This article is the second instalment of the planning guide tailored for Dorset.
A developers guide to planning for air quality in Devon – Part 1 discusses the air quality planning advice specific to the administrative area of Dorset Council. This includes:
· What areas does Dorset Planning Authority cover?
· Do I need to carry out an air quality assessment for my development in Dorset?
· Where are the air quality hotspots in Dorset?
· Air quality tips for developers to be aware of.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are also situated in Dorset. These three councils will be amalgamated to form BCP Council.
Introduction
In continuation from Part 1, this segment of the developer's guide focuses on the intricate nuances of air quality planning in Dorset, with a spotlight on Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP). These areas, integral to Dorset's landscape, are undergoing significant transitions, particularly with the amalgamation into the BCP Council. Understanding the dynamics of air quality management in these regions is paramount for developers aiming to navigate the planning landscape effectively.
Where are the air quality hotspots in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
There are two areas in BCP 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 two AQMA’s are:
· Poole AQMA
· Ashley Road AQMA
These areas demand cautious consideration from developers regarding potential impacts on air quality.
Poole AQMA
Poole AQMA encompasses part of Commercial Road between its junctions with Station Road and Curzon Road (image below). The pollutant of concern is nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and is primarily attributable to road traffic.
Ashley Road AQMA
This AQMA covers all properties along Ashley road between 467 Ashley Road and Jubilee Road (image below). As with Poole AQMA, the pollutant of concern is nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and is primarily attributable to road traffic.
Air quality planning guidance in BCP
BCP Council are currently working on a new BCP Local Plan which will cover the whole of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole administrative area. It will replace the current Local Plans adopted by the three preceding councils. While the draft is pending consultation as of March 2024, developers must stay informed of its developments to align their projects with emerging policies.
The adopted local plans for the former council areas are in place until the new local plan is adopted. These include:
Air quality planning guidance in Poole
In Poole, developers encounter specific mandates outlined in the local plan, particularly concerning traffic-related air quality impacts. Noteworthy aspects include the necessity for air quality assessments, especially for projects within proximity to AQMAs or schools. Aspects for consideration include:
· Both AQMA’s (as described above) are situated in Poole;
· Air quality Policy in Poole’s Local Plan
· Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for Nitrogen reduction in Poole Harbour
· Poole Harbour Recreation SPD (2020)
Poole AQMA’s
Both AQMA’s in the whole BCP administrative area, as described earlier in this article, are located in Poole. Particular attention should be paid to these areas, if you are introducing a development that may introduce traffic to either of these two areas.
Developers must consider potential air quality effects when designing a development located in or near these AQMAs. 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.
Poole Air Quality Policy
The Poole Local Plan was adopted in 2018 and it is used to guide new development and determine planning applications up to 2033.
There is a policy within the local plan relating to traffic related air quality impacts. In summary, where a development is likely to introduce traffic that may have an adverse impact on local air quality, and air quality assessment will be required. Should the air quality assessment identify any potential significant impacts, proportionate mitigation measures can be recommended.
An air quality assessment will most likely be required for proposals that fall within or adjacent to the air quality management areas at Ashley Road and Commercial Road, as described earlier in this article, or within 400 metres of a school.
Air Quality in Poole Harbour
Care should be taken if planning a development in proximity to Poole Harbour.
The Nitrogen reduction in Poole Harbour SPD (2017) describes how residential and commercial development in the catchment of Poole Harbour will achieve nitrogen neutrality.
Poole Harbour is a natural harbour that is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site for its nature conservation importance. Therefore, new developments in proximity to this area will likely require assessment to ensure there is no impact on these designated sites.
The Poole Harbour Recreation SPD (2020) is a strategy for mitigating the impact of new housing upon Poole Harbour Special Protection Area (SPA). It deals both with larger developments, which may affect the integrity of these sites alone, and smaller developments where cumulative effects may be the critical factor.
Air quality planning guidance in Bournemouth and Christchurch
Although direct air quality policies may be absent in the current local planning documents Bournemouth and Christchurch, forthcoming amalgamation with Poole underpins the increasing relevance of air quality considerations.
Notable constraints include sensitive environmental habitats and European designated sites, warranting assessment of developmental impacts.
Air quality guidance for Devon
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.
Navigating the labyrinth of air quality planning in Dorset demands a nuanced understanding of evolving regulations, localized nuances, and environmental imperatives. Developers are urged to seek expert advice to ensure compliance with prevailing guidelines and mitigate potential hurdles effectively.
For further assistance or consultation regarding air quality considerations in your development projects, feel free to reach out to Exe Valley Environmental, equipped with comprehensive expertise and resources to facilitate your planning endeavours seamlessly. 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
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