Improving Air Quality through Planning

The planning system can also positively contribute to the improvement of air quality and in minimising its harmful impacts on health and well-being. In 2007 it was estimated that poor air quality reduces life expectancy in the United Kingdom by an average of 7 to 8 months, with equivalent health costs estimated to be up to £20 billion a year. The UK Air Quality Strategy aims to reduce the effect on life expectancy to 5 months by 2020. This UK Strategy on most air pollutants mirrors the mandatory standards from the EU Air Quality Directives and in some cases exceeds them. In exercising their planning functions, planning authorities should consider the location of development which may give rise to air pollution. They should also, ensure that other developments are, as far as practicable, not adversely affected by major existing or potential future, sources of air pollution.