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How Do Air Quality Management Areas Influence Planning Applications?
The Air Dust Odour Blog
Article by Malcolm Pounder
Founder of Air Dust Odour and Chartered Environmentalist, Malcolm Pounder, discusses the impact of AQMA's on planning applications, for the Air Dust Odour Blog...
What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?
An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) is a designated region where air quality does not meet certain predefined standards or regulations. These areas are typically identified by local authorities when levels of pollutants, mostly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), exceed safe limits.
How do AQMA's Influence Planning Applications?
Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) can significantly influence planning applications because of the potential impact of new developments on air quality, as well as the potential risks to health and the environment posed by poor air quality in these areas. Here's how AQMAs can affect planning applications:
AQMA Planning Requirements
- Developers may need to conduct an air quality assessment: In an AQMA, a planning application might require a detailed assessment of how the proposed development will impact air quality. This is to ensure that new developments do not worsen existing air pollution or contribute to levels that exceed legal limits.
- The assessment typically looks at emissions from the development (such as vehicle traffic, heating systems, industrial activities) and whether they will contribute to higher pollution levels in the AQMA.
- Where sensitive receptors are proposed to be introduced, such as in housing, care homes or schools, the suitability of the site for its proposed use may need to be assessed, to ensure future occupiers/users aren't exposed to high levels of pollutants.
AQMA Mitigation Measures For Development Projects
If the air quality assessment shows that the development could lead to a worsening of air quality, mitigation measures may be required.
These could include:
- Introducing green infrastructure, such as planting trees or creating green spaces, to absorb pollutants.
- Implementing low-emission transport options, like electric vehicle charging points or cycle paths.
- Using sustainable building practices that reduce emissions.
Developers may also be asked to limit or offset emissions through other measures, such as funding local air quality improvement projects.
AQMA Restrictions on Certain Types of Development
In some cases, planning permission may be denied or restricted if the proposed development is likely to worsen air quality in an AQMA, or if the site is deemed unsuitable for its proposed use. For instance, developments that would generate significant traffic or industrial emissions may not be approved unless they can demonstrate that air quality standards will not be exceeded or that suitable mitigation measures are in place.
This is especially true for developments such as schools, hospitals, or residential areas, where vulnerable populations may be more affected by poor air quality.
AQMA Consideration of Human Health
In areas with poor air quality, planners may assess the potential health risks to residents or workers. For example, proposed housing developments might not be approved if they are located in an AQMA where air pollution could significantly affect the health of those living there.
For developments that are approved, planners may require air quality monitoring to ensure that air pollution remains within acceptable levels once the development is complete.
AQMA Long Term Monitoring
Once a development is approved in an AQMA, local authorities may require ongoing air quality monitoring to track the impact of the development on air pollution levels. If pollution levels rise above permissible thresholds, corrective actions may need to be taken.