Air Quality Neutral Assessments for London Developments

An Air Quality Neutral assessment checks whether a proposed London development meets the Greater London Authority’s benchmarks for building and transport emissions. It supports planning submissions under London Plan Policy SI 1. Freshbreeze Environmental Ltd reviews the proposal, relevant exclusions and assessment route before confirming the scope and fee.

Request an Air Quality Neutral assessment quote

Do you need an Air Quality Neutral assessment?

London’s guidance includes exclusions and a simplified route for certain minor schemes. The borough’s requirements and emission sources determine the appropriate submission. Size alone does not establish an exemption.

Send us the proposal and any planning officer comments, validation request or condition. We will review the information and identify the assessment route before preparing a quotation.

How are building and transport emissions assessed?

The Building Emissions Benchmark (BEB) addresses energy related emissions. The Transport Emissions Benchmark (TEB) addresses relevant private vehicle travel. The two benchmarks are assessed separately. Where a benchmark is exceeded, design changes should be considered first. Any remaining requirement for mitigation or offsetting must follow the GLA guidance and be agreed with the planning authority.

We explain the calculations, assumptions and design information used so that your planning team can understand the findings.

When should you commission the assessment?

Seek advice while the design, heating and transport arrangements are being developed. Tell us your submission deadline and which details are still being finalised. We can then identify the information required and agree a programme that fits the project.

What information does Freshbreeze need for a quote?

• The site address, London borough and planning reference, if available.
• A description of the existing and proposed development, including uses, dwelling numbers and floorspace.
• Site plans and relevant drawings.
• The proposed heating, hot water and energy arrangements, including any combustion plant or generators.
• Parking provision and the transport information available.
• Planning conditions, council comments, previous reports and your required deadline.

Send the information you have. We will identify gaps and confirm the proposed work, exclusions, fee and delivery programme before starting.

How Freshbreeze supports your planning team

• Review the proposal, available information and the assessment requested.
• Prepare the agreed assessment with clear calculations and supporting assumptions.
• Explain any further information or design measures needed to address the findings.
• Coordinate related planning air quality assessments, dispersion modelling or construction dust assessments where included in the agreed scope.

Air Quality Neutral assessment questions

Does Air Quality Neutral mean zero pollution?

No. It means meeting the relevant emissions benchmarks. It does not mean that a development has no emissions.

Is Air Quality Neutral the same as a full air quality assessment?

No. Benchmark calculations and assessment of local pollution effects or exposure answer different questions. A project may need both.

How much does an Air Quality Neutral assessment cost?

The fee depends on the scheme and information available. Send your plans and planning requirements for a project specific quote, with the scope and any exclusions clearly stated.

How long will the assessment take?

We confirm the programme after reviewing the proposal and data requirements. Please share your planning deadline and the availability of energy and transport information when enquiring.

Can you help with an Air Quality Neutral planning condition?

Send the exact condition, approved plans and previous reports. We will review the work needed for the submission and confirm the proposed scope. The planning authority decides whether to approve the submitted details.

Does Freshbreeze cover London boroughs?

Yes. Freshbreeze Environmental Ltd is based in Birmingham and supports planning projects across London and elsewhere in the UK. Share the site address so that we can check the relevant local requirements.

Which London policies and professional guidance apply?

• London Plan Policy SI 1: the London Plan’s air quality policy provides the strategic planning requirements.
• GLA Air Quality Neutral guidance: the adopted February 2023 London Plan Guidance sets the building and transport benchmarks and explains the assessment routes, exclusions and mitigation approach.
• Borough requirements: the relevant borough’s adopted Local Plan, validation list, supplementary guidance and project specific planning conditions must also be checked.
• IAQM and IES: relevant published IAQM technical guidance supports any wider assessment of air quality impacts and exposure. This includes EPUK and IAQM Planning for Air Quality. The IAQM is part of the IES family; the London neutrality benchmarks are set by the GLA.

We check the IAQM published guidance register and the guidance relevant to the project at the time of instruction. Meeting Air Quality Neutral benchmarks does not, by itself, resolve every potential local air quality impact.

Discuss your London development

Send your site details for a quote, email info@freshbreezeeltd.co.uk or call 0121 827 2737.

Clean Air. Clear Advice. Practical Solutions.