Hi Phil,



In Bristol we require fixed shut windows in these cases which I've always felt conflicted about as it is a less than ideal solution in which those impacted by poor air quality effectively pay with reduced amenity. A change of use such as this often falls under the Prior Approval process so unless there are significant changes to the building externally, in most cases no consideration can be given to air quality, even if it exceeds objectives in a location in which new residential exposure is going to be introduced. Is there a way for a local plan to allow air quality considerations in prior approval applications?



One thing that we do ask if fixed shut windows are to be conditioned is that an overheating assessment is completed to ensure that the ventilation systems and building design can deal with the lack of natural ventilation. 



Assuming that we are all heading for compliance with air quality objectives in the shortest time possible, it could be argued that technically, fixed shut windows could only be needed for a short number of years for new development.



In answer to your question though, I think both approaches are being used around the country, both fixed shut and openable. I've even heard of conditions stating that an advice leaflet should be given to new occupants about the issue of air pollution and advice that windows should only be open at quieter times to protect health. How you enforce this type of condition is likely to be problematic though. We've continued to require fixed shut windows to be consistent with past advice but this may change in the near future. 



Best Regards,



Andy Edwards



Project Manager - Air Environment 

City Innovation and Sustainability Service

Growth and Regeneration - Planning Services



CREATE Centre| Smeaton Road | Bristol | BS1 6XN | 01179 224331 | 07775220631

 

   





-----Original Message-----

From: Air quality [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Phil Mason

Sent: 04 September 2018 08:30

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Air Quality and Planning



Hi all



This one crops up from time to time when dealing with planning applications.  



Imagine an existing building in commercial use within the boundary of an AQMA, and as it is 1.5m from the kerbside levels of NO2 are known to be above the objective at the facade.  An application is submitted to convert the commercial use to residential (in my example a 12 bed HMO), thereby introducing new receptors into the AQMA.



As we know the thrust of planning policy os to (wherever possible) approve and condition rather than refuse;



The applicant submitted an Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) together with a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA).



Unsurprisingly the AQIA recommends mitigation in the form of whole house ventilation with intake air taken from the rear or the roof of the premises (thereby providing "clean" air to the occupants.  The NIA (again unsurprisingly) recommends upgraded acoustic glazing on the facade facing the road, together with whole house ventilation.



The question is, do I allow opening windows, or required sealed glazing on the facade facing the road?



In my scenario (and many other small-scale multi-apartment conversions) the floor layout means that if the glazing is sealed on those facades, there would be no openable windows in those rooms (living rooms and bedrooms).



I am minded to allow openable glazing (well fitted with no gaps etc) with the following thinking, and I wondered if there were any other views/experiences out there?



- The ventilation system will include "boost", so occupants would only open windows by choice, or for purge/summer cooling, as such the times when windows need to be open is reduced ergo exposure to NO2 is reduced?



- This is Manchester, and the times when Summer cooling is required equates to hours per year!!



- Opening windows at night in bedrooms (when traffic levels are significantly reduced) would be unlikely to expose residents to levels of NO2 above the objective.



- Draft guidelines from the ANC (Acoustics Ventilation and Overheating) suggest sealed unit glazing (especially where there will be no other openable windows) should be an option of last resort.



Discuss :) 



Phil Mason MSc, MIEnvSc, MCIEH, AMIOA

Environmental Consultant (Air Quality, Noise, Contaminated Land) – Infrastructure

Urban Vision Partnership Ltd



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