Introduction
Having grown up in North Devon and now residing in Devon’s capital, Exeter, it’s fair to say I have a vested interest in the air quality of this county.
While Devon is often associated with clean and invigorating air, that I’m fortunate to experience, there are a number of areas below the minimum standard. With a growing emphasis on air quality at development stage, it is crucial for developers to incorporate air quality considerations as early as possible in project planning and design phases .
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 Devon?
Local guidelines can vary from one authority to another. Firstly, developers need to understand the implications of local air quality regulations and standards on their project.
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. However, this provides a good initial understanding of local air quality requirements in Devon.
What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?
An AQMA represents a location where it's unlikely that the air quality standards will be met, indicating poor air quality. Consequently, these regions with high air quality concentrations indicate places where local authorities will exercise greater scrutiny over the potential impacts of proposed developments and are more likely to demand an air quality assessment.
Devon districts responsible for planning
Devon has eight district authorities that deal with planning applications and advice, supporting Devon County Council. Some of these districts have collaborated to produce a joint local plan.
This article covers the following administrative areas:
East Devon
Exeter
Mid Devon
For information on the remaining districts, listed below, please refer to Part 2.
North Devon and Torridge
Plymouth and South West (including South Hams)
Teignbridge
Air quality planning guidance in East Devon
East Devon District Council (EDDC) has an existing local plan that extends to 2031 and incorporates a policy on 'Pollution Control' specifically addressing air pollution within the context of planning. EDDC's determination of planning applications aims to manage and reduce environmental effects while preventing harm to health and the local environment. They will also consider the cumulative impacts on air quality, and developments within AQMAs must align with the local air quality action plan.
For example, in 2011, an AQMA was designated in Honiton due to high traffic volumes and congestion along the High Street, which is a common route linking the A30 and A35. Although this designation has been revoked, caution should be exercised when considering residential or sensitive developments in this vicinity, as it may still be susceptible to pre-existing air quality issues. If a proposed development introduces additional traffic to the area, the council will likely request assurances that this won't compromise the UK air quality standards, avoiding the need to reintroduce an AQMA.
Air quality planning guidance in Exeter
In Exeter, elevated pollution levels primarily occur along major thoroughfares leading in and out of the city. This has resulted in an AQMA encompassing the arterial routes of Exeter.
Developers must consider potential air quality effects when designing a development located in or near these arterial roads. Even if a development is not planned for the vicinity of these roads, it may still increase traffic on these routes, necessitating an assessment of its impact on air quality.
While air quality is integrated into the current core strategy for Exeter, the city council is in the process of developing a new plan to cover the city's development strategy up to 2040, which may introduce further policies on air quality.
Air Quality planning guidance in Mid Devon
Mid Devon District Council’s (MDDC) current local plan extends to 2033. Policy DM3 on ‘Transport and air quality’ refers to the inclusion of a Low Emission Assessment as a part of planning, which will essentially assess the impact on an existing AQMA, or where a negative impact on ambient pollution concentrations is likely. Modelling of emissions from the development will require assessing and subsequent mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts can be recommended, if required. Additionally, Policy DM4 on ‘Pollution’ refers to the inclusion of a Low Emissions Assessment for certain developments.
Air quality is a particular concern in Crediton and Collumpton, where the council is working to ensure air quality concentrations fall below standards as quickly as possible.
In 2006, both Crediton and Collumpton were identified as AQMAs due to elevated pollution levels. Any new developments introducing sensitive receptors near the A377 in Crediton, will require careful design considerations to address existing air quality concentrations and prevent future occupants from being exposed to unacceptable air pollution.
Likewise, in Collumpton, the Local Plan also states that all new developments within the North West Collumpton allocation must incorporate a Low Emissions Strategy to ensure that air quality remains at an acceptable level. The development of a new community at East Cullompton is proposed in the Local Plan.
Crediton has also been designated an AQMA related to particulate matter. As a result construction activities in this area will likely require mitigation measures to control dust. This can be achieved by implementing a dust risk assessment and management plan for demolition, earthworks and construction operations.
A site of 14 hectares north of Blundell’s School is allocated for residential development, and the Local Plan states that an air quality assessment will be required with any planning application. This indicates that for any future school developments, there will be a similar requirement.
Air quality tips for developers to be aware of:
Where the AQMAs / air quality hot spots are located
The policy referring to air quality in the relevant local plan
There are new local plans being developed at the moment, which will likely result in changes or introductions of air quality policies
There are stricter air quality objectives following the recent update to the Environment Act
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
Commentaires