At SMA, we provide comprehensive environmental consultancy services to support planning applications and development projects across the UK. Our specialist team delivers expert assessments in noise, vibration, air quality, and odour, helping clients identify environmental constraints, assess development potential, and achieve compliance with national and local planning requirements.
Using advanced monitoring equipment, industry-leading modelling software, and a thorough understanding of planning policy, we deliver robust, evidence-based assessments tailored to each site’s unique characteristics. From early-stage feasibility studies through to planning submission and condition discharge, we work closely with developers, planning authorities, and environmental regulators to provide practical solutions that support sustainable development while protecting environmental quality and public health.
Air quality is an increasingly important consideration within the UK planning system, particularly as Local Authorities respond to growing concerns over public health, climate change, and compliance with national and international air quality objectives. At SMA, we provide comprehensive air quality consultancy services to support planning applications for a wide range of development types.
We undertake assessments for various potential pollutant sources, using a combination of:
Our team engages with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and Environmental Health Officers at the pre-application stage to agree on the scope and methodology of each assessment, ensuring that our reports are proportionate, policy-compliant, and tailored to the specific sensitivities of each site.
Our Air Quality Impact Assessments (AQIAs) provide both qualitative and quantitative analysis of pollutant concentrations and emissions, assessing impacts in line with current UK guidance, including:
Our assessments inform planning decisions and mitigation strategies, which may include:
Previous project experience includes:
By combining technical expertise with a pragmatic understanding of planning policy and local authority expectations, SMA delivers reliable air quality assessments that help unlock development while protecting environmental and public health objectives.
Odour is an increasingly important consideration in the UK planning system, particularly where sensitive land uses, such as residential, healthcare, or educational developments are proposed near potential odour-generating sources like wastewater treatment works, agricultural operations, or industrial facilities.
At SMA, we offer expert odour assessment services to support planning applications and discharge planning conditions and ensure compliance with relevant environmental legislation and national guidance. Our assessments help developers proactively manage risk, support planning success, and demonstrate that new development will not be adversely affected by or contribute to unacceptable odour levels.
We provide assessments for a wide range of odour sources and receptors, using industry-standard tools and methodologies, including:
Our team engages early with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), and the Environment Agency where necessary to agree the appropriate scope and level of assessment. We ensure that all reports are proportionate, technically robust, and aligned with the latest UK guidance and policy frameworks, including:
Our Odour Impact Assessments (OIAs) support informed planning decisions and may include:
Recent project experience includes:
For more information about how SMA can support your development with professional odour assessment services, please contact our Environmental team.
At SMA, we provide thorough consulting services for noise and vibration, supporting Clients in assessing a site’s development potential and ensuring compliance with national and local planning policies. We conduct precise baseline monitoring. Utilising Class 1 sound level meters and advanced vibration monitoring equipment to capture accurate, high-resolution data. This is particularly critical during the early stages
of site feasibility.
Where predictive assessments are required, SMA utilises 3D noise modelling software SoundPLAN to simulate complex noise environments involving road, rail, and industrial sources. These models comply with recognised standards, including:
These models are validated against on-site measurements where applicable and are
used to assess both existing and future noise conditions, considering proposed site
layouts, boundary treatments, and building orientation.
