An air quality assessment is often required by local authorities in relation to planning applications where:
• Developments are likely to have an impact on local air quality, for example where the development results in an increase in road traffic or a large biomass plant
• Developments are likely to introduce new sensitive receptors into an area of existing poor air quality, for example a residential development within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)
To see if your development may need an air quality assessment, download our guide here
How is an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) carried out?
An air quality assessment can take the form of a simple air quality screening assessment or a detailed air quality assessment involving dispersion modelling. Normally, air quality assessments are desktop studies. However, there are times when monitoring of air pollution levels at a development site is needed.
The type of air quality assessment required depends on a number of factors including the size of the development, its proposed location in relation to AQMAs and the extent of current knowledge about levels of pollutants close to the site.
Most detailed air quality assessments relate to emissions from road traffic and combustion sources such as CHP plants, so our air quality consultants work closely with transport planners and project engineers to obtain relevant data for our assessments.
If you don’t know what type of air quality assessment is needed, our air quality consultants can help you and will speak to the local authority on your behalf. Please contact us on 01204 596166 or email us at info@milllergoodall.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your project.
What sectors do we work in?
The main sectors we work across are Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Transport, Healthcare, Sport and Entertainment, and Education.
Assessing Impact and Providing Advice
Once we have all the data we need for the air quality assessment, we model existing and future air quality at and around the development using advanced dispersion modelling software to predict pollution levels. This allows us to assess the suitability of the site for the intended use and the impact of development on local air quality, as well as provide advice regarding mitigation where necessary. Throughout the process, we consult closely with local authorities to ensure the air quality assessment we produce meets their criteria to safeguard against delays to planning applications.
If a development is not located in an AQMA and/or unlikely to impact local air quality, a simple air quality screening assessment may be appropriate. Small developments with few car parking spaces or car free residential schemes are often suitable for this type of air quality assessment. These are usually simpler assessments that utilise data within the public realm to make informed assessments in respect of air quality at the site and specify mitigation if necessary.
Whatever type of air quality assessment we produce, we will provide you with a report suitable for submission to the Local Planning Department. This is usually in the form of a standalone air quality assessment report or may be framed to form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Standards
Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (v1.2) January 2017. View here
A guide to the assessment of air quality impacts on designated nature conservation sites V1.0 June 2019. Click here for guidance
DEFRA Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance (TG22) August 2022. LAQM-Policy-Guidance-2022.pdf (defra.gov.uk)
Request a quote today, or contact us to talk about your requirements.
Excellence from everyone at Miller Goodall!! I have worked with the team since 2019 and they always demonstrate extensive knowledge on acoustic and air quality matters. They effectively communicate complex concepts and are always proactive in identifying potential risks and suggesting solutions. I would definitely recommend to others.
Miller Goodall provided the air dispersion reports exactly as required and to our expectations. We were kept fully briefed of progress from initial appointment to the final report being produced. Other study works was required for the air dispersion modelling which Miller Goodall procured on our behalf. Excellent consultancy service and now a part of our approved list of consultants.
Immediately responsive to our request for a quote, offered a competitive fee and prompt start. Great communication from the start, allowing a quick turnaround for the report. Especially appreciated a reduction in the fee at the end of the process!
Bringing Miller Goodall into your project for your air quality needs means you can be certain that you are meeting the required standards of environmental best practice. We carry out air quality assessments across the whole of the UK and have recently completed projects throughout the north west, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Lancaster, and Merseyside, as well as in Greater London, Bristol, Durham, Rotherham and Newcastle.
Talk to us: info@millergoodall.co.uk