If you’re a planning consultant in the UK, you may be asked to provide air quality assessments for planning applications. Whether you’re developing housing near a busy road or building within or near an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), these reports are essential to show that your development won’t compromise the health of future residents or the wider community.
In this guide, we break down everything developers, architects, and planning consultants need to know about air quality assessments for planning applications, including when they’re required, what they involve, and how Hawkins Environmental can support your project from start to finish.
What Are Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications?
An air quality assessment is a technical report that evaluates the impact of a proposed development on local air quality—and vice versa. It determines whether predicted levels of pollutants, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), will exceed the objectives set by UK legislation.
These assessments are often requested by local authorities as part of the planning process, especially for sites located in or near an AQMA, or developments expected to generate significant traffic.
Why Are Air Quality Assessments Required for Planning Applications?
Local authorities are legally required to consider air quality when deciding planning applications. If your proposed development is likely to introduce new emission sources—such as increased traffic—or is located in an area with existing pollution concerns, an air quality report for planning is usually mandatory.
Common planning triggers include:
- Residential developments near motorways, busy A roads, or major junctions
- Projects in or adjacent to Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)
- Mixed-use or commercial schemes with car parks or delivery access
- Developments affecting traffic flow or congestion levels
- Large housing or retail schemes likely to increase local vehicle trips
Without a properly prepared environmental air quality assessment, your application risks being delayed or refused.
What Do Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications Include?
At Hawkins Environmental, we provide comprehensive air quality assessments for planning applications that are aligned with local and national guidance, including DEFRA, IAQM, and EPUK.
A typical assessment includes:
- Review of the development proposal and planning context
- Baseline air quality data from local monitoring and DEFRA maps
- Modelling of pollutant concentrations using software such as ADMS-Roads
- Assessment against UK Air Quality Objectives and Local Air Quality Action Plans
- Clear identification of whether mitigation is needed
- Recommendations tailored to planning authority expectations
We also identify cumulative impacts and can provide air quality screening reports for smaller-scale proposals.
When Should You Commission an Air Quality Assessment?
Ideally, an air quality planning report should be commissioned early in the planning process—before submission. This allows any required mitigation to be integrated into the design.
If a local authority screens your application and requests a report, delays can occur if you’re not prepared. By proactively including a report, especially for high-risk sites, you’re more likely to secure a faster decision and avoid costly redesigns.
What Happens if Air Quality Objectives Are Exceeded?
If the modelling shows that air quality standards will be exceeded—either on-site or as a result of the development—Hawkins Environmental can propose mitigation measures, which may include:
- Improved building layout or orientation
- Mechanical ventilation systems or sealed façades
- Reduction of parking provision
- EV charging points and green infrastructure
- Travel plans to reduce reliance on car use
In most cases, planning authorities are open to negotiation if you’re able to demonstrate clear, credible action to address potential impacts.
Why Choose Hawkins Environmental?
We specialise in air quality assessments for planning applications, offering:
- Rapid turnaround on reports
- Fully compliant assessments for both small and large developments
- Clear, accessible language that satisfies planning officers
- Honest advice on whether a site is likely to pass
- Tailored mitigation advice that supports approval
Whether you need a screening report or full dispersion modelling, we’ll guide you through every step.
Learn more: Air Quality Assessments
Call us: 01256 522332
Email: enquiry@hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk
Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications FAQs
Q1: When are air quality assessments for planning applications required?
A1: It’s typically required if your development is located in or near an AQMA, involves increased vehicle traffic, or is of a certain size. Local authorities will determine this based on local and national guidance.
Q2: How long does it take to complete an air quality assessment?
A2: A typical report takes 5–10 working days, but more complex sites that require full modelling may take longer. Early commissioning helps avoid planning delays.
Q3: Can you still get planning approval if the air quality is poor?
A3: Yes—provided appropriate mitigation measures are proposed. Hawkins Environmental can advise on design and operational changes to reduce impacts and help gain approval even in sensitive locations.