Air Quality Assessment for Planning

Air Quality Assessment Planning: What Information Must Be Included?

The information included in an Air Quality Management Assessment (AQMA) will vary depending on whether a basic or detailed air quality statement is required.

The AQMA should outline measures to mitigate impacts to an acceptable level, with actions proportionate to the scale and nature of the development.

• All Air Quality Assessments, particularly those focused on dust, must comply with the GLA policy The Control of Dust and Emissions During Demolition and Construction 2014.

• For sites identified as having a high or medium dust impact risk, real-time dust (PM10) monitoring is mandatory, using MCERTS ‘Indicative’ monitoring equipment.

Additionally, any site requiring real-time dust monitoring must conduct a three-month baseline monitoring period before any construction or demolition activities can commence on site.



What to Expect in an Air Quality Management Assessment

• Evaluation of the Baseline Air Quality: This involves measuring and analysing the current air quality conditions. It establishes a benchmark by identifying the existing levels of key pollutants such as NO2, PM10, and PM2.5, before any development activities begin. 
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• Assessment of Potential Air Quality Impacts During the Construction Phase: This step focuses on predicting how construction activities, such as demolition, earthworks, and vehicle movements, may impact local air quality. 
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• Assessment of Potential Air Quality Impacts During the Operational Phase: This involves forecasting the long-term effects of the development once it is operational, including emissions from increased traffic, energy use, or industrial processes. 
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• Identify Mitigation Measures (as Required) in Accordance with Relevant Guidance: If the assessment identifies significant impacts, this step outlines strategies to mitigate or minimise these effects. Mitigation measures could include controlling dust during construction, improving traffic management, using cleaner technologies, or incorporating green spaces.
  

Why Choose Ultra Protect for Air Quality Planning?

Navigating the complexities of UK air quality regulations can be challenging, but Ultra Protect makes it simple.

With a deep understanding of UK-specific legislation and guidelines, we ensure your project complies with all relevant standards, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the UK Air Quality Standards Regulations, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Our tailored air quality assessments are designed to meet the unique demands of each development, ensuring a seamless planning process.

By choosing Ultra Protect, you benefit from:

• Our specialists are well-versed in the latest UK regulations, including the Control of Dust and Emissions During Demolition and Construction (GLA 2014) and local Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs), ensuring your project remains fully compliant.

• We provide customised air quality assessments to match the scale and nature of your development, helping you address specific regulatory requirements and minimise environmental impact.

• We deliver precise monitoring results, including real-time dust (PM10) monitoring, in line with the highest UK standards (MCERTS).

• From baseline assessments to mitigation strategies and post-construction monitoring, we offer end-to-end support to help you avoid costly delays and ensure successful project approval.

Choose Ultra Protect to meet UK air quality planning requirements confidently with expert guidance and reliable solutions.

Odour Assessments & Air Quality Planning

Ultra Protect has extensive experience in Odour Assessments.

Odour emissions are potentially generated from multiple sources, including:



• Commercial kitchens, restaurants and fast-food outlets.
• Intensive livestock farming and slurry management.
• Abattoirs.
• Wastewater and sewage treatment.
• Waste management and incineration.
• Composting facilities.
• Several industrial processes.

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

Our consultants have developed longstanding relationships with local authorities and Environmental Health Officers and will happily liaise with them on your behalf to overcome any potential odour issues.

We aim to give your planning application the best chance of approval, first time.

UK Regulations & Noise Assessments

At Ultra Protect, we offer a variety of noise monitoring services, from investigating unusual sounds to monitoring demolition site noise. Whatever your needs, we have the right solution for you.



• Up to Two Site Visits: We’ll conduct up to two thorough site visits to assess the noise environment and gather accurate data.

• Noise Monitoring: Monitoring will be carried out at key locations on-site to capture relevant noise data.

• Data Analysis: We use leading software and calibrated equipment to analyse noise data, ensuring high accuracy and compliance.

• Acoustic Report: A detailed technical report will outline noise levels, impacts, and regulatory compliance.

• Mitigation Measures: If needed, we’ll recommend effective noise reduction solutions tailored to your project.

• Liaison with Authorities: We’ll handle communication with local authorities, ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the process.

BS4142 – Rating of industrial noise, required to investigate the impact of a noise source that is located or is proposed to be located close to any residential dwellings. You may be required to carry out a daytime or a night-time BS4142 noise assessment.

Pro PG (Professional Practice Guidance on Planning and Noise) – Used for assessing the impact of transportation noise on a new residential development. This could be a new build scheme or a change of use.

PPG 24 – Environmental Planning Guidance, required to investigate the suitability of land for the building of residential housing (or change of use), considering any existing noise source such as roads, motorways, railways or nearby factory workings etc. Noise testing is normally carried out over a 24-hour representative period.

BS8233:2014 – identifies appropriate internal and external noise levels for bedrooms, living spaces and gardens for daytime and night-time. It also provides guidance on sound insulation design.

Noise Policy Statement for England (NPSE) – sets out the long-term vision of government noise policy.

BB93 Building Bulletin – School and College Acoustics - A document that provides guidance on acoustic treatments for school building design. Typically, we would carry out noise measurements to establish the internal reverberance of a classroom or a lecture theatre to check it complies with building criteria and conforms to the above document.

WHO Guidelines – The World Health Organisation is the leading authority on research on the detrimental health effects of excessive noise exposure. The WHO guidelines highlight acceptable noise levels in bedrooms conducive to undisturbed sleep patterns for occupants.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – advises on how planning can manage potential noise impacts in a new development.