Land-use planning can play an important role in improving air quality. At the strategic level, spatial planning can provide for more sustainable transport links between the home, workplace, educational and leisure facilities. For an individual development proposal, there may be associated emissions from transport or combustion process providing heat and power.
Whether or not air quality is relevant to a planning decision will depend on the proposed development and its location. Air quality is likely to be a significant consideration in the planning process when one or more of the following apply:
- The application would conflict with proposals in our Air Quality Action Plan, render elements of it unworkable or otherwise conflict with our air quality planning policy
- The application could lead to the declaration of a new Air Quality Management Area or lead to a measurable deterioration in air quality
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The application would introduce new, or increased human exposure in areas of poor air quality
We have developed Supplementary Guides and Technical Advice Notes (PSG) for Air Quality associated with the Aberdeen Local Development Plan to provide developers with information on the Council's approach to air quality in development management. The PSG explains when an air quality assessment is required and what it should contain and how the significance of any potential impacts from a proposed development will be considered.
You are strongly advised to contact the Environmental Health service if you are proposing a new development that has the potential to impact on air quality. This will help ensure the best scheme design and avoid any unnecessary delays in the planning process.