The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy states that development must not cause unacceptable pollution or environmental harm to human health, amenity or the natural environment. All development must apply the mitigation hierarchy, meaning avoid pollution first, then minimise and mitigate it, covering air, water and soil contamination, noise, vibration, odour, artificial light and other emissions. Where harm remains, it must be compensated through measurable environmental improvements. Pollution-sensitive uses such as housing, schools, hospitals and care homes are only permitted where people would not suffer unacceptable harm from existing or historic land uses.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
106.pdf
Policy BN.8
Pollution and Environmental Quality
Development must not cause unacceptable pollution or
environmental harm to human health, amenity, or the natural
environment. All development must apply the mitigation hierarchy to avoid, minimise,
and mitigate pollution from:
• Air, water and soil contamination;
• Noise, vibration and odour;
• Artificial light; and
• Other harmful emissions or discharges
A. Mitigation Hierarchy
Where harm cannot be fully avoided or mitigated, development may only be
permitted if:
1. Residual harm is compensated or offset through measurable environmental
improvements, habitat creation or enhancement, or the delivery of
environmental or biodiversity net gain in line with DS1 Environmental
Mitigation and Compensation;
2. Measures are secured, monitored, and managed long-term, proportionate to
the impact.
3. Development does not contribute to unacceptable cumulative or in-
combination pollution impacts when considered alongside existing or planned
development.
B. Pollution Sensitive Development
Development sensitive to pollution (including housing, schools, hospitals, care
homes, parks and recreational spaces) will only be permitted where:
• it would not result in unacceptable harm to human health or quality of life due
to existing or historic land uses; and
• adequate avoidance, mitigation, or compensation measures can be
implemented.