In UK construction and development, dust isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a planning consideration. For sites near residential areas, schools, or other sensitive receptors, developers must demonstrate how dust will be managed during construction to avoid delays, objections, or enforcement.
That’s where a risk assessment for dust becomes essential. It forms a key part of Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) and supports planning applications by showing that your project will not cause unacceptable environmental harm.
At Hawkins Environmental, we specialise in delivering dust risk assessments that help developers meet local authority requirements while protecting the surrounding environment.
What Is a Risk Assessment For Dust?
In the context of planning and development, a dust risk assessment evaluates:
- The likelihood of dust being generated during construction or demolition
- The potential impact on nearby receptors (e.g. residents, schools, healthcare facilities)
- Site-specific factors such as wind direction, topography, and proximity to sensitive areas
- Appropriate dust control and mitigation measures
This assessment is typically included in environmental reports submitted during the planning process, especially for:
- Major developments
- Projects in urban or densely populated areas
- Sites near Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs)
When Is a Dust Risk Assessment Required?
Local planning authorities often request a risk assessment for dust:
- As part of an Air Quality Assessment
- Within a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
- In response to potential air quality impacts flagged during pre-application discussions or Environmental Health reviews
Failing to submit an adequate assessment can delay planning approval or result in added planning conditions requiring post-submission remediation.
What Does Hawkins Environmental Provide?
Our risk assessment for dust is tailored for planning and environmental compliance—not occupational health. We offer:
Site-Specific Risk Evaluation
We consider factors such as:
- Proximity to sensitive receptors
- Ground conditions and construction phase activities
- Local meteorological data
- Existing air quality context (e.g. AQMAs)
Mitigation Planning
We provide clear, practical advice aligned with IAQM (Institute of Air Quality Management) guidance, including:
- Dust suppression techniques (e.g. damping down, hoarding)
- Site management protocols
- Monitoring strategies for high-risk phases
Planning-Ready Reporting
All assessments are formatted for inclusion in air quality reports, CEMPs, or standalone submissions to meet local authority standards.
Why Does Dust Matter in Planning?
Dust generated during demolition or construction can lead to:
- Complaints from local residents
- Impacts on vulnerable populations (children, elderly, or those with respiratory conditions)
- Negative press and reputational damage
- Planning enforcement or stop notices if mitigation is deemed inadequate
By proactively assessing and mitigating these risks, developers not only protect communities—they also reduce the risk of planning complications.
Key Scenarios Requiring Dust Assessments
You’ll likely need a risk assessment for dust if your project:
- Includes demolition or excavation
- Is near homes, schools, or care homes
- Is located within or near an AQMA
- Will involve prolonged construction activities
We can advise during pre-application or submission phases and liaise directly with your planning consultants or architects.
Visit our Air Quality Assessment page to learn more about how we support compliant, low-impact development.
Phone: 01256 522332
Email: enquiry@hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk
Risk Assessment for Dust FAQs
Q1: Is a risk assessment for dust the same as a workplace dust exposure assessment?
A1: No. We do not provide occupational hygiene or COSHH assessments. Our dust risk assessments focus on environmental impacts in the context of planning and construction.
Q2: Will my project need one?
A2: If your site is in a sensitive location, involves demolition, or is subject to planning conditions, a dust risk assessment may be required. We can confirm based on your project scope.
Q3: Do you provide CEMPs that include dust management?
A3: Yes. We offer full Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) that incorporate dust, noise, and other environmental controls required by planning authorities.