Air Quality and the Planning System

When we assess planning applications, we must consider air quality as a material consideration. This means it can influence whether a development is approved and what conditions are attached.

National planning policy requires that:

• new development should not significantly worsen air pollution
• development should, where possible, help improve local air quality
• people should be protected from unacceptable risks to health and the environment

New development can impact air quality:

• during construction (with dust from demolition or earthworks and emissions from construction vehicles)
• during operation (with increased road traffic and changes in how people travel)

Even small developments can affect overall pollution levels when combined with other activity or developments in an area.

Your planning application must include an Air Quality Assessment (AQA) if:

• the development is likely to significantly increase traffic
• the proposed site is in or near an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)
• it is a large residential, commercial or industrial scheme
• the development will affect schools, hospitals, care homes or residential properties (also known as 'sensitive uses')

The AQA looks at:

• the existing air quality at the site
• how the development will affect pollution levels
• how future occupants might be exposed
• whether the effects are acceptable
• ways that the effects can be reduced

Find out more about submitting AQAs as supporting information.

If a project could affect air quality, we expect it to include reasonable measures to reduce or manage the effects.

Examples include:

Mitigation measures are often secured through planning conditions or legal agreements called S106 Agreements.

Section 106 agreements linked to data centre developments in the Iver area are providing funding to support improvements to the local environment.

The funding will be used to:

• improve Iver High Street (review its layout, improve traffic flow and accessibility and improve the look and feel of the area)
• address concerns of residents and businesses by increasing or improving walking and cycling connections

We are working on these changes with our Transport Strategy Team as well as Iver Parish Council.

The improvements are dependent on the data centre developments being put in place. We will only receive funding from the S106 agreements as the development progresses or is completed.

This means that we will not receive the expected funding if the developments:

• do not go ahead
• are delayed
• are not built out as expected

The timing and extent of the proposed improvements in Iver will be directly linked to the delivery of these developments and the availability of funding secured through the planning process.

If you're submitting a planning application, you should:

• check whether an AQA is needed
• refer to local planning policies and guidance
• contact the Strategic Environmental Protection Team for advice [email protected]

Early engagement can help avoid delays and make sure your proposal meets air quality requirements.