Air Quality Assessments – Manchester

Much of the land bordering Greater Manchester’s strategic road network has been declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). In collaboration with the authorities that make up Greater Manchester, several measures have been adopted to bring pollution levels down in the shortest possible time.

When do you need an air quality assessment in Manchester?

Air quality assessments in Manchester are required to ensure that proposals do not significantly impact neighbours during construction (e.g., from the release of dusts and odorous gases from construction and demolition), during operation (due to the release of emissions from central heating systems, or from associated road vehicles) and to make sure the design is sensitive to existing areas of poor air quality. As Manchester is such a densely populated space, consideration of air quality during operation and construction is important to protect Mancunians health and amenity.

Manchester City Council have developed an Air Quality & Planning Technical Guidance, which sets out under which conditions air quality assessment are required.

Air quality impact assessments are generally required in Manchester if a proposal includes more than 10 houses, includes more than 1000m² of commercial floorspace, or introduces highly sensitive uses next to a main road, or other pollution source. Manchester also requires major development to provide a ‘damage cost’ calculation, which determines the amount a developer should be spending on air quality mitigation. In some cases, a developer would be required to provide a financial contribution if insufficient mitigation is provided on-site.

When might you need an odour assessment in Manchester?

Several local authorities also require that for any new kitchen extract system (e.g. for an application for a restaurant, or takeaway), that the planning application (e.g. change of use) provides evidence that the new kitchen extract system is designed to minimise the potential for any odour impacts.

How Greenavon can help?

Greenavon have developed close working relationships with several local authority officers across the UK. We routinely consult with local authority officers to discuss a project and, where possible, agree the assessment 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 condition.

If you would like to discuss a project, or learn more about our services (including costs), please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Where We Work

Bolton Council│ Bury Council│ Manchester City Council│ Oldham Council│ Rochdale Borough Council│ Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council │ Salford City Council│ Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council│ Trafford Council│ Wigan Council│