Air quality and planning

When planning any development, the impact on air quality needs to be considered. The Development Management system is integral to improving air quality and air quality is a material consideration in determining applications.

Local authorities across Sussex have developed planning guidance to help developers assess and mitigate any potential impact that new developments may have on local air quality.

The guidance deals with the pollutants regulated by local authorities and includes advice on the steps required to assess and mitigate the impact that new developments may have on local air quality.

Developers shall follow this guidance and contact us as early as possible during the planning application process to discuss any site-specific considerations. This will help avoid any unnecessary delays. See:

Air quality and emissions mitigation guidance for Sussex - on the Sussex Air website

In addition, applicants are advised to provide evidence in their planning applications that they have identified key sources of air pollution within their schemes and taken appropriate action to minimise emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors as far as is reasonably practicable. If quantitative evidence is not available, a qualitative approach can be taken. This applies to all developments which would normally require an air quality assessment.

The following questions are designed to be used as prompts to support the interim process, but applicants are welcome to consider measures in addition to those listed below:

1. How has exposure to PM2.5 been considered when selecting the development site?

Applicants are advised to consider the following in their application:

Site proximity to people (particularly large populations and/or vulnerable groups, eg schools, hospitals, care homes, areas of deprivation) and the impact of the development on these,
Site proximity to pollution sources and the impact of these on users of the development,
Exposure and emissions during both construction and in-use.

2. What actions and/or mitigations have been considered to reduce PM2.5 exposure for development users and nearby receptors (houses, hospitals, schools, etc.) and to reduce emissions of PM2.5 and its precursors?

Applicants are advised to explain (with evidence where possible) why each measure was implemented. Or, if no mitigation measures have been implemented, why this was not proposed. Actions can refer to, but are not limited to, the following:

site layout
the development's design
technology used in the construction or installed for use in the development
construction and future use of the development

For more information regarding air quality considerations and planning please see:

National Planning Policy Framework - on the GOV.UK website

Cooking odours and kitchen ventilation

We have produced guidance for commercial catering odour treatment and ventilation.

The guidance contains information on what you should consider when planning any kitchen extract and ventilation and the information that you should submit for approval by the authority before you install any ventilation plant at your premises.