Air quality and planning

Planning process

Our planning process, and the implementation of our local plan (LP33), sets out ways to ensure that air quality is not made worse by building work and new developments in the borough and that the health of future users is protected.

Through the planning process, we also seek to deliver air quality improvements where possible.

To tackle air pollution and increase walking and cycling, LP33 states that all new developments must be car-free, with parking limited to disabled spaces or essential servicing needs.

All developments in the borough must be air quality neutral in line with LP33 and the London Plan. Larger developments subject to Environmental Impact Assessment regulations must also meet the London Plan’s air quality positive requirements.

You should also check the planning validation requirements to see if you need an air quality assessment with your planning application. We can also advise applicants and developers on the scope of air quality assessments.

Code of Construction Practice

The Code of Construction Practice is for:

• construction logistics
• waste management
• air quality
• dust

It sets out what we expect from developers and those involved in construction activities in the borough.

The expectation is that all construction sites in the borough meet the requirements or best practice set out in the Code. Following the guidance will help to reduce disruption for residents.

Developers should also use the Code of Construction Practice when developing their construction management plans.

Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM)

NRMM includes mobile machinery and vehicles which are fitted with an internal combustion engine but are not used on public roads, such as generators or diggers.

They are generally used in relation to activities on construction sites and can be a big contributor to air pollution in the immediate area.

Hackney is part of a Pan-London NRMM project funded by the Mayor of London. As part of this project, we use the planning process to make sure construction sites register on the London-wide database.

NRMM on construction sites in Hackney is required to meet the relevant NRMM Low Emission Zone standards. Stricter standards apply in the Central Activities Zone and Opportunity Areas. You can view a map of these areas by visiting Mayor of London – Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM).

Audits are undertaken on all registered sites and checks for unregistered sites are also made. The audits check that all relevant plant and machinery on site meets relevant emissions standards, therefore reducing air pollution from construction.

Air Quality Action Plan

See our Air Quality Action Plan for more details on how we are improving air quality across the borough.

Hackney Yards development site

A mixed-use development is currently underway close to Hackney Wick station. The development is across multiple sites crossing the borders between Hackney and Tower Hamlets. 

Due to how the land has been used in the past, there are contaminants in the soil. The contaminants in the soil include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be released into the air when the soil is disturbed. Some of these compounds are odorous (they have a smell). 

Work on the Hackney Yards development site was suspended in April 2024, following residents’ concerns about odours coming from the site.

Hackney Council met with Ardmore Construction and officials from the London Legacy Development Corporation (who were responsible for planning permission and setting the planning conditions of the site) to agree on improved measures for managing the emissions.

Since 1 December 2024, Hackney Council and Tower Hamlets Council are now responsible for:

• planning
• compliance monitoring
• planning enforcement

Although odours might still be noticeable at times, we want to assure residents and local businesses that monitoring and mitigation measures have been agreed on and put in place. These include:

• covering excavated material during storage and transport to prevent gas release
• installing solid hoarding around the site to contain gases within the boundaries
• using misting devices along the hoardings to release a fine water mist with a harmless odour neutraliser during excavation or when material is being moved or handled

Keep updated

Find out more in the Hackney Yards Air Quality Reports on the Ardmore website.

We have produced a Hackney Yards development document (google doc). It gives more information on the:

• development
• the planning application process
• testing and monitoring of the site

Complaints and feedback

Hackney residents and businesses can contact Hackney’s Land Water Air team by email at landwaterair@hackney.gov.uk.