Air Quality Consultancy – Francis Barber Pupil Referral Unit, Wandsworth

Redmore Environmental Ltd was commissioned by Baxall Construction Ltd in 2023 to provide a comprehensive programme of Air Quality Consultancy services in support of the redevelopment of the Francis Barber Pupil Referral Unit.

The proposals comprise the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a new educational facility, requiring input across the planning, design and construction phases. Our team has provided ongoing support throughout the project, delivering the following services:

• Air Quality Assessment;
• Odour Assessment;
• BREEAM Indoor Air Quality consultancy;
  • Indoor Air Quality Plan
  • Construction Product Review
  • Ventilation Review
• Construction Dust Management Plan; and,
• Continuous Dust Monitoring.

Why Were Air Quality and Odour Assessments Required?

As part of the planning process, it was necessary to assess:

• The potential exposure of future students and staff to any existing air quality issues at the site; and,
• The impacts at sensitive locations generated by the development during construction and operational phases.

We undertook an Air Quality Assessment to establish baseline conditions and evaluate potential impacts in accordance with relevant guidance, including the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) guidance ‘Assessment of dust from demolition and construction 2024 V2.2’ and London Plan Air Quality Neutral requirements.

In addition, an Odour Assessment was required due to emissions associated with the proposed kitchen facilities. The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the ‘Control of Odour and Noise from Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems’ guidance, prepared by EMAQ+ for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The assessment considered nearby sensitive receptors and identified appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that potential odour effects would remain at acceptable levels.

The assessments undertaken form a key part of the UK planning process, providing evidence that developments can be delivered without adverse impacts on local air quality or future occupants.

BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Consultancy

To support the sustainability objectives of the development, we provided Air Quality Consultancy in relation to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) UK New Construction 2018 standard.

In accordance with the accreditation, a site-specific Indoor Air Quality Plan was prepared in accordance with Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’, which establishes a framework for minimising indoor air pollution through design, specification and construction practices.

As part of this process, we also undertook a Construction Product Review, assessing internal finishes and materials to ensure compliance with BREEAM requirements for low-emission products. This supports the reduction of pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compound and formaldehyde, helping to improve indoor air quality for future building users.

Following the design stage, a BREEAM Ventilation Review was undertaken to assess the proposed ventilation strategy. The review ensured that the building design incorporates appropriate measures to:

• Minimise pollutant ingress;
• Reduce recirculation of contaminants; and,
• Maintain good indoor air quality during operation.

Together, these elements supported the BREEAM assessment process and helped deliver a healthy indoor environment aligned with best practice.

Construction Phase: Dust Management and Monitoring

Following the grant of planning permission by Wandsworth Borough Council, planning conditions were attached requiring the control and monitoring of construction dust emissions.

Redmore Environmental supported the discharge of these conditions through the preparation of a Dust Management Plan, developed in accordance with the Control of Dust and Emissions during Construction and Demolition Supplementary Planning Guidance (2014).

A comprehensive programme of Continuous Dust Monitoring was subsequently implemented throughout the demolition and construction phases. This included initial consultation with Wandsworth Borough Council to agree the monitoring methodology and ensure alignment with planning requirements.

Following agreement of the monitoring methodology, we implemented two months of baseline monitoring before commencing Continuous Dust Monitoring throughout demolition and construction. As the development progressed, the monitoring approach was adapted to reflect changing site conditions, including the relocation of monitoring equipment and the introduction of alternative external power supplies where access to sufficient sunlight for solar-powered systems was limited.

A flexible and proactive approach ensured uninterrupted data capture and provided ongoing assurance that construction activities did not adversely impact nearby sensitive receptors, while maintaining compliance with planning conditions.

Delivering a Multi-Stage Air Quality Consultancy Solution

The Francis Barber redevelopment demonstrates our ability to deliver integrated Air Quality Consultancy throughout the full development lifecycle.

By combining technical expertise with a strong understanding of planning policy and environmental regulation, our team supported the successful progression of the development while ensuring that air quality, odour and indoor environmental considerations were fully addressed.

How Can We Help?

If you require Air Quality Consultancy support with an upcoming project, please contact our team to discuss how we can assist with your project.