Air quality is a material consideration in planning applications when:
- a development is likely to cause a deterioration in local air quality
- a development is located in an area of poor air quality
- granting planning permission would conflict with, or render unworkable, elements of an air quality action plan.
- the construction/demolition phase of the development would have a significant impact on the locality.
Air Quality Assessments
The Pollution Control Group within Lewisham Council requires an Air Quality Assessment to be carried out where a significant change in air quality is expected or anticipated, as a result of a property development.
There will also be a need to assess air quality implications where a significant change in exposure to pollution is anticipated. For example, the building of residential properties in an area of poor air quality.
When should an Air Quality Assessment be considered?
The following cases offer some guidance on when an Air Quality Assessment should be considered:
- proposals that will result in increased congestion, or a change in traffic volumes and/or vehicle speed
- proposals that would significantly alter the traffic composition in an area, such as bus stations, HGV parks and new road layouts
- proposals that include new car, coach or lorry parks.
- developments which may affect sensitive areas or areas of poor air quality.
This is not a definitive list and the decision as to whether an assessment is required should be based on the physical characteristics of the proposal and/or the changes in traffic flows.
Where an Air Quality Assessment is required, a report comprising the results of the assessment and recommendations for minimising or eliminating the impact on the local area must be produced.
The Air Quality Assessment must be submitted through the Planning Department before an application will be considered. Where necessary, we may appoint independent consultants to review an assessment.
Preparing an Air Quality Assessment
The intention of an Air Quality Assessment is to demonstrate the likely changes in air quality as a result of a proposed development.
Ultimately, it is for the Council to decide the significance of the air quality impacts, and therefore the priority given to air quality concerns in deciding the application. The assessment therefore needs to provide sufficient information to allow this decision to be made.
The basis of the assessment should be to compare the existing situation with that following completion of the development (with other planned developments included) and determine the changes in air quality expected.
The assessment will need to compare predicted pollutant concentrations with relevant air quality objectives. It should take into account current and proposed limits of the Air Quality Strategy objectives.
You can contact the Pollution Control team for advice on preparing an Air Quality Assessment, and we advise you to do so.
Controlling emissions from construction and demolition sites
In order to minimise or eliminate the impact on members of the public from the construction phase of any development, developers should contact the Pollution Control Team to discuss the groups requirements.
London boroughs have joined forces to produce a Draft Best Practice Guide:
"The control of dust and emissions from construction and demolition sites".
This document should be followed when completing a method statement for the construction phase of a new property development.