Introduction
This article aims to help developers recognise where they should take air quality into account, and any potential constraints their proposed development might face, such as Air Quality Management Area’s (AQMA). Specifically, it addresses scenarios in which an air quality assessment is required, ensuring that project aligns with local air quality policy and secure planning approval.
Additional factors that may require consideration include the scale and nature of the development, and national policy, guidance and air quality objectives. However, this provides a good initial understanding of local air quality requirements in Cornwall.
Glorious Cornwall
Cornwall is a county located in the South West of England, known for its rugged coastline, charming villages, and rich cultural history. The county town is Truro, a small city with a striking cathedral. Other significant towns in Cornwall include St Austell, Penzance, Falmouth, and Newquay.
Cornwall is famous for its stunning coastal scenery, with highlights including Land’s End and the Lizard Peninsula. The county is also home to several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and parts of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cornwall's history is deeply rooted in mining, fishing, and farming, with tourism now playing a key role in the local economy.
The Cornish economy has traditionally been based on tin mining and agriculture, but tourism, fishing, and creative industries have become more prominent in recent years. Cornwall is a popular holiday destination due to its beaches, surfing spots, and historic sites.
Unlike many parts of England, Cornwall lacks major motorways. Its main road, the A30, runs through the county, providing access to Devon and beyond.
Developers play a pivotal role in shaping our urban landscapes, and with this role comes the responsibility of understanding and adhering to local guidance on air quality.
Do I need to carry out an air quality assessment for my development in Cornwall?
Local guidelines can vary from one authority to another. Developers need to understand the implications of a number of factors when planning a development. The requirement for an air quality assessment is typically down to the Local Council requirements, but generally depends on the following:
· The size of the proposed development;
· The proposed development site area;
· The air quality in the area;
· Nearby receptors, both human and ecological;
· Scale of introduced traffic and parking provisions;
· Energy supply;
· National regulations, guidelines and policy;
· Local policy.
Air quality planning guidance in Cornwall
Cornwall Council’s (CC) latest Local Plan was adopted in 2016. Policy 17 on health and wellbeing incorporates the importance of considering air quality when planning developments.
The policy states that planning decisions should not lead to unacceptably poor air quality. This specifically highlights proposals in AQMA’s. Where a development may have an adverse effect, it will need to identify acceptable mitigation measures, otherwise risks planning refusal based on air quality grounds.
Air quality hotspots in Cornwall
There are nine areas in Cornwall Council’s administrative area which are considered to have high air quality concentrations, and therefore will endure greater scrutiny from the local authority over the potential impacts of proposed developments. These areas are declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Further information on an AQMA can be found in my blog post linked here.
The nine AQMA’s are:
the Camborne, Pool, and Redruth (CPR) area,
Bodmin;
Tideford,
Gunnislake;
St Austell;
Truro;
Camelford;
Grampound; and
Launceston
Caution should be exercised when considering residential or sensitive developments in the vicinity of AQMA’s. If a proposed development introduces additional traffic to the area, the council will likely request assurances that this won't compromise the timeframe to bring pollution levels in line with UK air quality standards, or compromise the Air Quality Action Plan.
It's equally as important to ensure that future residents of the development will not be subject to poor air quality.
Cornwall deprivation and poor air quality
There is a substantial divide in deprivation in Cornwall, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2021 Consensus. There is a notable link between deprivation and air quality. Many deprived communities are located near busy roads or industrial sites where air pollution levels are higher due to traffic emissions and particulates. This exacerbates health inequalities, with those in deprived areas being more vulnerable to respiratory conditions like asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
Cornwall Council is aware of the link between deprivation and poor air quality and has taken account of this when developing AQAP measures. Improvements made to poor air quality which result from AQAP measures will also go towards improving the health of populations in deprived areas.
When planning a development, careful consideration to ensure we prevent a cycle where environmental and social deprivation reinforce each other, and protecting existing and new communities from poor air quality is crucial.
Cornwall A30 Improvements
Improvement works to the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross has been underway by Costain. It is the only remaining stretch of a single carriageway on the A30 between Camborne and the M5 at Exeter. Journeys are regularly delayed, congestion often brings traffic to a standstill, local communities are impacted, and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back. Therefore, it’s likely the improvement works will make Cornwall a more desirable place to develop as a result.
It will be important to understand how the improvement works will affect the air quality in Cornwall, via air quality monitoring in and around the local communities around the improvement works.
Air quality tips for developers to be aware of:
Be aware of the locations of Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) or other air quality hot spots.
Consider the proximity of sensitive receptors, which may include both human populations and ecological sites, near your development.
Pay attention to developments planned near busy roads, industrial facilities, or agricultural sources.
Due to the extent of agricultural land, odour assessments may frequently be necessary during planning.
Review the local plan's policy related to air quality.
Air quality guides for Devon and Dorset
Air quality guidance and policies for district authorities covering Devon can be found in the below blog posts;
How can we help?
Seeking expert advice will help provide an early understanding of the feasibility of your development site and any potential constraints involved, before committing to a development.
Understanding local guidance on air quality is a fundamental responsibility for developers. This task can be designated to an expert air quality consultant, already familiar with local policy and guidance.
Exe Valley Environmental can help navigate you through the planning process and understanding the air quality consultancy services that may be necessary for your development. We will guide you through each stage, from early design and pre-planning advice, to supporting planning applications and discharging air quality conditions. If you’re unsure about the assessments your project might need in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message or a note via the contact form, for some non-committal advice.
07805951564