A Beginners Guide to Carrying Out an Air Quality Assessment
Poor air quality, human health and the environment
Air pollution can cause both short term and long term effects on health and many of us are becoming increasingly concerned about pollution in the air that we breathe. As a parent myself, I can understand the concerns of parents, careers and healthcare professionals who look after children and adults alike, that are sensitive to the effects of air pollution.
What is an Air Quality Assessment
In the UK, the planning system has a key and important role to play in both improving air quality and also reducing exposure to air pollution, through the development of local planning policies and also through the determination of individual planning applications. The planning system recognizes that air quality is a material planning consideration, however the weight given to air quality depends on a variety of factors including not only the severity of the impacts on air quality but also the local air quality within the surrounding environment. Whilst it is important to incorporate good practice to reduce emissions and exposure into all developments, not all developments will meet the criteria for needing an assessment, with only “major” developments requiring an air quality assessment. The purpose being to inform the decision making process with regard to a particular development. It is therefore good practice to engage with the Local Planning Authority as well as an air quality specialist to gain agreement on the need of an air quality assessment.
Guidance I use
As a Member of the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) I belong to a network of professionals and experts in the field of air quality. As an organization, the IAQM provides extensive guidance which promotes knowledge and understanding of best working practices in the field. In particular the Guidance on Land-use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality (2017) provides guidance to ensure that air quality is adequately considered in the land-use planning and development control process.
Procedure for evaluating new developments
The requirement for an air quality assessment may be to assess the impact of local air quality on the proposed development itself in order to assess the exposure that residents or users might experience. There may also be the requirement to assess the impacts of the development itself on the local area. When considering whether an air quality assessment may be needed you need to take into account:
- The background and future baseline air quality;
- The presence of an Air Quality Management Area;
- If there is likely to be more than 10 residential units or a site area of more than 0.5ha;
- If there will be more than 1,000 metres squared of floor space for all other uses;
- Whether there will be more than 10 parking spaces;
- Whether there will be a centralized energy facility;
- Whether the development is likely to cause a significant change in Light and Heavy Duty Vehicles; and
- Whether there will be a realignment of roads.
Better by design
It is important that developments are designed for good air quality. A good strategy is to incorporate air quality positive mitigation measures into the design. Measures can include:
- Incorporating green infrastructure (such as green walls);
- Designing appropriate green space;
- Encouraging active travel through incorporating good walkways and cycle paths into the design; and
- Access to electric charging points.
