construction management plans as appropriate. Developments in locations of poor air quality should be designed to mitigate the impact of poor air quality to within acceptable limits, be in compliance with relevant limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the Air Quality Management Area and Clean Air Zones. The procedure for screening and undertaking air quality assessment should also be in accordance with the latest guidance from the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and any other Local technical notes on Air Quality. Natural England has produced 'Air pollution and development: advice for local authorities. How to assess sector-specific planning applications that could affect air quality on a protected site.' This standing advice covers emissions of ammonia (NH3), Nitrogen Oxides (NO, NO2 or NOx), nitrogen deposition, acid deposition and sulphur dioxide (SO2), and helps planning authorities understand the impact on statutory protected sites from particular developments that emit specific air pollutants.
Developers are also encouraged to consider how the design of public realm and planting schemes can benefit air quality in and around a development. Green screens are often helpful and work by using leaves to absorb gaseous pollutants and capture particulate matter on their surfaces. Oxygen is then released by the plants, improving local air quality. Screens also act as a barrier to wind flow, causing dispersal of road pollutants and reducing the levels to which passers-by are exposed.
Dust pollution can often be a particular problem during the construction phase of the development. The council will use conditions to secure Construction Management Plans where necessary and dust pollution should be fully considered along measures to control the impact on highways (e.g. wheel washing).
Development will be required to avoid adverse impacts on Source Protection Zones (SPZs), particularly the SPZ at Lower Hillgate. High-risk developments should be steered away from SPZs wherever practicable.
Applications for developments that are located within groundwater source protection zones (SPZs) will be expected to demonstrate that the development, and any construction activities associated with the development, will not result in a reduction in the quality or quantity of groundwater resources. Proposals within or near SPZs must refer to the Environment Agency's Groundwater Protection Position Statements and demonstrate compliance with relevant guidance.
Where development is permitted near SPZs, monitoring and contingency measures must be secured through planning conditions or legal agreements to safeguard groundwater quality.