Odour Assessment for Planning Applications
Freshbreeze Environmental Ltd prepares odour assessments and odour management plans for planning applications, commercial kitchens, takeaways and other sites with potential odour impacts. Based in Birmingham, we support projects across the UK with clear reporting and practical mitigation advice.
What is an odour assessment?
An odour assessment considers a source of odour, how it may travel through the surrounding area and the people or places that could be affected. It examines the potential for odour effects and identifies proportionate measures to prevent or reduce them.
When do you need an odour assessment for planning?
The requirement depends on the proposed use, nearby sensitive receptors and the planning authority’s requirements. Common enquiries include a new takeaway or restaurant, changes to kitchen extraction, industrial activities, waste operations and housing proposed near an existing odour source.
Send us the site address, proposal and any planning condition or council comments. We can review the information and confirm a suitable assessment scope before work starts.
Our odour assessment services
- Review of the proposal, potential odour sources and nearby receptors
- Odour risk assessments for planning and changes of use
- Site visits and field odour observations where appropriate
- Review of proposed kitchen extract and odour control arrangements
- Odour management plans and practical mitigation recommendations
- Dispersion modelling where justified by the source and assessment purpose
We select the assessment method to suit the project and relevant IAQM planning guidance. Environmental permitting work may require a different approach under the relevant regulator’s guidance.
Takeaway and commercial kitchen odour assessments
A kitchen extract odour assessment considers the cooking activities, operating hours, extraction system, discharge position and nearby windows or other sensitive locations. These details help establish the potential odour risk and the controls that may be appropriate.
Depending on the project, recommendations may address grease removal, suitable odour treatment, discharge arrangements, maintenance and operating procedures. Carbon filtration alone should not be assumed to make every kitchen extract system suitable.
Where extract fan noise also needs assessment, tell us when requesting a quote so that the required scope can be coordinated. We can also advise on related planning air quality assessments.
Odour assessment questions
How is an odour assessment carried out?
We review the proposed activities, site layout, surrounding land uses and relevant planning requirements. Depending on the case, the work may include a site visit, field odour observations, a qualitative risk assessment or dispersion modelling. Specialist sampling is only included where required and agreed.
Does every odour assessment need dispersion modelling?
No. Modelling is one assessment method. The appropriate approach depends on the source, available information, nearby receptors and the questions the assessment needs to answer.
What is an odour management plan?
An odour management plan records how an operator will prevent and control odour. It can cover source controls, equipment maintenance, inspections, responsibilities, complaint investigation and the response to unexpected events.
How much does an odour assessment cost?
The fee depends on the site, proposed activities, planning requirements and whether visits, sampling or modelling are needed. Freshbreeze provides a project specific quotation with a clear scope and any exclusions.
How long does an odour assessment take?
We confirm the programme after reviewing your information. Timescales depend on the assessment scope, access, the availability of extract system details and any monitoring or modelling required. Please share your planning deadline when enquiring.
What information do you need for an odour assessment quote?
Please send the site address, proposed use, layout and extraction drawings, cooking or process details, operating hours and any planning condition or council comments. Existing assessments and odour complaint records are useful where available.
Request an odour assessment quote
Send your project details to Freshbreeze, email info@freshbreezeeltd.co.uk or call 0121 827 2737. We will confirm the scope, fee and proposed timescale.
Clean Air. Clear Advice. Practical Solutions.
