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Air quality affects us all, and there is extensive evidence to show that poor air quality has substantial health implications, affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This has been recognised through various legislative acts, which has in turn influenced both national and local planning policy. As a result, air quality assessments are frequently requested by local authorities to support planning and environmental permit applications.

Air quality assessments come in 3 types and build on one another with the least extensive being Baseline Air Quality Assessments and continuing with Standard Air Quality Dispersion Assessments and Air Quality Impact (Sensitive Receptor) Assessments. All Air Quality Assessments contain Construction Phase Dust Assessments and developments within London also contain Air Quality Neutral Assessments.  

Baseline Air Quality Assessments also known as Air Quality Screening Assessments are suitable for smaller developments that are likely to have minimal impact on the surrounding air quality. It contains no dispersion model so instead looks at surrounding monitoring stations and background pollutant concentrations  to assess whether a more extensive assessment is required.  

Standard Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Assessments are suitable for most developments, they include a dispersion model used to predict emission concentrations on the proposed development. If emission concentrations surpass legislation limits, Emission Mitigation is required and may be required to carry out an Air Quality Impact Assessment.

Air Quality Impact (Sensitive Receptor) Assessments are suitable for larger developments and for developments that do not pass the Standard Air Quality Dispersion Modelling Assessment requirements. They assess the impact the proposed development will have on surrounding sensitive receptors. It also contains a dispersion model and can be accompanied with Emission Mitigation.

Emission Mitigation outlines measures and strategies specific to a development that will be implemented to mitigate emissions. Damage cost calculations accompany emission mitigation statements to indicate the level of mitigation required to offset emissions generated by a development.

Dust emissions are generated by various sources and pose a potential health hazard to individuals exposed to them. Additionally, dust may accumulate on nearby surfaces, resulting in unsightly fouling. To address these concerns, Construction Dust Phase Assessments have been introduced to identify and manage the impact of these emissions on their surroundings. These proactive measures serve to minimise potential harm to public health and protect the aesthetic integrity of surrounding areas.

The Air Quality Neutral Assessment was introduced by the London Plan and aims to reduce emissions by requiring that development proposals must be Air Quality Neutral. Developments are assessed in relation to two benchmarks: Building Emission Benchmark (BEB) and Transport Emission Benchmark (TEB). When NOx and PM10 emissions from a proposed development fall below these benchmarks, it is considered air quality neutral.