Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications
An air quality assessment tells you whether a development will affect local air pollution and whether it meets the standards your planning authority expects. At FreshBreeze Environmental, we prepare air quality assessments for planning applications across London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Our reports follow IAQM and DEFRA guidance, so they stand up to scrutiny from planning officers and help your application move forward without avoidable delays.
What is an air quality assessment?
An air quality assessment is a technical report that measures how a proposed development will affect air quality, both during construction and once it’s in use. It looks at pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), compares them against national air quality objectives, and sets out any mitigation needed. Local, regional, or national planning guidance often requires one to support a planning application particularly if your site sits within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
When do you need an air quality assessment for planning?
You’ll usually need an air quality assessment if your development involves any of the following:
- New homes or buildings within, or close to, an Air Quality Management Area
- A scheme that generates significant additional traffic
- Construction or demolition that could produce dust
- On-site combustion plant such as gas boilers, biomass, or combined heat and power (CHP)
- A major development in London that must show Air Quality Neutral compliance under Policy SI1 of the London Plan
If you’re not sure whether your project needs one, we can give you a quick screening opinion before you commit.
What does an air quality assessment involve?
Our assessments follow a clear, three stage process.
Step 1 — Establish the baseline
We measure existing pollution levels around your site using background concentration data and, where needed, on site air quality monitoring such as NO2 diffusion tubes. This tells us the starting point before your development is added.
Step 2 — Assess the impact
We then predict how your development will change local air quality. For schemes with significant traffic or emissions, this involves dispersion modelling using software such as ADMS-Roads — to estimate pollutant concentrations at nearby homes, schools, and other sensitive receptors.
Step 3 — Recommend mitigation
If the assessment shows an impact above acceptable limits, we recommend practical mitigation. That might mean low emission heating such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, improved ventilation, or a construction dust management plan to control dust during the build.
Which pollutants and standards do we assess against?
Air quality assessments in the UK focus mainly on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). We compare predicted levels against the national air quality objectives set out in the UK Air Quality Strategy and, in London, against the requirements of the London Plan. Following IAQM guidance ensures the methodology is one that local planning authorities recognise and accept.
Why choose FreshBreeze for your air quality assessment?
- Planning-ready reports — written to IAQM and DEFRA standards that planning officers trust
- Local knowledge — experience with AQMAs and planning policy across London, Birmingham, and Manchester
- Clear communication — no jargon, just a report you and your planning team can actually use
- Fast turnaround — we work to your planning deadlines and coordinate with your transport consultant to avoid hold-ups
Frequently asked questions
How long does an air quality assessment take?
A screening level assessment is usually ready within two to three weeks. A full assessment with dispersion modelling typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly traffic data is available and how complex the modelling is.
How much does an air quality assessment cost?
A screening assessment for a straightforward development generally starts from around £1,500. A full assessment with modelling for a site in or near an AQMA usually falls between £4,000 and £10,000, depending on scale and complexity. Contact us for a fixed quote for your project.
What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?
An AQMA is an area a local authority has declared because pollution there exceeds national objectives most often for NO2. If your site is in or near one, an air quality assessment is very likely to be required.
Do I need an assessment for a small development?
Sometimes. Even minor developments can need one if they’re inside an AQMA or an Air Quality Focus Area. A quick screening check is the safest way to find out.
Get an air quality assessment for your development
Ready to move your planning application forward? Contact FreshBreeze Environmental for a professional air quality assessment across London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Call 01218272737 or email info@freshbreezeeltd.co.uk for a fixed quote.
