Air Quality Screening Assessments
Quickly Establish Whether Air Quality Will Be an Issue for Your Development
An Air Quality Screening Assessment is an early-stage tool used to determine whether a proposed development is likely to affect local air quality — and whether a full Air Quality Assessment is required. It’s ideal for smaller developments, projects outside AQMAs, or cases where only minor emissions are expected.
The screening uses site details, DEFRA background data, local policy thresholds, and simple calculations to highlight potential risks or confirm negligible impact. It helps streamline your planning submission and prevent unnecessary delays or costs.
Why It Matters — and What You Risk Without It
Many planning applications are delayed because air quality wasn’t addressed early enough — even when no significant risk exists. Without a screening assessment:
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❌ You may be asked to submit further information
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⚠️ You risk triggering a full (and costly) Air Quality Assessment unnecessarily
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🧾 You could face delays discharging planning conditions
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📣 Objections could arise from residents or environmental officers
This service provides the evidence needed to show that your development poses low or negligible risk — backed by expert justification.
What’s Included
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Desktop review of DEFRA background pollutant levels
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Check against AQMAs and sensitive receptors
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Screening calculation for PM10, PM2.5, and NO₂
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Professional judgement on significance of emissions
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Concise summary report suitable for submission with planning application
How It Works
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You provide site layout and basic development info
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We conduct background checks and modelling screens
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A report is issued confirming whether further assessment is needed
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If required, we can upgrade to a full Air Quality Assessment with no duplicated cost
Who It’s For
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🏘️ Small-scale developers
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🧱 Projects outside AQMAs
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🏢 Planning consultants seeking quick validation
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🏛️ Sites needing to pre-empt council air quality concerns
What You Get
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📋 Fast, cost-effective expert review
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📄 Submission-ready screening report
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🧠 Clear advice on whether further action is needed
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✅ Peace of mind and a smoother planning process
Avoid Delays — Know Where You Stand on Air Quality From the Start
A quick, professional screening could be all you need to satisfy planners. This service gives you clarity up front — so you can move forward without wasting time or money.
