Air quality information for developers

If you are planning a development in South Lanarkshire, you can help protect local air quality and support the health of people living and working nearby. Poor air quality can irritate eyes and lungs, and it can be more serious for children, older adults and anyone with heart or lung conditions.

This page explains what you should think about early in your planning and when you may need an Air Quality Impact Assessment.

What to think about at the start

It is important to think about air quality from the beginning of your project. This helps reduce delays and makes sure your plans are as safe and effective as possible.

When preparing your proposal, consider:

• where the development is located
• whether it may change traffic flow or congestion
• the size and purpose of the development
• whether the proposal needs an operating licence
• whether it may increase parking or attract more vehicles

These factors can all affect how pollution moves through an area, especially on busy roads or narrow streets.

When you may need an Air Quality Impact Assessment

We may ask you to complete an Air Quality Impact Assessment. This shows how your development might affect local air quality and what steps you can take to reduce any impact.

You are more likely to need an assessment if your development:

• is in or near an Air Quality Management Area or a Smoke Control Area
• is in a narrow or enclosed street where pollution may build up
• introduces new people to an area with existing pollution
• could increase traffic levels or change how fast vehicles travel
• includes a large car park or increases parking provision
• is likely to attract a high number of vehicle movements
• has a sensitive use, such as a nursery, care home or hospital
• involves construction work close to homes
• uses biomass as a main energy source
• needs an operating licence that might affect emissions