Background
ADA Architects Limited commissioned Anderson Acoustics to conduct an air quality assessment and develop a ventilation scheme for the proposed residential and office development at 912 – 920 High Road, Finchley, Barnet, London.
This assessment was necessary to discharge planning condition 15 of the consent for application 20/1360/FUL
What we did
The primary objectives of the project were to:
- Assess the air quality at the development site
- Determine the impact of existing sources of pollution on future occupants
- Develop a ventilation strategy to ensure suitable indoor air quality
The site was occupied by White Rose Motors and two residential flats. The proposed development included the retention of the ground floor, demolition of the first floor, and construction of a six-storey building with 24 self-contained residential units, office space, and basement parking.
Air Quality Policy and Criteria
The assessment focused on pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Air Quality Assessment
The development site is located in an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) but outside an Air Quality Focus Area (AQFA). The assessment used modelled and measured NO2 and PM10 concentrations to determine the air quality at the site. The results indicated that the concentrations were within the annual mean objectives for NO2 and PM10 and that a natural or hybrid ventilation strategy could be used, without the need for filtration.
Ventilation Strategy
Given the air quality results, a natural ventilation strategy or a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system was recommended. The strategy included:
- Ultra-low NOx gas boilers for residential space and water heating
- Proper placement of boiler flues and car park extraction systems to avoid emissions being drawn into ventilation inlets
- Provision of electric vehicle charging bays to minimise emissions from the car park areas
Conclusions
The air quality assessment and ventilation strategy ensured that the development would provide a healthy living environment for future occupants. The project successfully met the requirements of planning condition 15 and adhered to relevant air quality policies and guidelines.
Project Progress
Barnet London Borough Council approved details of condition 15 (Air pollution mitigation measures) on 13th September 2022 allowing the project to move forward.
