Anderson Acoustics staff have extensive experience and expertise in air quality from local authority, principal contractor, and engineering consultancy roles and have provided representation in public inquiries, examination in public and petitioners’ representation to the Secretary of State.
An air quality assessment is typically required for any development that could significantly impact air quality, either directly or indirectly. This often involves developments that meet any of the following:
Local authorities have a legal duty to review and assess air quality within a proposed development. Depending on the size, location, and proposed use of the development, air quality may be affected and consequently an air quality assessment may be a requirement for validation of a planning application.
The planning decision notice may also include planning conditions for further air quality information or assessment to take into account the detailed design stage of the development following planning permission or appointment of a contractor and the construction methodology being established.
A ‘Simple’ Air Quality Assessment is an assessment which relies on already published information and without quantification of impacts, where the potential for significant effects is unlikely.
Our Simple AQA includes:
A Detailed Air Quality Assessment is typically required to determine quantification of impacts from the development with the aid of dispersion modelling. To establish whether a Detailed assessment is required, screening of indicative criteria is required. A detailed assessment is usually, but not always, required when the development:
A detailed air quality assessment is most often required when the criteria for a net increase in AADT vehicle movements is exceeded.
In addition to the above, Local Planning Authorities often require dispersion modelling for developments that create, or are within, street canyons. These street canyons, formed by tall buildings on either side, can trap traffic emissions and significantly elevate pollutant concentrations. Dispersion modelling will assess the impact of the development on existing and future human-health sensitive and/or ecological receptors.
Air Quality Neutral (AQN) Assessments are required for all new developments in Greater London, as stated within the London Plan, specifically Policy SI1. The assessment compares the emissions from the development’s transport and building emissions to a set of benchmarks. If the development’s emissions exceed the benchmarks, then it is not considered AQN.
Although AQN assessments are required for all developments in London, in some cases, a more simplified procedure can be completed for minor developments including:
When is an Emissions Mitigation Assessment (EMA) required?
An EMA ensures that a proposal includes sufficient mitigation, relative to its location, scale and design in terms of the environmental damage costs of the emissions if the development meets certain, varying criteria. They are often required within a Simple Air Quality Assessment or as a standalone assessment by several Local Authorities. The mitigation measures are often secured through a planning condition for an Emissions Mitigation Statement (EMS). The requirement is usually within supplementary planning documents or guidance on air quality and emissions for planning.
The following are some of the Local Authorities that require an EMA and/or EMS as stated within their air quality guidance:
When is Low Emissions Strategy (LES) required?
Low Emission Strategies are sometimes required for Masterplan developments and is a broader, more comprehensive plan aimed at reducing both air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions. It promotes the adoption of low-emission technologies and fuels, across sectors and includes policies for sustainable development. LES often run for the period of operation of the development and have periodic review.
When is a Dust Management Plan (DMP) required?
A DMP is frequently required while applying for planning permission for new developments or extensions to mineral sites. DMPs are typically produced following the outcome of a dust assessment (often carried out within an Air Quality Assessment), which is used to determine the potential risk from the proposed development and the level of dust controls required. Dust Management Plans are also required for some environmental permit applications, such as for minerals operations.
When is Dust Monitoring and Reporting required?
Dust monitoring and reporting of the measurements are often required during demolition and construction activities or mineral operations when there are sensitive receptors nearby (human health, amenity and ecological). At Anderson Acoustics, we use real-time dust monitoring systems that trigger immediate alerts when predefined dust concentrations are exceeded, enabling prompt remedial action. The monitors also feature a web portal, allowing contractors and stakeholders to view both live and historical measurements. We also produce weekly or monthly reports presenting the measured dust concentrations and compliance with guideline dust limits. This approach meets the requirements of the Environmental Health teams to demonstrate that dust nuisance or disamenity is not occurring and to demonstrate that there are minimal human health or ecological effects.
When are indoor air quality plans required?
Often required if the development aims to achieve BREEAM credits. This helps improve the health and well-being of building occupants and reduce the environmental impact of buildings. The Indoor Air Quality Plan is a prerequisite to obtaining further credits. Five credits can be achieved and are split into the following two categories:
BREEAM accreditation is often a client requirement or may be required by local authorities for particular types of developments such as community buildings.
Developments often aim to achieve BREEAM certification as it makes the development significantly more attractive as a property investment.
Post-construction, we provide comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) testing to verify that newly completed spaces meet BREEAM requirements and support occupant health and wellbeing from day one. Our assessments are carried out in accordance with relevant BREEAM criteria and industry standards, measuring key parameters such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide levels. This ensures that emissions from construction materials, finishes, and building systems are identified and controlled before occupation.
Our approach is both rigorous and practical. We work closely with project teams to schedule testing at the appropriate stage, interpret results clearly, and, where necessary, recommend targeted remedial actions to achieve compliance. By integrating IAQ testing into the final stages of delivery, we help clients demonstrate BREEAM credits with confidence while ensuring that internal environments are safe, comfortable, and ready for use.
Head on over to our BREEAM pages to lean more.
Coordinated planning-stage noise and air quality assessments for new council housing on a residential site
Comprehensive acoustic and air quality assessments for a 42 unit residential scheme in Chatham, ensuring compliant noise, air quality and practical design measures
A practical review of the 2026 edition and what it means for kitchen odour and emissions assessments
Air quality assessment evaluating dust, emissions and compliance to support a constrained Mayfair redevelopment
Air quality assessment for the River House warehouse development in Sidcup, confirming Air Quality Neutral performance and well managed construction impacts
Noise impact assessment and low emissions strategy supporting planning condition discharge for a 145‑home residential development at Northstowe Phase 2
Planning stage noise and air quality assessments for the redevelopment of this site providing 20 apartments with community use at lower ground level
Acoustics and Air Quality design and planning stage assessments for a new Year 7 provision at this secondary school
A planning stage air quality and dust risk assessment for this redevelopment project involving the demolition of an existing two-storey dwelling and garages and construction of a new two-storey detached home
A ventilation strategy for residential air quality compliance
A planning stage air quality assessment for a project to convert a vacant office building into a premium health and fitness club on a site located within an Air Quality Management Area
Acoustic and air quality support for Burnside Pupil Referral Unit redevelopment in London, creating BB93‑compliant spaces for SEMH pupils
Air quality and acoustic consultancy in support of the planning and design stages for this major schools expansion project in Maidstone, Kent
Planning stage air quality, dust risk and noise assessments for a residential redevelopment on a major arterial route in London
A planning stage air quality neutral assessment for a proposed residential development of four houses on a brownfield site within the London Borough of Lewisham
A planning stage air quality and dust risk assessment for a proposed residential redevelopment loacted in a London Borough Air Quality Managemnrt Area (AQMA)
We discuss why respirable silica monitoring is important
Planning stage noise and air quality assessments for a single family dwelling in Kent
Acoustics and Air Quality assessments to comply with Local Authority planning conditions for a new residential development
An air quality assessment and development of a ventilation scheme for a proposed residential and office development
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