When might it be needed?
Councils can require this evidence for food premises whose cooking or extraction could affect nearby homes or other sensitive uses. Westminster's 2026 validation list identifies significant odour sources and specifically flags low-level kitchen extraction as an example requiring assessment. Check the relevant council's requirements before choosing the duct route or buying equipment. [2]
The assessment should describe the actual operation proposed. Ask the operator to provide a realistic description of the cooking activities, equipment and operating pattern rather than relying on a generic description such as “café”. The consultant can then identify which aspects of the operation determine the assessment scope.
Why do odour, noise and appearance need separate attention?
Bromley's guidance treats odour control, noise and visual effects as different planning issues. An extraction system may address one concern without resolving the others. The position and appearance of the ductwork should therefore be developed alongside the ventilation design, not added to an already completed shopfront or elevation drawing. [1]
Noise assessment also needs to consider the relevant nearby occupiers and the character and timing of the sound. National guidance does not provide one universal noise figure that makes every fan installation acceptable. [3]
What should the submission explain?
A useful brief should require the proposed system to be identifiable and assessable. Ask for:
- Drawings showing the route and discharge position in relation to the building and neighbours.
- The proposed cooking and ventilation arrangements on which the assessment is based.
- An explanation of the odour-control approach and any necessary acoustic measures.
- A clear account of the operating and maintenance assumptions that must be followed.
Westminster's requirements refer to a recognised odour-assessment approach, while Bromley asks for suitable technical extraction information. Confirm the receiving council's preferred scope rather than copying a checklist from another borough without review. [2] [1]
Who prepares it?
Bromley's guidance identifies a suitably qualified and competent ventilation engineer for the extraction design. Depending on the site, the project may also need acoustic or odour-assessment input. The architect or designer should coordinate the resulting equipment and ductwork with the application drawings. [1]
When comparing appointments, distinguish a supplier's equipment quotation from a planning assessment. Ask who will explain the system's suitability for this particular location and respond if the environmental health officer requests changes.
What should be checked before installation?
Confirm that the final specification and operating assumptions still match the assessed proposal. A revised discharge position, replacement fan or changed cooking operation should be referred back to the relevant specialist before it is treated as equivalent.
National policy P3 requires consideration of pollution effects on living conditions. Keep the report, approved drawings and any relevant conditions together so the operator and installer understand the same design commitments. [4]