From initial screening to detailed dispersion modelling, our chartered professionals deliver the air quality assessments your project needs to secure planning approval.
Air quality is a material planning consideration for developments across the UK. Whether your project introduces new receptors to an area with existing pollution sources, or generates additional traffic and emissions, a professional air quality assessment may be required to satisfy planning conditions and demonstrate compliance with local and national policy.
At Air Dust Odour, we provide the full range of air quality assessment services, from proportionate screening assessments for smaller developments through to detailed dispersion modelling for complex schemes near Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Every assessment is carried out by Chartered Environmentalists and follows the latest IAQM and LAQM guidance.
Our reports are clear, technically robust and formatted to the standard that planning authorities expect. We work directly with developers, architects, planning consultants and local authorities to ensure your air quality requirements are met efficiently and cost-effectively.
Planning authorities will typically require an air quality assessment in the following situations.
Developments within or adjacent to an Air Quality Management Area where pollution levels already exceed objectives.
Housing, apartments or mixed-use developments that introduce sensitive receptors near busy roads, industrial premises or other pollution sources.
Developments generating substantial vehicle movements, including commercial, retail, logistics and large residential schemes with traffic implications.
Factories, energy centres, biomass boilers, waste facilities and other developments with point-source emissions or process contributions.
Where a local planning authority has attached a condition requiring submission of an air quality assessment before development can commence.
Major developments requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment where air quality forms one chapter of the Environmental Statement.
We provide the full range of air quality assessment services, tailored to the scale and complexity of your project.
A proportionate assessment for smaller or lower-risk developments. We review the site context, local air quality data and development proposals to determine whether detailed assessment is required, or whether air quality can be screened out as a significant concern. This is often the most cost-effective first step.
A comprehensive assessment that quantifies the air quality impacts of your development. This typically involves reviewing traffic data, existing monitoring information, and assessing pollutant concentrations at sensitive receptor locations against air quality objectives. Required for larger developments or those in sensitive locations.
Diffusion tube surveys and continuous monitoring campaigns to establish baseline air quality conditions at your development site. We handle equipment deployment, data collection and analysis, with results reported to LAQM Technical Guidance standards. Monitoring periods typically range from three to six months.
Advanced atmospheric dispersion modelling using industry-standard ADMS-Roads and ADMS software to predict pollutant concentrations from roads, industrial processes, energy centres and other emission sources. Results are presented as contour plots and compared against national air quality objectives.
Assessment of transport and building emissions to demonstrate that a development is air quality neutral. Originally a London Plan requirement, this approach is increasingly being adopted by planning authorities across the UK. We calculate both transport and building emissions benchmarks against established thresholds.
Concise technical statements for smaller developments where a full air quality assessment is not proportionate, but the planning authority still requires confirmation that air quality has been considered. These provide the essential information planners need in a focused, cost-effective format.
Quantification of the monetary cost of air quality impacts from a development, following DEFRA damage cost methodology. Increasingly requested by planning authorities as a means of determining appropriate mitigation contributions, particularly where developments result in increased emissions.
Expert advice on practical measures to reduce or offset air quality impacts, including mechanical ventilation specifications, setback distances, green infrastructure, electric vehicle charging provision, travel plan measures and building emissions reduction strategies.
We review your planning documents, site location, nearby sensitive receptors and local air quality data to scope the assessment accurately and advise on the appropriate level of assessment.
We gather the data needed for the assessment: local authority monitoring data, DEFRA background maps, traffic data, meteorological records and, where required, deploy site-specific monitoring.
We carry out the assessment following IAQM guidance, including dispersion modelling where required. Predicted concentrations are compared against air quality objectives at relevant receptor locations.
You receive a clear, professionally formatted report ready for submission. We support you through the planning process, responding to any queries from the local authority or their consultees.
All our assessments are carried out in accordance with the latest industry guidance and national policy.
