Air Quality Consultants in the UK

Browse 74 verified air quality consultants across the UK. Get quotes for Air Quality Assessment, Dust Management Plan, CEMP and more.

74 verified air quality consultants across the UK on The Planning Review.

What does a air quality consultant do?

An air quality consultant assesses whether a proposed development will worsen local air pollution and whether existing pollution levels at the site are acceptable for the intended use. This work is most commonly required for developments in or near Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), which are areas declared under the Environment Act 1995 where pollution exceeds national objectives. It is also required for schemes that generate significant traffic or introduce sensitive uses (housing, schools, care homes) into areas with poor air quality.

The consultant's primary tool is atmospheric dispersion modelling, which uses meteorological data, traffic flows, and emission factors to predict concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) at specific locations. These predictions are compared against national air quality objectives and WHO guidelines to determine whether the development is acceptable. Where impacts are identified, the consultant recommends mitigation such as mechanical ventilation with filtration, set-back distances from roads, electric vehicle charging provision, or construction-phase dust management.

Construction-phase impacts also fall within the consultant's scope. They prepare Construction Dust Management Plans and contribute to Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), setting out measures to control fugitive dust from demolition, earthworks, and building works. For developments in London, the Mayor's Air Quality Neutral policy adds a further layer, requiring the consultant to demonstrate that the scheme does not increase overall emissions from building energy systems and transport above published benchmarks.

When do you need a air quality consultant?

  • The development site is within or adjacent to an Air Quality Management Area declared for NO2 or PM10
  • The LPA's validation checklist requires an Air Quality Assessment as a planning submission document
  • The development will generate significant new vehicle traffic that could worsen local air quality
  • New sensitive receptors (dwellings, schools, hospitals, care homes) are being introduced close to busy roads or industrial sources
  • The site is near an existing source of odour (waste facility, sewage works, food processing) and an odour assessment is required
  • The development is a major application in London and must demonstrate Air Quality Neutral compliance
  • Substantial demolition or construction works require a Construction Dust Management Plan or CEMP
  • The scheme includes biomass boilers, combined heat and power (CHP), or other combustion plant that could affect local air quality
  • The development requires an environmental permit (Part A or Part B process) with assessment of stack emissions

Services you can get local quotes for

  • Air Quality
  • Construction Dust Management
  • Odour Impact Assessment

Frequently asked questions

How much does an air quality assessment cost?

For a straightforward residential development outside an AQMA, a screening-level air quality assessment (desk-based, without dispersion modelling) typically costs between £1,500 and £3,000. A full air quality assessment with dispersion modelling for a medium-scale residential or mixed-use development in or near an AQMA usually costs between £4,000 and £10,000. For large or complex developments — major urban schemes, industrial developments, or applications requiring odour assessment — fees of £10,000 to £25,000 are common. Air Quality Neutral assessments for London schemes are typically an additional £2,000 to £4,000.

How long does the process take?

A screening-level air quality assessment can typically be completed within 2 to 3 weeks. A full air quality assessment with dispersion modelling generally takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the availability of traffic data from the transport consultant, the complexity of the modelling, and the need for design iteration with the project team. Construction dust management plans can be prepared in 2 to 3 weeks. Delays most commonly arise from waiting for the transport assessment to provide the traffic data inputs needed for the dispersion model, so early coordination between the air quality and transport consultants is important.

What is an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)?

An AQMA is an area declared by a local authority under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 where national air quality objectives for one or more pollutants are not being met or are unlikely to be met. The vast majority of AQMAs in the UK are declared for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from road traffic emissions. Once an AQMA is declared, the local authority must prepare an Air Quality Action Plan setting out measures to improve air quality. Developments within or near AQMAs are subject to heightened scrutiny, and an air quality assessment is almost always required. Many local authorities have now declared borough-wide or authority-wide AQMAs.

Do I need an air quality assessment for a single house?

In most cases, no. A single dwelling is unlikely to generate sufficient traffic to have a measurable impact on air quality, and the assessment requirement is typically triggered by larger developments. However, if the dwelling is located within or immediately adjacent to an AQMA, or very close to a busy road where air quality objectives are already exceeded, the LPA may request a screening assessment to confirm that future occupants will not be exposed to unacceptable pollution levels. Some local authorities apply site-specific thresholds — for example, requiring assessment for any residential development within 50 metres of a road carrying more than 10,000 vehicles per day.

What mitigation measures are typically required?

Common mitigation measures include: mechanical ventilation with NOx and particulate filtration for residential units facing busy roads; positioning habitable rooms and air intakes away from pollution sources; provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (to reduce transport emissions); cycle storage and car club provision; green walls or hedgerow barriers along road frontages; and financial contributions to local air quality improvement programmes. During construction, standard mitigation includes site hoarding, wheel washing, damping down of haul routes, and covered skips. The specific measures required depend on the local context and the severity of the impacts identified in the assessment.

Legal and regulatory framework

  • Environment Act 1995 (Part IV — Air Quality)
  • Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010
  • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
  • LAQM Technical Guidance TG(22)
  • IAQM guidance on land-use planning and development control
  • IAQM guidance on the assessment of dust from demolition and construction
  • London Plan Policy SI 1 (Improving Air Quality) — requires that developments in London are air quality neutral and do not lead to further deterioration of existing poor air quality. Supported by the Mayor's Air Quality Neutral planning guidance.
  • Clean Air Strategy 2019

Professional accreditations

  • Engineering Council
  • Institute of Air Quality Management
  • Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Society for the Environment

View all results on The Planning Review