Air quality case study

Selly Oak Trust School, Birmingham

Background

This project involved an air quality screening assessment for a proposed two-storey extension at Selly Oak Trust School in Birmingham. The assessment was undertaken in March 2025 to support a planning application for the development. The site was located within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) declared for exceedances of annual mean nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and 24-hour mean particulate matter (PM10). Birmingham City Council required an assessment to understand the potential air quality impacts from the construction phase of the scheme.

Challenge

Although the development was relatively small in scale, its location within an AQMA meant that even minor construction activities had to be carefully assessed for potential impacts. Using the latest IAQM guidance, we undertook a construction dust risk assessment to determine whether mitigation measures would be needed. Our evaluation considered site size, construction activities, and proximity to nearby receptors. Particular attention was paid to dust soiling impacts on neighbouring properties and the potential for human health impacts due to elevated particulate matter concentrations.

Solution

The air quality screening assessment concluded that the risk of dust soiling impacts from construction activities was medium risk, while the risk of impacts on human health was low risk. As such, appropriate best practice mitigation measures in line with IAQM guidance were recommended to minimise any potential effects during construction. No further detailed dispersion modelling was required. The findings provided Birmingham City Council with the confidence that air quality impacts could be appropriately managed, and the application was submitted with our report in support.