HOUSING developers in Wiltshire will now be asked to follow new guidance designed to implement air quality mitigation measures.

The new air quality supplementary planning document means developers will need to meet a high standard of design to minimise exposure to poor air quality and reduce emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter.

The new supplementary planning guidance for the planning system was approved by Wiltshire Council’s cabinet yesterday (October 7).

The SPD also sets minimum standards for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

For developments that have the potential to worsen air quality, either within existing air quality management areas (AQMAs) or in areas at risk of becoming AQMAs, the SPD requires developers to submit a detailed air quality assessment with their planning application.

Where impacts are identified, developers must implement additional mitigation measures to minimise harm. In some cases, the council will require developers to provide financial contributions to support wider air quality mitigation efforts. 

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Councillor Paul Sample JP, cabinet member for environment and climate, said the new guidance will help to protect the environment for future generations by helping to reduce air pollution.

“The air quality supplementary planning document will also play an important part in delivering cleaner air in future.

“Everyone wants to safeguard Wiltshire’s environment. No one in Wiltshire wants to breath polluted air.

“This document will help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality across Wiltshire. It will provide consistent transparent guidance for developers and council planning officers when making planning decisions.

“If potential developments could adversely affect air quality developers will need to provide an appropriate level of mitigation.

“We have consulted with lots of local organisations and residents. This has resulted in several important changes to the document. It stands alongside Wiltshire Council’s ‘Design Guide’, ‘Local Transport Plan 4’ and the ‘Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy’. 

“This work will also supplement the policies in Wiltshire’s Core Strategy. In particular it will sit alongside core policy 55. This deals with improving air quality. It is envisaged that the advice in this supplementary planning guidance will apply to the new core strategy once it has been ratified by the planning inspector.”

Wiltshire Council’s 2024 Air Quality Annual Status Report has now been approved by Defra. The report highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to tackling air pollution and improving air quality across the county.

Key achievements include the launch of the Wiltshire Community Air Network this summer, aimed at engaging communities in air quality initiatives.

Also, the report confirms that nitrogen dioxide levels in all eight AQMAs in Wiltshire have now reached compliant levels. This milestone opens the door for the potential revocation of some AQMAs over the next 12 months.

For more information on Wiltshire’s air quality initiatives, visit Wiltshire Council’s Air Quality page at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/env-health-air-quality