Air Quality Assessments – Hammersmith and Fulham

The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) has some of the most stringent air quality planning requirements across the UK. The entire borough has been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) due to exceedances of the National Air Quality standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM₁₀). Most of the borough is also in exceedance of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality guidelines for PM_2.5. 

Whilst the Mayor of London is implementing a several measures to reduce air pollution levels across the Capital, the LBHF are going further by rolling out clean air neighbourhoods and requiring development to minimise emissions and account for levels of pollution exceeding WHO guidelines in design.

When do you need an air quality assessment in Hammersmith and Fulham?

LBHF has the same basic requirements for air quality assessment as the rest of London and as such, some form of air quality neutral assessment should accompany all applications. However, there are several additional requirements in the borough, which are discussed in LBHF’s planning guidance. Development is often required to install air quality filtration systems on ventilation systems, even in areas where there are no exceedances of the national Air Quality Standards. This is because LBHF are dedicated to minimising the exposure of their residents to pollution and are requiring that development be designed in line with WHO air quality guidelines.

Commercial developments are also often required to provide ultra low emission strategies detailing how emissions would be minimised from transport, by using zero-emission delivery options and micro-consolidation services, and from on-site energy use. Development in Hammersmith and Fulham is also often required to install air quality filtration systems to clean the air before entering properties. These requirements are often asked for by condition.

How Greenavon can help?

Greenavon have developed working relationships with officers at Hammersmith and Fulham and routinely consult with them to discuss projects and where possible agree the approach, in advance of planning submission. This is done to maximise the project’s chances of gaining planning permission and minimising the need for any additional work which might be required via planning conditions.