Air Quality Assessments Cambridge

Cambridge City Council is targeting a reduction in air pollution across the city centre as the city continues to grow, as outlined in the Cambridge Air Quality Action Plan. The health implications of poor air quality are well established, meaning that developers must comply with planning requirements to ensure that their development does not adversely impact the local air quality.

Our air quality consultants work throughout Cambridgeshire, with an experienced team of air quality specialists at your disposal. Our clients include architects and planners, local councils, the Environment Agency, schools, universities, hospitals, major developers, as well as the general public.

Whether your project involves a large scale new development or a simple residential conversion, you can rely on our expertise to support you with your project.

Air quality assessments for planning applications in Cambridge

A large proportion of Cambridge city centre has been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) by Cambridge City Council. If your project falls within an AQMA, you will usually need an air quality assessment as part of your planning application. However, even developments falling outside an AQMA may require an assessment to support a planning application. Our consultants longstanding relationships with Cambridge City Council and will liaise with them on your behalf to overcome any air quality related planning issues.

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 odour assessments 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.

Dispersion modelling

Where detailed dispersion modelling is required by the local authority, we use industry recognised, sophisticated air quality dispersion modelling software 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 pollution concentration levels at nearby receptors e.g. local residents or businesses. 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 usually requested for planning and environmental permit applications as well as for maintaining compliance.

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.

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 health.

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.

Cambridge Planning Guidance & Air Quality

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

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.
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, businesses or locations) 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.

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 Cambridge:

Air quality assessment Cambridge City Centre - planning application for a mixed use development.
Air quality assessment - Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - planning application for proposed residential development
Workplace air quality monitoring - Cambridge - dust and VOC assessment for HSE requirements.
Odour assessment - Cambridge - planning application for residential development within close proximity to a number of restaurant and takeaway kitchen extraction flues.

Coverage across Cambridge City Centre and Cambridgeshire

Our air quality consultants offer air quality and odour assessment services across Cambridge including Abbey, Arbury, Castle, Cherry Hinton, Coleridge, East Chesterton, King's Hedges, Market, Newnham, Petersfield, Queen Edith's, Romsey, Trumpington, and West Chesterton, Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots, Ely, Wisbech, Whittlesey.

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

If you are not quite sure what you need give us a call, or complete the form and we will get back to you.