Air Quality Assessment for Planning & Development
Professional Air Quality Assessment and Survey Consultants for Planning Success
Our Air Quality Assessment Services
Professional Air Quality Consultants You Can Trust
At ACP, we offer air quality assessment to help your project meet UK planning regulations. Our experts ensure your project complies with local and national standards, especially in areas where air pollution is a concern. If you’re working on planning applications and require an air quality assessment, we’re here to help.
Key Services
- Air Quality Assessments for Planning Applications
- Indoor Air Quality Assessment
- Air Quality Mitigation Statements
- Air Quality Dispersion Modelling
- Air Quality Neutral Assessment
- Residential Suitability Assessment for Air Quality
- Air Quality and Dust Management Plan
- Construction Dust Risk Assessment
- Odour Impact Assessment
- Mineral Dust Impact Assessment
- SCAIL Assessment for Air Quality
- Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA)
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You can also drop us an email at hello@acp-consultants.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to help with your inquiry!
They Trust Us
Trusted by 200+ Companies & Clients Every Year
With experts who have a proven track record of delivering exceptional environmental consulting services, ACP Consultants is the trusted partner for companies and developers across the UK. We don’t just stop at issuing reports – we see your project through from start to finish, liaising with planning authorities and stakeholders to ensure your report is satisfactorily received by the relevant authorities.
14+ Years of Expertise
Qualified and Professional
Nationwide Coverage
From Planning to Approval
From Quote to Report: Your Project in 3 Easy Steps!
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Step 1: Request a Quote
Fill out our quick quote form or call us, and our team will provide a free, no-obligation quote, outlining the services tailored to your needs.
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Step 2: Confirm Your Project
Once you approve the quote, simply return the project setup form. We’ll schedule your survey and ensure all the details are taken care of.
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Step 3: Receive Your Report
After your survey is completed and payment is received, we’ll promptly issue your survey report, ensuring you get the results as quickly as possible.
Understanding Air Quality Assessment: Watch Our Youtube Video
What is an Air Quality Assessment (AQA)?
An AQA checks how a proposed development could affect local air quality and indoor air quality. We measure pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), which can affect human health. These assessments ensure your project doesn’t increase poor air quality or go against air quality objectives set by the local authority.
If your project is in an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) or could lead to higher pollution, you’ll likely be required an AQA. Our team will help by assessing the impacts of your project and ensuring compliance with all regulations.
When Do You Need an Air Quality Assessment?
An air quality assessment is often required if your development:
- Is in or near an AQMA – Projects in or near an AQMA need a detailed air quality assessment to ensure they won’t worsen air quality impacts or increase exposure to harmful pollutants.
- Involves large or complex projects – Big projects like major developments or those using biomass boilers or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems may increase stack emissions and require an assessment.
- Is in sensitive areas – Projects near schools, hospitals, or homes usually need a screening assessment or a detailed report to prevent exposure to air pollution.
- Has construction impacts – Construction activities create dust and emissions. Air quality monitoring during the construction phase helps manage construction dust and quality during the construction to ensure safe levels.
- Affects the environment – Developments near protected areas may require an assessment of air quality to protect natural ecosystems and manage odour emissions.
Monitoring and Assessments
We carry out baseline air quality monitoring before construction starts. This provides data on local air quality and helps predict the impact on air quality during and after the project. Monitoring continues during the construction phase to control dust and pollution emissions and ensure quality during the construction remains safe.
Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) Guidance and Best Practices
At ACP, we follow IAQM guidance to ensure your project meets all legal requirements. Our team uses modelling assessments like dispersion modelling to see how pollutants spread. We also suggest mitigation measures to reduce the air quality impacts, such as using green infrastructure or low-emission technologies.
Key Steps of an Air Quality Assessment
An AQ Assessment usually involves these steps:
- Screening Assessment – A quick check to see if a more detailed air quality survey is needed based on the project’s size and location.
- Baseline Air Quality Monitoring – Collects data on current air pollutants at the site.
- Dispersion Modelling – Uses tools like CERC ADMS or DMRB to predict how pollutants will spread.
- Construction Phase Monitoring – Ensures controlling dust and pollution emissions during the build to maintain quality during the construction.
- Post-Construction Assessment – Ensures emissions stay within limits once construction is complete.
- Mitigation Measures – Recommends steps like planting trees, using cleaner technologies, and managing construction dust to reduce pollution.
Air Quality Compliance
Our air quality consultants will ensure your project complies with air quality objectives set by the government and local authorities. For developments in Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), we help you follow stricter emissions rules and produce air quality neutral assessments.
Health Implications and Air Quality Index
Our air quality consultants will assess the health implications of air pollution, especially for vulnerable groups. The air quality index (AQI) can be used to measure pollution levels and determine risks to human health from your development.
Our list of Service
- Air Quality Impact Assessment
- AQ Screening and Detailed Assessments
- AQ Neutral Assessments (including for London Plan compliance)
- Air Dispersion Modelling (Traffic-Related, Point-Source, and Area-Source)
- SCAIL Assessment for Industrial and Agricultural Sources
- Emission Mitigation Strategies and Statements
- Construction Dust Risk Assessments (AQDRA)
- AQ and Dust Management Plans (AQDMP)
- Indoor AQ Assessments
- Odour Impact and Emission Assessments
- Baseline AQ Monitoring
- Construction Phase AQ Monitoring
- Stack Emission Monitoring and Reporting
- Regulatory AQ Permitting and Compliance
- AQ Exposure and Impact Assessments
- Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) Compliance
- Health Risk and AQ Index (AQI) Assessments
- Post-Construction AQ Assessments
Why Work with ACP?
Here’s why clients trust ACP for air quality assessments:
IAQM Membership – Our experts are IAQM members.
Proven Experience – We’ve completed assessments for small and large projects alike.
Advanced Tools – We use top tools like CERC ADMS and DMRB for accurate predictions.
Complete Support – We guide you through air quality monitoring, assessing the impacts, and working with local authorities.
Environmental Permitting – We assist with environmental permitting and stack emissions compliance.
Testimonial
What Client Tell About Our Services
Clients value our expertise and commitment to ensuring their projects run smoothly. From initial surveys to liaising with authorities, we offer end-to-end support that makes a real difference. Our ability to deliver timely, accurate reports is why we’re relied upon by leading architects, developers, and planners across the UK.
General Question
Frequently Asked Questions
AQ assessments and surveys often raise many questions during planning and development projects. To help you navigate the process, our air quality consultants have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients. If you need further information, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We’re here to help guide you through every step of the assessment.
What is an air quality assessment, and why do I need one?
An air quality assessment checks how a development might affect the air we breathe. It helps make sure that a project won’t harm people’s health or the environment. This is important to meet regulations and get planning permission.
When do you need an air quality assessment for planning?
You need an AQA if your project is in a high-pollution area. This includes places called Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). It’s also needed if your development creates more traffic or is near homes, schools, or hospitals.
What pollutants are measured in an air quality assessment?
The most common pollutants are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5). These are harmful because they can cause breathing problems. Other pollutants, like carbon monoxide (CO), are also checked depending on the project.
What is the difference between a screening and detailed air quality assessment?
A screening is a quick check to see if there is a need for a deeper study. A detailed AQA looks closely at how your project could affect air quality and uses tools like dispersion modelling to predict pollution spread.
What is dispersion modelling?
Dispersion modelling predicts how pollution from your site will spread into the surrounding area. It uses data about weather, emissions, and the landscape to understand how far pollutants will travel and where they will affect people or sensitive areas.
What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?
An AQMA is an area where air pollution levels are too high, usually because of traffic or industry. Local councils must monitor these areas and take action to improve the air quality. Developments in AQMAs often need a more detailed air quality assessment.
What is an air quality neutral assessment?
This assessment checks that your project doesn’t add any extra pollution to the area. This is important in cities like London, where air quality is already a concern. You may need to show that your development is “air quality neutral” to meet local planning rules.
How can I reduce pollution from my project?
You can reduce pollution by adding green spaces like trees, using electric vehicles, or planning the site layout to reduce emissions. You can also switch to cleaner technologies and manage construction dust carefully to protect air quality.
How long does an air quality assessment take?
A basic screening assessment can take a few days. A detailed AQA, including modelling and monitoring, might take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
How does an air quality assessment affect planning permission?
The assessment helps the planning authority understand the pollution risks of your development. If there are concerns about air quality, you may need to change the project design or add pollution controls before getting permission.
What is the difference between an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) and an Air Quality Survey (AQS)?
An AQA is a detailed analysis that evaluates the potential impacts of a development on air quality, often required for planning applications. It includes modeling, data analysis, and comparison with regulatory standards to predict how a project may affect air quality over time.
An Air Quality Survey, on the other hand, involves direct monitoring and data collection to measure current air quality levels at a specific location. Surveys provide accurate data on pollutants and baseline air quality, which can be essential for ongoing projects or areas of concern.
How can ACP's air quality consultants assist with assessments and surveys?
Our experienced air quality consultants provide both assessments and surveys to meet regulatory standards and planning requirements. For assessments, we conduct thorough evaluations and predictive modeling to ensure your project aligns with air quality regulations. For surveys, we use precise monitoring equipment to collect accurate data on current air quality, providing a reliable baseline or specific pollutant levels.
With ACP’s guidance, you’ll receive tailored solutions, ensuring your project meets compliance standards and supports a cleaner environment.
If you have any further questions or specific inquiries, feel free to contact us. Our team at ACP Environmental Consultants is always here to assist with your project needs and provide expert guidance.
Get in Touch Today
Need help with your planning applications? Contact ACP for expert advice on your Air Quality Assessment.
Reach out to ACP today. Our experienced team will guide you through the air quality assessment process, ensuring your project meets all planning requirements while keeping air quality standards in check.
By choosing ACP, you partner with experts who understand the importance of air quality in planning. With our support, you can meet your development goals while ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
Simply fill out our contact form in the link below, and one of our colleagues will be in touch within 24 hours.
Prefer to Call or Email?
You can call us directly at 0330 236 7329 or email us at hello@acp-consultants.com
Our content is carefully prepared and maintained by our in-house specialists to ensure accuracy, relevance, and practical insights. Each update reflects the latest in environmental consulting, providing our clients and partners with dependable guidance tailored to their project needs.
- Last Updated:
- December 2024
