Air Quality Neutral & Positive Assessments

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Air Quality Neutral and Air Quality Positive Assessments UK (London Plan) for Benchmarks, Mitigation and Policy Compliance

Air Quality Neutral and Air Quality Positive assessments support developments that must demonstrate compliance with London Plan Guidance and local policy expectations for minimising emissions and exposure. These assessments focus on quantifying emissions from buildings and transport, comparing performance against published benchmarks, and defining mitigation to achieve Air Quality Neutral requirements and, where applicable, Air Quality Positive outcomes. A robust submission is clear, evidence-led and directly aligned to planning validation requirements.

When These Assessments Are Required

Air Quality Neutral and/or Air Quality Positive work is typically required where:

A development is in London (or a borough applying London Plan requirements) and must meet Air Quality Neutral benchmarks
A large-scale development or masterplan triggers Air Quality Positive expectations and statements
Planners require quantified evidence on building and transport emissions performance
Mitigation needs to be defined, secured by condition, and demonstrated as deliverable
There is high sensitivity due to existing poor air quality and receptor exposure risk

Purpose of the Service

The purpose is to demonstrate policy compliance clearly and reduce planning risk. These submissions show that emissions have been minimised through design (energy strategy, plant selection, logistics and travel planning) and that exposure has been considered and improved where required.

In practice, planning delays occur when emissions benchmarks are not calculated correctly, when mitigation is vague, or when evidence does not match London Plan Guidance requirements. A good assessment provides transparent inputs, clear benchmark comparison, and a defined mitigation pathway that can be conditioned and delivered.

Where a wider planning assessment is required, see Air Quality Assessments.

Building emissions assessment aligned to benchmark methodology (energy strategy and plant emissions)
Transport emissions assessment aligned to benchmark methodology (trip generation, mode share and emissions)
Mitigation strategy (design changes, plant specification, EV/active travel, consolidation, delivery management)
Exposure reduction measures where needed (layout, ventilation intake placement, filtration strategy)
Planning statement outputs suitable for submission and condition wording support

These assessments are aligned to London Plan Guidance for Air Quality Neutral and Air Quality Positive. Requirements can vary by borough, so scope is tailored to local validation lists and officer expectations.

A clear Air Quality Neutral assessment with benchmark comparison and conclusions
An Air Quality Positive statement/assessment where required by scale and policy
Defined mitigation measures with deliverable actions and planning-ready wording
Support for planning queries and iteration where required

Developers and planning consultants working under London Plan requirements
Architects and design teams needing emissions and exposure-led mitigation
Masterplan and strategic development teams needing Air Quality Positive outputs

Outputs depend on the quality of transport and energy inputs. Early coordination with project teams improves accuracy and avoids late-stage rework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Air Quality Neutral required for all developments in London?

Many developments are expected to meet Air Quality Neutral benchmarks, with requirements varying by borough and scheme type. We scope to your validation requirements.

What is the difference between Neutral and Positive?

Neutral focuses on meeting benchmark emissions. Positive focuses on maximising local air quality benefits and reducing exposure, typically for larger-scale schemes and masterplans.

Do I still need an Air Quality Assessment?

Often yes. Air Quality Neutral/Positive work complements (and does not automatically replace) planning-led impact assessment where required.

Can you help define mitigation that planners will accept?

Yes. We focus on mitigation that is specific, deliverable and condition-ready (not generic statements).

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