The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. First published in 2012 and most recently updated in 2023, it provides a clear emphasis on achieving sustainable development – balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and community wellbeing.
One of the key environmental considerations under the NPPF is air quality. Local planning authorities are required to ensure that development proposals do not worsen air pollution and, where possible, contribute to improvements.
Air Quality in the NPPF
Section 8 of the NPPF highlights that planning decisions should aim to avoid new development in areas where air quality is poor unless the development can be made acceptable through effective mitigation.
Key points include:
- Preventing unacceptable risks from pollution to human health and the environment
- Ensuring new developments comply with Air Quality Objectives set by the UK Government
- Using planning conditions or legal agreements to secure necessary mitigation measures
In practice, this often means developers are required to submit an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) as part of their planning application.
How an Air Quality Assessment Can Help
An AQA assesses the potential air quality impacts of a proposed development during:
- Construction (including demolition and earthworks dust emissions)
- Operation (emissions from traffic, heating systems, industrial processes, etc.)
By carrying out an AQA, developers can:
- Identify potential risks early
- Demonstrate compliance with national and local policies
- Recommend proportionate mitigation measures
- Satisfy planning conditions set by local authorities
Air Quality and Planning Conditions
Planning conditions are often imposed to ensure that developments address air quality impacts. These may require:
- Submission of a Dust Management Plan or Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) before works begin
- Implementation of specific mitigation measures such as low-emission boilers, electric vehicle charging points, or green infrastructure
- Monitoring of air quality before, during, and after development
A professionally prepared AQA supports these requirements by providing the evidence base and mitigation strategy needed to satisfy planning officers.
How Viridian Air Can Support Your Project
At Viridian Air, we help developers, planning consultants, and architects navigate the NPPF requirements by:
- Conducting robust Air Quality Assessments
- Preparing site-specific Dust Management Plans
- Liaising with local authorities to agree on mitigation measures
- Providing ongoing monitoring services to demonstrate compliance
Whether your project is a small residential scheme or a major urban redevelopment, our expertise ensures you meet both national policy and local planning conditions.
📩 Email us at: info@viridianair.co.uk
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