Background
The West Wickham Library project involved extending the existing library building and developing a small housing project on the land behind the library.
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned by Brimelow McSweeney Architects to conduct an air quality assessment to ensure the development’s compliance with air quality policies and mitigate any potential negative impacts.
What we did
We conducted a comprehensive air quality assessment, including:
- Evaluating the site’s suitability based on modelled NO2 and PM10 concentrations.
- Conducting a dust risk assessment to identify and mitigate potential dust emissions during construction
Key Findings
The assessment revealed that the site was suitable for development, with pollutant concentrations below the annual mean objectives for NO2 and PM10.
The proposed development was also found to be ‘air quality neutral’ and ‘air quality positive’, with minimal use of combustion plant and sustainable transport measures.
Mitigation Measures
To minimize the impact on air quality, the following measures were implemented:
- Use of air source heat pumps and electric heaters for space and water heating.
- Secure cycle parking to encourage sustainable transport.
- Comprehensive dust and air quality mitigation strategies during construction
Outcome
The development was deemed compliant with relevant air quality policies, ensuring a healthy environment for future occupants and the surrounding community
Project Progress
London Borough of Bromley Council granted planning permission on 26th May 2022 allowing the project to move forward. Planning condition 31 required the development to be carried out in accordance with the dust and emissions management measures detailed in the air quality assessment.
