Air quality assessment in Westminster

12 February 2016

Aether has been asked to undertake an air quality assessment using dispersion modelling for a proposed development site in Westminster, London. The development consists of the refurbishment of restaurant space on the ground floor, as well as refurbishment and extension of the residential dwellings on the first, second, third and fourth floors. Because of its location, the development suffers from elevated levels of air pollution, mainly due to high levels of traffic. There was concern whether there will be exceedance of the air quality objectives for particulate matter (PM10) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at the proposed site.

The assessment was undertaken using ADMS-Roads, a dispersion model that can determine the scale of potential impacts due to small networks of roads and industrial sources. In addition, an air quality neutral assessment was undertaken, assessing the impact of the proposed building in accordance with the London Plan Policy 7.14, which requires all development proposals within Greater London to be at least ‘air quality neutral’ and not lead to further deterioration of existing poor air quality. The work will provide the developer and the Local Authority with the information they need to make an informed decision about the air pollution mitigation options required, so that residents are not exposed to high nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

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Abbas Kitogo, Programme Specialist Energy and Climate Change, UNDP Tanzania

“Aether is a great partner for work in the area of European Air Emissions. The team was committed, reliable, well organised and had a deep technical understanding and motivated other partners with their good spirit.”

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