Assessments for Planning and Due Diligence

Strood Civic Centre

We were commissioned to undertake an Air Quality Assessment to support the planning application for the redevelopment of the former Strood Civic Centre site — a key strategic site within the heart of Strood town centre. Our assessment considered the potential air quality impacts during both the construction and operational phases of the proposed residential-led development.

Using detailed dispersion modelling and local monitoring data, we evaluated pollutant concentrations at key locations and demonstrated that national air quality objectives would be met. The report supported a successful planning outcome by confirming that the development would not cause significant harm to local air quality.

Environmental Impact Assessment - Elton Way, Watford

Cass Allen was appointed to undertake an Air Quality Assessment and produce an Environmental Statement chapter for a proposed industrial development at a highly constrained site between the M1 and A41, on the edge of London.

Whilst providing excellent connectivity to the motorway network, there are a number of sensitive receptors in the vicinity including an Air Quality Management Area, declared by the local authority due to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Being one of the key pollutants associated with traffic, the assessment focussed on dispersion modelling of vehicle emissions on the surrounding road network. Through robust assessment, we were able to demonstrate that the development would not lead to any significant residual effects, in isolation or cumulatively.

We have extensive experience of Air Quality Assessment for planning, working with our clients on commercial and residential developments of all scales.

S73 Application - Queens Road, Sheffield

Cass Allen was instructed to produce an updated Air Quality Assessment as part of a S73 application for a residential development in Sheffield. The site previously benefited from planning permission with a 3-year timeframe to commence work. However, new building regulations were introduced before work began, which meant it would not be possible to deliver the development as proposed and amendments were required.

An updated AQA to consider site suitability and impact of the development, with regard to local air quality, was therefore required in line with current guidance and regulations. This was also an opportunity to provide greater depth with regard to baseline conditions and the dispersion modelling took into account recent improvements in baseline conditions across the UK. The results indicated that the site is suitable for the development in terms of air quality and that there are no air quality constraints with respect to the S73 planning application.