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Air quality

Your Local Authority is the responsible authority for local air quality management under the Environment Act 1995, however we recommend that development proposals are assessed alongside other developments that are also likely to contribute to an increase in road traffic.  This increase may exacerbate local air pollution and noise issues, particularly at busy junctions and controlled crossing points. 

If the proposed development is in close proximity to or within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), an air quality assessment should be submitted with the planning application to ensure compliance with the appropriate air quality standards. AQMAs are designated for areas which have levels of air pollution that exceed recommended exposure limits that have been set to protect human health.

Scottish Planning Policy

Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)  sets out the Scottish Government’s policy on nationally important land use planning matters. The SPP states, "New housing developments should be integrated with public transport and active transport networks, such as footpaths and cycle routes, rather than encouraging dependence on the car" (paragraph 79).

Planning Advice Notes

Planning Advice Notes (PANS)  provide advice on good practice and information including PAN 51 Planning, Environmental Protection and Regulation , which states that "any consideration of the quality of land, air or water and potential impacts arising from development, possibly leading to a proven impact on health, is capable of being a material consideration, insofar as it may arise from any land use" and "In Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) or adjacent to them, air quality is likely to be a material consideration for large scale proposals or if they are to be occupied by sensitive groups such as the elderly or young children or are likely to have cumulative effects. This does not mean that all such applications should be refused even if they are likely to affect local air quality, but it may mean that conditions have to be applied to mitigate adverse effects" (Paragraphs 61 and 62).

SEPA policy and guidance

• Air Quality Report  (1.55mb)

Regulatory and best practice advice

• Standing advice for small scale local development  (47k)

Guidance is also available from NSCA  on dealing with air quality concerns within the development control process.