Air Quality Neutral (AQN) guidance

Improving London’s air quality is one of the major challenges facing the capital and as a result, Policy SI 1 of the London Plan includes requirements for new development to be Air Quality Neutral. To assist developers, boroughs and others involved in designing and planning new development, London Plan Guidance on Air Quality Neutral has been prepared. The Air Quality Neutral LPG sets air quality benchmarks for all development, in order to ensure that their transport and building emissions do not worsen air quality in London. The guidance also outlines a simplified approach for minor developments.

Improving London’s air quality is one of the major challenges facing the capital. Research has shown air pollution has big impacts on health at all life stages, from development in the womb to the end of life. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to wide-ranging health effects including early deaths, the development of lifelong conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and underdeveloped lungs in children and the exacerbation of asthma. There are also links to cancer, heart disease and even type 2 diabetes.

Currently around half of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in London come from road transport sources, with heating and energy systems in buildings the second most significant source. Air Quality Neutral supports London’s continued growth and development by ensuring contributions to the city’s overall emissions from all new developments are reduced.

This guidance has been prepared by the Greater London Authority (GLA) with input and advice from air quality, energy and transport specialists. The guidance provides an update to the Air Quality Neutral benchmarks in light of the most up-to-date evidence and provides clarification on how to apply the benchmarks to support planning applications.

For more information on the updated benchmarks, see the Air Quality Neutral: Update to Benchmarks report.

Public engagement on the Air Quality Positive guidance was carried out between 12 November 2021 and 27 February 2022. Details of the consultation can be found on our engagement portal.

A consultation summary report summarises feedback received, and how this informed the final guidance.

An Equality impact assessment has been prepared for the guidance.

Register to be notified of planning policy consultations or sign up for GLA Planning News.