Expert air quality, dust and odour assessments across Wales. Our chartered professionals support planning applications under the Welsh planning system, from Cardiff and Swansea to Wrexham and Bangor.
Wales operates its own distinct planning system under the Welsh Government, with air quality considerations governed by Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11). The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 places enhanced duties on public bodies to maintain and improve air quality, while the Clean Air (Wales) Act 2024 introduces tighter targets aligned with World Health Organization guidelines and gives Welsh Ministers powers to establish Clean Air Zones.
Cardiff, as Wales's capital and largest city, has declared Air Quality Management Areas across key corridors and is experiencing rapid development — from Central Square and Cardiff Bay to the major Atlantic Wharf regeneration. Swansea is undergoing significant transformation through schemes such as Swansea Central and Copr Bay, while Newport has AQMAs along the M4 corridor and continues to attract large-scale residential and commercial development. Across all three cities and beyond, local planning authorities expect technically robust air quality assessments that address the Welsh regulatory framework.
At Air Dust Odour, we work with developers, architects and planning consultants across Wales. Our Chartered Environmentalists understand the specific requirements of Welsh local authorities and the distinct legislative context, delivering clear, authoritative reports that satisfy planning officers and keep your project on track.
We provide specialist air quality, dust and odour assessment services for planning applications across Wales.
Screening and detailed air quality assessments for residential, commercial and mixed-use developments across Wales. Our assessments follow IAQM guidance and address the specific requirements of Welsh local authorities, including compliance with Planning Policy Wales, TAN 11 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016. We cover exposure assessment, damage cost calculations and mitigation design.
Dust risk assessments and Construction Environmental Management Plans for demolition, earthworks and construction projects across Wales. Whether your site is in central Cardiff, the Swansea waterfront or a smaller town, we assess the risk of dust impacts on sensitive receptors and specify proportionate mitigation measures following IAQM guidance to satisfy planning conditions.
Odour risk assessments for restaurants, takeaways, cafes and commercial kitchens following the EMAQ+ methodology. With growing food and drink scenes in Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, kitchen odour assessments are routinely required by Welsh local authorities for new or expanded commercial kitchen operations, particularly in city centres and busy high streets.
Detailed odour impact assessments for industrial processes, waste management facilities, wastewater treatment works and agricultural operations across Wales. We use dispersion modelling, odour surveys and IAQM guidance to quantify odour impacts and demonstrate compliance with Welsh environmental permitting and planning requirements.
We provide air quality, dust and odour assessment services across all of Wales.
Wales operates its own planning system under the Welsh Government, separate from England. Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 11 (TAN 11) set out requirements for air quality considerations in planning. Local planning authorities in Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, will require an air quality assessment where a development is likely to generate significant traffic, introduce sensitive receptors near pollution sources, or affect an Air Quality Management Area. The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 also places duties on public bodies to maintain and enhance air quality.
Several Welsh local authorities have declared Air Quality Management Areas where nitrogen dioxide levels exceed legal limits. Cardiff has AQMAs covering key city centre corridors, while Newport has AQMAs along the M4 corridor and in the city centre. Other areas across Wales, including parts of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, have also declared or revoked AQMAs based on monitored pollution levels. If your development is within or near an AQMA, an air quality assessment will almost certainly be required as part of your planning application.
Costs depend on the type and complexity of assessment required. Screening assessments typically start from around £500, detailed air quality assessments with dispersion modelling from around £1,500, and kitchen odour assessments from around £800. Factors such as site location, development size and specific local authority requirements influence the final cost. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.
The Clean Air (Wales) Act 2024 is a landmark piece of Welsh legislation that strengthens the framework for tackling air pollution across Wales. It introduces tighter air quality targets aligned with World Health Organization guidelines, gives Welsh Ministers powers to create Clean Air Zones, and places enhanced duties on local authorities to review and manage air quality. For developers, the Act signals an increasingly rigorous approach to air quality in the planning process, making robust air quality assessments more important than ever for developments across Wales.
Yes. While much of our work in Wales is concentrated in the south around Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, we provide air quality, dust and odour assessment services across all of Wales. We regularly work on projects in mid and north Wales, including Wrexham, Aberystwyth, Bangor and Carmarthen. Our assessments are delivered remotely using industry-standard modelling tools and datasets, so we can provide the same high-quality service regardless of location.
