Policy information sourced from the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan

KBR34: HEALTHY AIR

Development should not damage the health of the air by increasing emissions of harmful pollutants to it. Such pollutants include: greenhouse gases; those considered by the United Nations to cause adverse impacts to the natural environment; and particles and gases considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be harmful to human health. Any proposal that results in a significant increase in air pollution will only be justified in exceptional circumstances.

Development should comply at least with all minimum EU or UK environmental requirements in relation to air pollutants whichever is the more stringent.

All development must aim to be at least ‘air quality neutral’ and not cause or contribute to worsening air quality. On major development this should be demonstrated through an air quality assessment and, if necessary, proposed mitigation measures.

Major development and must demonstrate that it is designed to ensure that indoor air quality complies with the latest WHO guidelines for short and long term air quality including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentrations in indoor air should also be considered. Compliance with such standards is also encouraged on medium development and substantial refurbishment schemes.

Air intake points servicing internal air handling systems (including air filtration systems and heating and cooling systems) should be located away from existing and potential pollution sources e.g. busy roads and combustion flues. All flues should terminate above the roof height of the tallest part of the development in order to ensure the maximum dispersal of pollutants.

For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan