policy framework, and SEPA acts as a statutory consultee on matters of environmental significance — expectations for technical quality in air quality assessments are correspondingly high.
Highland Council has declared an Air Quality Management Area covering the A9 trunk road corridor and parts of Inverness city centre, where traffic volumes have historically led to nitrogen dioxide concentrations that exceed Scottish objectives. The A9, as the main north–south arterial route through the Highlands, carries a disproportionate volume of HGV and tourist traffic, and developments that adjoin or have access via this corridor must carefully assess cumulative air quality impacts. The council expects assessments to reference Scottish LAQM guidance and address local meteorological conditions, including the influence of the Beauly Firth on dispersion patterns.
Air Dust Odour provides the full range of air quality, dust and odour assessment services across Inverness and the Highlands. Our Chartered Environmentalists understand the specific requirements of Highland Council and the Scottish regulatory context, including the whisky and food production sectors that are significant features of the regional economy. Whether you are bringing forward a major housing allocation, a commercial development, a distillery expansion or a new restaurant, we provide clear and authoritative reports that keep your project on programme.
Get a Free Quote
Tell us about your project and we'll provide a tailored, no-obligation quote.
Request a QuoteOr call us: 020 8050 3003
Our Services in Inverness
Air Quality Assessment
Planning-stage air quality assessments for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments in Inverness and across the Highlands, with particular experience of A9 corridor assessments and the Highland Council AQMA. We work to Scottish LAQM objectives and SEPA guidance.
Learn more →Dust Assessment & CEMP
Construction dust risk assessments and Construction Environmental Management Plans for development sites across Inverness, including the major growth areas at Tornagrain and Stratton. Prepared in accordance with IAQM guidance and the requirements of Highland Council.
Learn more →Kitchen Odour Assessment
Odour impact assessments for restaurants, cafes, hotels and commercial kitchens across Inverness. Prepared in accordance with EMAQ+ guidance, covering extraction design, dispersion and impact on neighbouring receptors.
Learn more →Odour Impact Assessment
Odour assessments for whisky distilleries, food production facilities, waste management operations and other potentially odorous developments across the Highlands. We work to IAQM, Environment Agency H4 and SEPA guidance.
Learn more →Areas We Cover in Inverness
- Inverness city centre
- Crown
- Dalneigh
- Merkinch
- Inshes
- Raigmore
- Culloden
- Balloch
- Tornagrain
- A9 corridor
- Beauly Firth
- Dingwall
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an air quality assessment in Inverness?
Highland Council has declared an Air Quality Management Area covering sections of the A9 trunk road and parts of the city centre, where nitrogen dioxide concentrations have exceeded Scottish air quality objectives. If your development lies within or close to the AQMA, or if it introduces new sensitive receptors near the A9 or other busy routes, an air quality assessment will almost certainly be required. Residential, commercial and mixed-use applications in these areas must demonstrate that future occupants will not be exposed to unacceptable air quality.
How does Scottish planning policy affect air quality assessments in Inverness?
Air quality assessments in Inverness must comply with the Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and SEPA guidance, as well as the Scottish LAQM framework which sets air quality objectives that are in some cases more stringent than those in England and Wales. Highland Council works closely with SEPA on matters of environmental significance, and larger or more complex proposals may require SEPA engagement as a statutory consultee. Our team is experienced in working within the Scottish regulatory context and preparing assessments that satisfy both Highland Council and SEPA.
We are building housing at Tornagrain or Stratton — what assessments will we need?
The major strategic housing allocations at Tornagrain and Stratton are located near the A96 and A9 corridors, both of which carry significant volumes of road traffic. New residential development in these locations will require an air quality assessment to demonstrate that future residents will not experience air quality that exceeds Scottish objectives, and a construction dust assessment and CEMP will be needed for earthworks and construction phases. We have experience with the specific requirements of Highland Council for large-scale housing developments and can advise from an early stage.
Do whisky distilleries and food producers in Inverness need odour assessments?
Yes. Inverness and the surrounding Highlands are home to a significant number of whisky distilleries and food production facilities, and any new facility, expansion or change of use near sensitive receptors will require an odour impact assessment. SEPA regulates process emissions from permitted installations, and planning applications must also demonstrate acceptable odour impacts on neighbouring dwellings and amenity areas. We prepare odour assessments in accordance with IAQM and Environment Agency H4 guidance, adapted for the Scottish regulatory context.
How much does an air quality assessment cost in Inverness?
Costs vary according to the type and complexity of the work required. Screening assessments typically start from around £500, detailed dispersion modelling assessments from around £1,500, and kitchen odour assessments from around £800. We travel to and provide full coverage across the Highlands. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.