Air Quality Assessments London

Greater London has stringent planning guidance and legislation in terms of air quality impacts and developers must be prepared to address more rigorous demands to meet the requirements of the London Plan.

Our air quality consultants work throughout Greater London and the UK, with a team of fully qualified air quality specialists at your disposal. Our clients include planning consultants, architects, Local Authorities and the Environment Agency, the NHS, schools and universities, major developers, as well as the general public.

Whether your project involves a large scale commercial development or a simple residential scheme, you can rely on our expertise to guide you through the planning process.

Air quality assessments for planning applications

Most of Greater London falls within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). If it does, it's likely you will need an air quality assessment as part of your planning application. Our consultants have extensive experience in air quality assessments for planning. We have longstanding relationships with local authorities and will liaise with them on your behalf to overcome any air quality related issues to satisfy planning conditions. We carry out air quality surveys for residential, commercial and industrial developments, as well as educational and leisure facility planning applications.

Air quality neutral & air quality positive assessments

The requirement for new developments in London to be 'Air Quality Neutral' has been long established in the planning process. The London Plan was updated in 2021 specifying the expectation for large scale developments to be 'Air Quality Positive'. London Planning Guidance sets air quality benchmarks for all developments, in order to ensure that their transport and building emissions do not negatively affect air quality in London. The guidance also outlines a simplified approach for minor developments. Our air quality consultants can guide you through the process to ensure compliance with planning requirements.

Odour assessments for planning applications

If your project is likely to cause an odour that will impact on its surroundings, or if your proposed development is near to any existing odour sources, an odour assessment may be required as part of your planning application.

Our team of air quality consultants are experienced in desktop and field odour assessments (including 'sniff testing') and will work closely with Environmental Health Officers to overcome any odour related issues.

Air quality monitoring

We offer a range of air quality monitoring services including ambient air quality monitoring, passive nitrogen oxide diffusion tube monitoring, emissions monitoring, dust and PM10 monitoring, as well as indoor air quality monitoring services.

Appropriate air quality monitoring is essential to ensure compliance with emission limit values as well as local and national air quality objectives.

Environmental permit applications

Environmental permits are needed for any activities that may cause pollution to the atmosphere, water or land.

Many industrial processes release pollution with a potential to adversely impact the surrounding environment and health of local residents. Industrial processes are therefore tightly regulated in order to minimise (and appropriately manage) their impact on the local environment.

We offer a wide range of services to support any permitting requirements. Our experienced air quality consultants can propose mitigation strategies to limit potential environmental impacts and aid compliance with regulations.

Dispersion modelling

We use sophisticated, industry recognised air quality dispersion modelling software where required for our air quality and odour assessments.

Dispersion modelling allows us to accurately demonstrate how pollutants will disperse in the atmosphere, and provides an estimate of the pollutant concentrations at nearby receptors e.g. local residents, hospitals, schools and sensitive ecological sites. The modelling takes into account local weather conditions, building layouts and topography resulting in accurate identification of any site-specific issues.

Dispersion modelling of atmospheric emissions is regularly requested for planning and environmental permit applications as well as for maintaining compliance.

Dust assessments & dust management plans

Dust can be generated from a number of sources including construction and demolition, mineral extraction and quarrying, as well as waste management and other industrial processes.

Consideration of dust is an important part of the planning process. Excessive dust production can not only lead to complaints, but can also have a detrimental impact on human health and ecological habitats.

indoor air quality assessment manchester

Indoor air quality assessments

Our indoor and workplace air quality assessments can investigate common internal pollutants such as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), formaldehyde, moulds and bacteria, dust, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

We can provide workplace exposure monitoring for COSHH Regulations, as well as air quality monitoring for BREEAM ( Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).

Carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments

The climate change and global warming crisis has led to an increased awareness of our carbon footprint. We work closely with businesses and organisations to assess carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and deliver carbon neutral strategies.

Carbon and greenhouse gas assessments are often required for planning applications and environmental permits for commercial and industrial developments.

London Planning Guidance & Air Quality

Listed below are some of the main legislation and planning guidance documents in relation to London air quality planning requirements:

The London Plan (2021) – the spatial development strategy for Greater London.
City of London Local Plan (2015)

City of London Air Quality Strategy – Delivering healthy air in the City of London (2019-2024).

Our air quality and odour assessment services cover:

Planning Applications – air quality and odour assessments in support of planning applications for residential developments, commercial or industrial developments. Air quality screening assessments, emissions statements, damage cost calculations.
Environmental Permit Applications – air quality assessments and monitoring in support of permitting for recycling and waste management facilities, industrial processes, combustion plant, incineration, mines and quarrying waste .
Odour Assessments – food processing, restaurants and takeaways, sewage treatment, intensive animal farming, waste management, industrial processes.
Bioaerosol Risk Assessments – for permitting and ensuring compliance.
Stack Emissions Monitoring – for compliance with environmental legislation.
Complaints Investigation – odour, fumes, dust and smoke.
Air Quality Management Plans – for dust, odour and emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions - Air Quality & Odour Assessments

What is an air quality assessment?

An air quality assessment will typically determine the baseline air quality of a given area. The survey will also include sensitive receptors (e.g. residents or ecological habitats) that may be affected by altered air quality as a result of the construction of a project, or by the operation of that project once developed.

When do I need an air quality assessment?

If your project falls within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), or your project is likely to create dust or emissions during the construction or its subsequent operation, you are likely to require an air quality assessment as part of a planning application.

How much does an air quality assessment cost?

We carry out a number of different types of air quality survey on projects of varying size so costs can vary. However, we pride ourselves on being competitive and providing you with cost-effective solutions. Our air quality surveys are based on a flat fee with no hidden extra charges. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and get a fast quotation.

How much does an odour assessment cost?

We carry different types of odour assessments so costs can vary. We aim to be competitive and provide you with cost-effective solutions. Our odour surveys are based on a flat fee with no hidden extra charges. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and get a fast, no obligation quote.

How long does it take to carry out an air quality assessment?

This is dependent on the project and the type of air quality assessment being carried out, but we aim to carry out your noise survey and produce your report within two weeks of instruction. However, if you have a specific tight deadline, we will endeavour to meet it.

How long does it take to carry out an odour assessment?

This is dependent on the nature of the project and the type of odour assessment being carried out. If site work is required, adverse weather conditions can have an effect on timeframes. However we do aim to complete the survey within two weeks of instruction. If you have a specific deadline, please contact us and we will endeavour to fulfil your requirements.

What is an air quality screening assessment?

An air quality screening assessment will seek to determine the potential for significant air quality impacts as a result of emissions from the development and identify any requirement for further air quality assessment. Existing air quality conditions at the site are assessed through consideration of the following factors: (1) Air Quality Management Area (AMQA) designations; (2) Proximity to significant pollution sources; (3) Local monitoring results; and, (4) Background pollutant concentration predictions. The findings are subsequently used to determine the potential for Air Quality Objective (AQO) levels to be exceeded at the development location and any requirement for mitigation. The screening assessment will also consider the potential for air quality impacts as a result of road traffic exhaust emissions associated with vehicles travelling to and from the site during operation and again, any requirement for mitigation.

How is an air quality assessment carried out?

Depending on the size, location and type of development, an air quality assessment can range from a simple screening assessment or a detailed air quality assessment involving dispersion modelling. Usually, air quality assessments for planning applications are 'desktop studies', although in certain scenarios, site visits may be necessary e.g. if the local authority have requested air quality monitoring.

Why choose NoiseAir?

Family business with over 35 years experience in the field
Professional service with fast turnaround times
Our air quality consultants are members of the Institution of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Air Quality Management.
Cost-effective solutions and advice

Case Studies

Please click on the links to view some of our recent air quality and odour assessments in Greater London:

Air quality assessment Wandsworth, London - diffusion tube monitoring for a residential planning application.
Air quality assessment Uxbridge, London - planning application for a mixed-use development
Odour assessment Sidcup, London - planning application for installation of a new commercial kitchen extraction system.
Odour assessment Penge, London - planning application for a residential development

Coverage across Greater London

Our air quality consultants offer air quality and odour assessments across Greater London including the City of London, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest, Haringey, Enfield, Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon

We are always prepared to give you sound, jargon-free advice.

If you are not quite sure what type of air quality assessment you need, please get in touch to speak to an expert.