IAQM Odour Impact Assessment
Predict and Prevent Odour Complaints Before They Impact Planning or Operations
An IAQM Odour Impact Assessment evaluates how odour from a proposed or existing development could affect nearby receptors, using the structured risk-based methodology set out by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM). It’s commonly required for planning submissions or permit applications involving waste, agriculture, food production, sewage, or industrial processing.
The assessment considers source strength, dispersion potential, receptor sensitivity, and complaint history to determine whether the odour risk is negligible, low, medium, or high — and what mitigation is needed. This is critical for demonstrating compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Environment Agency’s guidance.
Why It Matters — and What Can Go Wrong Without It
Odour is one of the most common reasons for public complaints to councils — and it can stall or derail your project if left unaddressed. Without a formal assessment:
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❌ Planning approval may be delayed or refused
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📣 You risk objections from Environmental Health and local residents
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🧾 Permit applications may fail to meet EA standards
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⚠️ You could be forced to retrofit costly mitigation after construction
Planners expect proactive odour risk evaluation — especially near sensitive uses like housing, hospitals, or schools.
What’s Included
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Site context review (including local wind data and complaint history)
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Assessment of odour source type, frequency and intensity
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Sensitivity analysis of nearby receptors
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Odour risk matrix output (based on IAQM methodology)
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Recommendations for mitigation or further monitoring
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Planning-ready report supported by experienced odour consultants
How It Works
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You provide site layout and operational details
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We assess source characteristics and environmental factors
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Risk is categorised using IAQM’s qualitative risk matrix
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Results are summarised with expert interpretation and mitigation advice
Who It’s For
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🗑️ Waste and recycling centres
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🚜 Agricultural and composting operations
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🧪 Food and chemical manufacturers
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🧱 Developers building near existing odour sources
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🏛️ Consultants preparing planning or permitting documentation
What You Get
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📄 IAQM-compliant odour risk assessment
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📊 Clear conclusions supported by technical evidence
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🧠 Expert commentary on planning risk and mitigation
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✅ Improved chance of planning or permit approval
Odour Can Be a Deal-Breaker — Prove You’re in Control
With a clear, structured IAQM Odour Impact Assessment, you can demonstrate your site won’t cause unacceptable odour impacts — and secure regulatory approval with confidence.
