London / Planning & development
Air quality consultants in London
Our London air quality consultants help you plan the right assessment for your development. We bring together borough requirements, emissions, exposure and practical mitigation for applicants and design teams.
Explore Air Quality Neutral, Air Quality Positive, monitoring and construction dust. Start with the London route checker, then check your borough’s guidance.
Discuss your London projectKnow the planning route
Separate assessment, Neutral and Positive requirements from the outset.
Check the local detail
Find borough guidance and identify the documents that need closer review.
Design around the evidence
Coordinate layout, ventilation, energy, transport and construction controls.
01 / The London planning framework
What does London air quality policy require?
Start with London Plan 2021 Policy SI 1 and the relevant borough development plan. Under SI 1, major development proposals require an air quality assessment. However, other proposals may also need evidence because of their location, emissions or future occupants.
Assessment should address development impacts and exposure. Air Quality Neutral adds an emissions-benchmark test; Air Quality Positive concerns opportunities to improve air quality through wider design.
SI 1 also addresses construction emissions, machinery and mitigation. Design measures should be considered early, when layouts and energy choices can still change.
Air quality assessment
Examine the baseline, relevant receptors and changes associated with the proposal. This may include traffic, combustion plant, construction dust and the exposure of future users. Therefore, the scope depends on the scheme and setting.
Air Quality Neutral
The GLA guidance considers building and transport benchmarks separately. Some development without additional emissions sources is excluded; minor schemes may use a simplified route. In either case, record the basis and check the borough’s requirements.
Air Quality Positive
The adopted GLA approach covers relevant masterplans and qualifying large-scale EIA applications, including applications without a masterplan. It records how design maximises air quality benefits. In addition, borough policy can extend the local scope.
02 / A useful starting point
London air quality planning-route checker
Answer six questions to build a preliminary scope for your project. This checker identifies topics to review; it does not certify compliance or decide whether permission will be granted.
Based on adopted London Plan SI 1 and the 2023 GLA guidance. Borough requirements remain a separate check. Answers stay in this page and are not submitted.
03 / Local planning detail
London borough air quality guidance finder
Choose from all 32 boroughs and the City of London. Each profile links to official planning guidance or local air quality evidence, with its status and the next project check. To begin, select a council to focus the list. Read the adopted plan, validation list and environmental health guidance together.
Barking and Dagenham
Local Plan air quality policy and 2026 checklist
Local Plan policy DMSI 4 addresses major-development assessment, AQN and large-scale Air Quality Positive statements. The council also publishes a February 2026 full-application checklist.
Project check: Use DMSI 4 and the current application checklist together; coordinate air quality, overheating and acoustics in the design.
Barking and Dagenham council guidance
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Barking and Dagenham air quality assessment guide.
Barnet
New design SPD — June 2026
The Sustainable Design and Development Guidance SPD was adopted on 15 June 2026, replacing the 2016 design/construction guidance. The application checklist separately identifies AQA, AQN and large-scale EIA/AQP requirements.
Project check: Use the 2026 edition and check the proposal against the current validation list, including minor development in poor-air-quality locations.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Barnet air quality assessment guide.
Bexley
Published planning and monitoring evidence
The council’s 2025 annual-status reporting records its use of air quality assessment, construction-dust monitoring and AQN/AQP evidence in planning.
Project check: Use the report for local context; obtain the application-specific validation requirements and conditions rather than treating reporting statistics as thresholds.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Bexley air quality assessment guide.
Brent
Local Air Quality Positive scope
Brent’s development guidance says major schemes in an Air Quality Focus Area or Growth Area should achieve Air Quality Positive. Its guidance also covers construction emissions and NRMM.
Project check: Check the council policy map for the site and read the Sustainable Environment and Development guidance with policy BSUI2.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Brent air quality assessment guide.
Bromley
Planning validation guidance — January 2025
The validation guidance identifies major development, potentially polluting or traffic-generating proposals in AQMA/AQFA areas, and uses occupied by particularly vulnerable people.
Project check: Read the checklist for the application type alongside the full guidance. Distinguish AQA, Neutral and Positive evidence rather than treating the checklist headings as interchangeable.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Bromley air quality assessment guide.
Camden
Adopted CPG and emerging Local Plan
The council lists Air Quality CPG dated January 2021. Its new Local Plan page still distinguishes the submitted draft from the current 2017 Local Plan.
Project check: Read the adopted CPG with current validation requirements. Identify emerging provisions separately when discussing the site.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Camden air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
City of London
Revised SPD — implementation condition
The council reports adoption of its revised Air Quality SPD on 22 June 2026. It says full implementation is tied to adoption of the City Plan.
Project check: Confirm which SPD applies on the submission date. The council page also distinguishes AQN exclusions, major-development assessment and Air Quality Positive statements.
City of London council guidance
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our City of London air quality assessment guide.
Croydon
Council planning guidance — older document
Croydon publishes air quality planning guidance covering development effects and exposure. Older policy references in the linked guidance need checking against the current development plan.
Project check: Use the guidance to identify the issues, then confirm current policy and validation requirements for the application.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Croydon air quality assessment guide.
Ealing
Air quality strategy and local evidence
Ealing publishes an Air Quality Action Plan for 2022–27 and an Air Quality Strategy for 2020–30. These provide local context for transport, development and exposure.
Project check: Check the current development plan and application validation list. Older air quality SPG references need cross-reading with London Plan 2021 and adopted GLA guidance.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Ealing air quality assessment guide.
Enfield
DMD 65 and September 2026 validation
The council links its 28 September 2026 non-householder checklist. Read its air-quality entry with adopted DMD 65, relevant area plans and London Plan SI 1.
Project check: Review major development, exposed sensitive uses, substantial demolition or earthworks and significant traffic effects. Select the checklist for the application type.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Enfield air quality assessment guide.
Greenwich
Core Strategy E(c) and Climate Resilience SPD
The Climate Resilience SPD replaced the Greener Greenwich SPD following the 18 March 2026 adoption decision. Use the adopted Core Strategy, current London policy and the local validation list.
Project check: Distinguish the emerging Royal Greenwich 2040 plan from adopted policy. Coordinate road exposure, construction, ventilation and the relevant monitoring baseline.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Greenwich air quality assessment guide.
Hackney
Air Quality Action Plan — adopted 2026
Hackney confirms adoption of its 2026–30 Air Quality Action Plan and provides annual-status reports with monitoring and planning information.
Project check: Use the latest monitoring evidence and the separate planning validation checklist. The action plan provides context, not a universal application threshold.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Hackney air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Hammersmith and Fulham
Climate Change SPD — adopted October 2023
The council adopted its Climate Change SPD in October 2023. It includes air quality within guidance on sustainable design, energy, transport and development.
Project check: Read its air quality principles with Local Plan CC10, the current validation list and GLA assessment guidance.
Haringey
Development Management policy DM23
Haringey’s published Development Management document sets out DM23: consider both effects on local air quality and exposure of future occupants, with assessment for major and other appropriate proposals.
Project check: Check the current plan position and validation list. Use the older Sustainable Design and Construction SPD for supporting detail with current regional guidance.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Haringey air quality assessment guide.
Harrow
New Local Plan — March 2026
Harrow adopted its 2021–2041 Local Plan on 24 March 2026, replacing the 2012/2013 plan. The adopted plan and policy maps are available through the council’s plan page.
Project check: Check the new plan’s air quality provisions and current validation evidence; do not base a submission solely on superseded plan references.
Havering
Supporting information and validation route
Havering’s application guidance directs applicants to the national framework, London Plan and Havering Local Plan. A separate validation-list consultation is not proof that its draft requirements are operative.
Project check: Use the council’s current supporting-information page to identify the applicable list, then confirm AQA, AQN, dust and exposure evidence for the proposal.
Hillingdon
Local Plan Part 2 — air quality context
Hillingdon’s Development Management Policies identify particular air quality issues near major roads and Heathrow, including new exposure and deterioration affecting existing residents.
Project check: Read the air quality provisions with current validation and London guidance. Identify road, airport and plant sources relevant to the actual site.
Hounslow
Adopted design guidance — May 2024
Hounslow adopted its Character, Sustainability and Design Codes SPD on 14 May 2024. It provides borough-wide and neighbourhood design guidance relevant to the site layout.
Project check: Check the air quality policy and validation requirements separately, alongside the adopted design guidance. Consider airport, road and other relevant sources for the particular site.
Islington
Local Plan 2023 and Climate Action SPD 2025
Islington adopted its Local Plan in September 2023 and Climate Action SPD in September 2025. The latter replaces the older Environmental Design SPD.
Project check: Check the local Air Quality Positive scope as well as the London-wide starting point; do not assume the two are identical.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Islington air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Kensington and Chelsea
Council air quality planning guidance
The council’s air quality service links to planning guidance addressing emissions from new development, conversions and changes of use.
Project check: Check the applicable Air Quality SPD, current Local Plan and validation list, including exposure, energy plant and construction controls.
Kensington and Chelsea council guidance
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Kensington and Chelsea air quality assessment guide.
Kingston upon Thames
Action-plan and planning evidence
Kingston’s published 2021–26 action plan includes London Plan AQN implementation and planning conditions for relevant proposals.
Project check: Check for a successor action plan and use the current planning validation requirements; the action-plan period alone does not establish today’s application scope.
Lambeth
Planning guidance and CHP information
Lambeth’s guidance index provides air quality planning notes and a CHP information-request form, alongside archived annual monitoring reports.
Project check: Check the current Local Plan and validation list. For combustion plant, assemble the specification, emissions, flue and operating details requested by the council.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Lambeth air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Lewisham
Council assessment-scoping guidance
Lewisham identifies traffic changes, new exposure, construction effects and conflict with action-plan measures as assessment considerations. Its examples are not an exhaustive trigger list.
Project check: Build the assessment around baseline and future conditions, relevant pollutants and mitigation, then check current validation and London requirements.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Lewisham air quality assessment guide.
Merton
Air Quality SPD — adopted June 2021
Merton’s dedicated SPD covers major development, new exposure including conversions, and smaller sources such as commercial kitchens and basement works.
Project check: Read it with Local Plan 2024 policy P15.10 and the validation checklist. The latter separately covers AQA and AQN, including the simplified route.
Newham
Planning conditions and local monitoring
Newham describes its use of planning conditions, AQN building/transport requirements and mitigation of pollution sources and exposure. Its air quality page provides local monitoring resources.
Project check: Review the current validation list and site-specific conditions. Match monitoring locations and data years to the assessment question.
For local policy, monitoring and a project checklist, use our Newham air quality assessment guide.
Redbridge
Local planning application requirements
Redbridge’s validation gateway links the full Local Planning Application Requirements. Its quick matrix is only a guide and does not replace the detailed document.
Project check: Check the detailed air quality and AQP entries, including proposal scale, exposure and the relevant EIA/referral categories.
Richmond upon Thames
Separate AQA, Neutral and Positive entries
The council’s validation checklist distinguishes AQA, AQN and AQP evidence. It includes major development and certain minor proposals within or beside Air Quality Focus Areas.
Project check: Use the checklist with the Air Quality SPD and current Local Plan; check the site’s mapped context and the EIA position.
Southwark
Planning submission checklist
The council’s full-application checklist requests an air quality assessment for major development. It identifies baseline, construction, operational effects and mitigation.
Project check: Read the checklist with Southwark Plan policy and the council’s technical guidance. Agree any site-specific modelling or monitoring requirements.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Southwark air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Sutton
Development assessment guidance
Sutton’s guidance identifies proposal scale, nearby sensitive receptors, existing poor air quality and increased vehicle movements as reasons to consider assessment.
Project check: Address baseline, construction, operational effects, AQN and future-occupant exposure; explain any omitted scope and check current application requirements.
Tower Hamlets
Air quality and planning guidance
The council publishes an air quality planning page and a separate validation entry. Its listed assessment triggers include major schemes and sensitive development in poor-air-quality settings.
Project check: Check the flowchart and the authority’s requested AQA, AQN, AQP and dust documents for the actual proposal. Some older validation references need cross-reading with current London policy.
Tower Hamlets council guidance
For a project-specific starting point, use our Tower Hamlets air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Waltham Forest
Full-application validation checklist
The published checklist covers sensitive uses in poor-air-quality areas, traffic effects and possible conflict with the action plan. It requests construction and operational evidence with mitigation.
Project check: Use the current checklist edition and Local Plan together, including cumulative effects and the proposed occupation year.
Wandsworth
Air quality planning flowchart — July 2020
Wandsworth’s published guidance sets out AQA, AQN and dust-management submissions for major development, alongside site, receptor and mitigation information.
Project check: Cross-read this older flowchart with the current Local Plan and GLA2023 guidance; use current assessment methods rather than its superseded reference editions.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Wandsworth air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Westminster
Adopted guidance — February 2026
The Environment SPD was adopted on 13 February 2026. Use this edition alongside the City Plan when preparing the air quality submission.
Project check: Check the air quality chapter, design response and current validation requirements. Avoid relying on the superseded 2022 guidance.
For a project-specific starting point, use our Westminster air quality assessment and monitoring guide.
Sources checked 18 October 2026. Coverage includes every London authority; the depth and type of available evidence varies. These profiles support application scoping rather than a complete policy audit. Follow the council source to check changes before submission.
Practical tools / Build your brief
London Neutral, Positive and monitoring tools
Use these two tools to organise your next assessment step. Your answers stay in the page. You can use the resulting checklist when discussing the project with us.
Air Quality Neutral / Positive evidence planner
Identify the AQN evidence route and record the four AQP design themes. For AQP, check qualifying large-scale EIA applications as well as masterplans; borough policy can extend the scope.
Sources: GLA AQN 2023 and GLA AQP 2023. A full emissions calculator requires the applicable building/transport inputs and benchmarks.
Construction-dust screening and monitoring brief
Check the initial receptor-distance screen, then choose the question your monitoring should answer. Measure from the site boundary. Leave a distance blank if it has not been established.
Distance screening: human receptors within 250 m, ecological receptors within 50 m, and the vehicle-route check above. Boundary values are conservatively included. Sources: IAQM construction dust v2.2 (2024), Box 1; IAQM monitoring v1.1 (2018); EPUK/IAQM planning v1.2 (2017). NO₂ is a separate pollutant-specific scope.
Guidance register checked 18 October 2026: IAQM lists the planning, construction-dust and construction-monitoring documents above as the published editions while updates are in progress. Check the IAQM guidance register.
04 / Evidence that fits the site
How our London air quality consultants use evidence
Air quality monitoring and modelling in London should answer a defined planning question.
A roadside flat, a school playground and a rooftop air intake can have very different exposure conditions. The evidence should match the pollutant, location, height and period relevant to the decision.
Baseline and background review
Start with suitable council monitoring, mapped background data and relevant local sources. Check the year, completeness and station setting. For example, a nearby monitor may not represent a sheltered courtyard or a busy junction.
Monitoring design
Define the question before choosing equipment. Nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes can support longer-term spatial assessment. Continuous instruments can examine time patterns and particulate conditions, with an appropriate quality-control plan.
Modelling and interpretation
Where needed, assess road or plant emissions using an appropriate dispersion approach. Document traffic, emission rates, meteorology, background assumptions and model checks. Finally, explain uncertainty and use the findings to test practical design choices.
For wider methods and assessment scopes, visit our air quality assessment service.
Monitoring duration, equipment specification and analysis should follow the project objective and any agreed authority requirements. A short monitoring period should not be presented as an annual average without an appropriate adjustment method and its limitations.
05 / Construction and machinery
Construction dust and London NRMM requirements
Assess dust from demolition, earthworks, construction and trackout. Use the risk assessment to define site controls, responsibilities, inspection records and any monitoring requirements. In particular, nearby homes, schools and other sensitive receptors can affect the approach.
The London NRMM Low Emission Zone covers relevant construction machinery rated 37–560 kW. Since January 2025, the general London-wide minimum has been Stage IV. Engine categories where Stage IV does not exist, including constant-speed generators, need particular attention to Stage V requirements.
Check the machine category, registration and any approved exemption against the official London NRMM requirements. Then include relevant plant information in the construction brief.
For a combined construction scope, coordinate dust with noise assessment, working hours and the site management plan.
06 / Practical design decisions
Bring air, noise and odour into one coordinated brief
London sites often have limited space for plant, ventilation and servicing. For this reason, resolve the relationships early: moving an intake away from a road may introduce a noise issue elsewhere, while an extract discharge may affect nearby windows.
For commercial kitchens, consider cooking odour and extract-fan noise alongside any relevant combustion or traffic effects. First, identify the sources, neighbours, operating hours and proposed discharge arrangement in one brief, then define the technical assessment for each issue.
Explore our odour assessment and noise assessment services. As a result, a shared site description helps coordinate recommendations without mixing their assessment criteria.
Illustrative design question
A mixed-use proposal introduces homes above a commercial unit beside a busy road. The initial brief should address future residents’ exposure, the energy strategy, extract locations, servicing and construction. The resulting scope follows those sources and receptors.
07 / Prepare your brief
What to send for a London air quality assessment
Send the information you already have. These details help us define the right scope and identify any missing inputs:
- Site address, London borough and planning reference, if available.
- Proposed uses, homes or floorspace, and the application stage.
- Site layout, building heights, nearby receptors and ventilation proposals.
- Parking, traffic or servicing information and the energy strategy.
- Plant, generator or flue specifications, where relevant.
- Demolition or construction details and any council request or condition.
Our air quality consultants agree the London project scope with you. The output may include an assessment report, an AQN calculation, an AQP statement, a dust assessment or a monitoring proposal. We identify the required documents and scope before the work begins.
08 / Policy status
Adopted guidance and the next London Plan
Current planning basis
This page’s route checker uses London Plan 2021 SI 1 and the adopted 2023 AQN/AQP guidance, with borough checks kept separate.
Draft London Plan 2026
The consultation ran from 16 July to 15 October 2026 and has now closed. The draft is an emerging policy document, not an adopted replacement. Therefore, its status and any relevant proposals should be considered separately for the application.
Read the draft London Plan consultation information and the closed consultation notice.
Local updates matter too. Westminster’s adopted 2026 Environment SPD and the City of London’s revised SPD implementation condition illustrate why document dates alone are not enough: adoption, commencement and superseded guidance need separate checks.
09 / Common questions
London air quality assessment questions
Does every London development need an air quality assessment?
Major proposals require an assessment under London Plan SI 1. Smaller proposals may also require evidence because of the site, use, emissions or borough requirements. Use the route checker to identify the issues for scoping.
Is Air Quality Neutral the same as an air quality assessment?
They address different questions. AQN checks building and transport emissions against benchmarks, while an assessment considers effects and exposure. Meeting the AQN benchmarks does not by itself resolve every site-specific air quality issue.
Does a car-free scheme automatically pass Air Quality Neutral?
However, parking is only one part of the review. Check the energy strategy, relevant vehicle movements and the GLA exclusions or simplified procedure. Explain the proposed route in the submission and consider the wider assessment scope.
Can a minor development need a full assessment?
Yes. The GLA guidance recognises that a borough may require a full assessment for a minor scheme because of its nature or location, including an Air Quality Focus Area. Therefore, check the local requirements before assuming the simplified route is sufficient.
Can your air quality consultants arrange monitoring in London?
Our air quality consultants can help define a monitoring scope for a London project, including the pollutant, locations, duration, equipment requirements and analysis. Start with the decision the monitoring needs to support and any authority request.
How long will the assessment take and what will it cost?
This depends on the scope, available drawings and data, modelling needs and any monitoring period. Send the proposal and planning deadline so we can discuss a proportionate scope, programme and quotation.
Discuss your London air quality project
Send the site location, borough, proposal and planning stage. Include any council request or condition so we can discuss the assessment scope and next steps.
We can help bring together air quality assessment, AQN, monitoring and construction requirements in a clear project brief.
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Sources / London and borough guidance
Primary sources and further reading
The council links in the borough finder sit alongside these London-wide sources. Check the applicable edition and local submission requirements for each project.