The AQA identified that:

• all of the closest monitoring locations for the baseline year at the time (2018) were significantly below the annual mean objective for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂);
• a net reduction of 34 two-way daily vehicle movements was anticipated following the completion of the proposed development when compared to the site’s previous/lawful use; and
• mitigation measures were required/recommended to mitigate dust impacts during construction activities upon existing residents and Rayleigh Primary School.

The AQA concluded that the local air quality was considered suitable to safeguard the amenity, health and wellbeing of the future residents. More so, any operational traffic impacts were assessed as beneficial, when compared to the site’s previous/lawful use.

The proposal was granted planning permission by Rochford District Council planning committee in December 2020 (20/00452/FUL).

If your project requires an Air Quality Assessment or if you are interested in finding out how we can help you with your Air Quality needs throughout the planning process, please contact Lucinda Pestana lpestana@mayerbrown.co.uk.