It is important to include policies relating to the strategic planning framework at every level (Regional Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework). The presence of a suitable air quality policy can be particularly useful where a refusal of planning permission leads to an appeal and subsequent public inquiry. Some examples of air quality policies (mostly from the previous system of Urban and Local Development Plans) are provided below.
Cambridge Local Plan
Policy 36 within the Cambridge Local Plan states that
‘Development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated:
a. that it does not lead to significant adverse effects on health, the environment or amenity from polluting or malodorous emissions, or dust or smoke emissions to air; or
b. where a development is a sensitive end-use, that there will not be any significant adverse effects on health, the environment or amenity arising from existing poor air quality, sources of odour or other emissions to air.
According to the end-use and nature of the area and application, applicants must demonstrate that:
a. there is no adverse effect on air quality in an air quality management area (AQMA);
b. pollution levels within the AQMA will not have a significant adverse effect on the proposed use/users;
c. the development will not lead to the declaration of a new AQMA;
d. the development will not interfere with the implementation of the current Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP);
e. any sources of emissions to air, odours and fugitive dusts generated by the development are adequately mitigated so as not to lead to loss of amenity for existing and future occupants and land uses; and
f. any impacts on the proposed use from existing poor air quality, odour and emissions are appropriately monitored and mitigated by the
developer.
Documents
Cambridge Local Plan
Hosted on www.cambridge.gov.uk
Medway Local Plan
POLICY BNE24: AIR QUALITY
Development likely to result in airborne emissions should provide a full and detailed assessment of the likely impact of these emissions. Development will not be permitted when it is considered that unacceptable effects will be imposed on the health, amenity or natural environment of the surrounding area, taking into account
the cumulative effects of other proposed or existing sources of air pollution in the vicinity.
Documents
Medway Council Local Plan
Hosted on www.medway.gov.uk
Abderdeenshire Local Development Plan
Policy T4 – Air Quality
Development proposals which may have a detrimental impact on air quality will not be permitted unless measures to mitigate the impact of air pollutants are proposed and agreed with the Planning Authority. Planning applications for such proposals should be accompanied by an assessment of the likely impact of development on air quality and any mitigation measures proposed. The relevant Supplementary Guidance Air Quality, detailed below sets out the likely circumstances in which applicants must submit an assessment of the potential impact of particular types of development on existing and future air quality, particularly in and around Air Quality Management Areas. It also provides guidance on the process of air quality assessment and how mitigation measures will be assessed and implemented.
Documents
Aberdeen Local Development Plan
Hosted on www.aberdeencity.gov.uk
