Expert Odour Assessment & Planning Consultancy

Independent Advice | Expert Witness | 38+ Years Experience

If you require expert advice on odour issues for planning applications, environmental compliance, or legal proceedings, you are in the right place.

I provide specialist consultancy on odour assessment, odour management plans, and expert witness services, helping developers, planners, businesses and legal teams navigate complex odour-related challenges.

With more than 38 years of experience in air quality and odour assessment, I bring deep technical knowledge and practical insight to every project.

Trusted Expert in Odour & Planning

I chaired the working group that produced the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) Guidance on Odours and Planning, first published in 2014 and updated in 2018.

This means I not only understand the guidance used in planning decisions — I helped write it.

My work regularly supports:

• Planning applications

• Development feasibility studies

• Environmental assessments

• Regulatory compliance

• Planning appeals and public inquiries

• Legal proceedings and expert evidence

Recent Client Feedback

“Your report has been incredibly influential and game-changing. It is clear that there is tremendous respect for your work.”

“I couldn't imagine finding a more credible consultant.”

Specialist Services

Odour Assessments for Planning

Independent assessments to support planning applications, development proposals, and site suitability studies.

Odour Management Plans (OMP)

Preparation of robust, compliant odour management plans for regulators and planning authorities.

Independent Review of Odour Reports

Expert critique of third-party odour assessments and environmental reports.

Odour Dispersion Modelling

Detailed modelling to assess potential impacts of odour emissions.

Odour Surveys

Field investigations and monitoring to establish baseline conditions and support assessments.

Regulatory Advice

Support relating to abatement notices, Best Practicable Means (BPM) and environmental compliance.

Expert Witness

I have provided expert evidence on over 70 occasions, including:

• Court proceedings

• Public inquiries

• Development Consent Order hearings

• Parliamentary committees

• Planning committees

Sectors I Work With

My experience spans a wide range of odour-generating activities including:

• Commercial kitchens and restaurants (EMAQ+ guidance)

• Intensive livestock operations (chickens, pigs, cattle, horses and ducks)

• Wastewater and sewage treatment

• Waste processing and disposal

• Food processing facilities

• Chemical works

I have also undertaken many studies assessing whether land located near odorous activities is suitable for residential development.

Published Author

I was a contributing author to the book:

Designing with Smells
Published by Routledge (2017)

Why Clients Choose My Consultancy

Many consultants can interpret odour guidance. However, very few have been directly involved in developing that guidance or shaping industry practice.

When you instruct me, you benefit from:

✔ A consultant who helped shape national industry guidance
✔ Over three decades of specialist experience
✔ Extensive expert witness credentials
✔ Deep understanding of planning and regulatory processes
✔ Practical, clear and honest advice
✔ Cost-effective consultancy with low overheads

If a case is weak, I will tell you at the outset so you can avoid unnecessary time and expense.

Download My CV

An overview of my experience and project work can be found in my CV, available to download below.

Please see my testimonials tab for recent feedback