Odour Assessments
Assess and Mitigate Odour Risks Before They Trigger Complaints or Delays
Odour Assessments determine whether activities on a site — such as waste handling, food processing, composting, or agriculture — are likely to produce smells that could affect nearby sensitive receptors. These assessments are used to support planning applications, environmental permit submissions, and investigations into nuisance complaints.
The process involves identifying potential odour sources, assessing how far and under what conditions odours could travel, and determining the sensitivity of local receptors. We follow methodologies set out by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and the Environment Agency, ensuring that your assessment stands up to regulatory scrutiny.
Why It Matters — and What You Risk Without It
Odour is subjective, but the consequences are real. Without a robust assessment, you could face:
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❌ Objections from environmental health or local residents
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📣 Delays or rejections in planning or permitting
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⚠️ Public backlash and reputational damage
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🧾 Fines or enforcement action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990
Authorities increasingly expect odour risks to be assessed up front, especially for developments near homes, schools, or public spaces. Failing to do so can put your entire project at risk.
What’s Included
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Identification of odour sources and operational practices
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Assessment of distance to sensitive receptors (homes, schools, healthcare)
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Consideration of wind direction, frequency, and topography
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Risk classification based on source, pathway, and receptor analysis
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Recommendations for mitigation such as containment, filters, or buffer zones
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Planning- or permit-ready report aligned with IAQM or EA expectations
How It Works
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You provide site layout, operational details, and any complaint history
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We assess the likelihood and potential impact of odour generation
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GIS and meteorological data are used to map risk zones
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Findings are summarised in a clear, evidence-based report
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We offer ongoing support if mitigation or further monitoring is required
Who It’s For
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🗑️ Waste, composting, and recycling sites
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🧪 Industrial and food production facilities
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🧱 Developers near existing odour-emitting operations
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🏛️ Councils or landlords responding to odour complaints
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🧾 Operators preparing environmental permit applications
What You Get
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📄 Structured, regulator-ready odour assessment
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📊 Clear summary of risks, receptors, and mitigation needs
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🧠 Expert interpretation and advice to support approvals
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✅ Alignment with local authority, EA, and planning policy standards
Avoid Odour Becoming a Legal, Planning or Public Problem
Odour risks can escalate quickly — especially without evidence to show you’ve taken them seriously. This service gives you a defensible, practical approach that protects your project and keeps the public, planners, and regulators on side.
