From screening to detailed dispersion modelling, we provide the air quality expertise that housebuilders, developers and planning consultants need to secure planning consent and keep their projects moving.
Air quality is now a material consideration in the vast majority of residential planning applications. Whether your site is near a busy road, within or adjacent to an Air Quality Management Area, in Greater London, or simply large enough to generate significant traffic, the local planning authority will want to see a competent air quality assessment before they grant consent.
At Air Dust Odour, we take a pragmatic, two-stage approach. We start with a screening assessment to quickly establish whether your site has any air quality constraints and what level of assessment the LPA is likely to require. If a detailed study is needed, we carry it out efficiently — using industry-standard dispersion modelling, the latest background data and receptor analysis — to produce a technically robust report that planning officers and environmental health teams accept with confidence.
We work closely with housebuilders, developers and their planning consultants to make sure air quality never becomes the thing that holds up the programme. Our reports are written clearly, scoped proportionately, and delivered on time. When planning authorities come back with queries, we respond promptly and at no extra cost.
A complete service from initial screening through to detailed assessment, modelling and mitigation — everything you need to satisfy the planning authority.
A rapid, cost-effective review of your site's air quality context — road proximity, AQMA designation, pollution sources, receptor sensitivity and likely LPA requirements. The screening assessment tells you what detailed work is needed (if any) before you commit to it. It is the most valuable £500 you can spend on a residential planning application.
A full assessment of air quality impacts at your development, including review of baseline conditions, traffic-related pollutant concentrations, cumulative effects of other development and impact on existing receptors. Prepared in accordance with EPUK/IAQM guidance and local authority requirements, presenting findings clearly against the relevant air quality objectives.
Advanced atmospheric dispersion modelling using ADMS-Roads or DMRB-compliant tools to predict pollutant concentrations at receptor locations. We present results clearly, with contour plots and tabulated comparisons against air quality objectives, giving planning officers the evidence they need to be satisfied that future residents will not be exposed to unacceptable air quality.
Where air quality is a concern for road-facing properties, we advise on appropriate ventilation strategies — mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), air filtration systems, building orientation and site layout — to protect future residents and satisfy LPA requirements. For London schemes, we prepare full Air Quality Neutral and Air Quality Positive assessments.
We support residential development projects of all scales — from a single self-build plot to large urban extensions and estate regeneration schemes. Our assessments are scoped to match the complexity of your project, ensuring you never pay for more than you need.
We understand the commercial pressures of residential development and the importance of proportionate, programme-friendly environmental input. Our job is to give you clear advice, quickly, so you can make informed decisions and keep your project on track.
Our assessments are prepared in accordance with the latest national guidance and regulatory requirements, ensuring they are technically defensible and accepted by planning authorities.
A residential development is likely to require an air quality assessment if it is located within or near an Air Quality Management Area, close to a busy road or motorway, within Greater London (where the London Plan requires Air Quality Neutral assessment), on a large site generating significant traffic, or where there are existing sources of air pollution nearby. A screening assessment can quickly establish whether a detailed study is needed — we recommend commissioning one early to avoid surprises later in the programme.
An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is a zone designated by a local authority where national air quality objectives for pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide or fine particulate matter are not being met. Most planning authorities require an air quality assessment for any development within or adjacent to an AQMA. Even sites outside an AQMA may need assessment if they are near busy roads, generate significant traffic or introduce sensitive residential receptors near a pollution source.
Air Quality Neutral is a London Plan requirement that applies to all development in Greater London. It requires developers to demonstrate that the scheme will not worsen air quality, by staying within benchmark emissions for both transport (based on trip generation) and building energy systems (based on combustion). If benchmarks are exceeded, mitigation such as low-emission heating, EV charging infrastructure or financial contributions may be required. We prepare Air Quality Neutral assessments as standard for all our London residential development projects.
A screening assessment can typically be completed within 5 to 10 working days. If a detailed assessment with dispersion modelling is required, this usually takes 3 to 5 weeks, depending on site complexity, traffic data availability and whether background monitoring data needs to be sourced. Where real-time baseline monitoring is required as a planning condition, this can add several months to the programme — which is why commissioning environmental work early is so important.
Screening assessments for residential development start from around £500 to £800. Detailed assessments with dispersion modelling typically range from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on site complexity, the number of receptors and the extent of modelling required. London schemes requiring Air Quality Neutral Assessment are priced accordingly. We provide fixed-fee proposals so you always know what you are paying before work begins.
