Air Quality as Material Consideration in Planning Applications

In managing development, planning authorities should recognise that air quality can be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. Where a proposed development is likely to have a significant air quality impact or add to a cumulative impact in an area, applications should be supported by sufficient information to allow full consideration of the impact on local air quality. Adequate consultation between the planning authority and those with responsibility for air quality and pollution control will be essential. The impact on ambient air quality is likely to be particularly important for development proposals located within or close to a designated AQMA. Planning authorities should consider whether adequate means of mitigation of harmful air quality impacts can be achieved when making a decision.