Livingstone and London Councils produce eco guide

London mayor Ken Livingstone and London Councils have produced a guide aimed at reducing dust and air pollution from construction and demolition sites in London. The Best Practice Guidance is the first of its kind to provide consolidated advice for developers, local authorities and all organisations involved in construction.

London Councils chairman Merrick Cockell, said: “The guide will assist borough planning officers to incorporate appropriate conditions into planning permissions and help developers in understanding what might be expected of them by boroughs.”

Last year alone an estimated 1000 accelerated deaths and 1000 extra respiratory hospital admissions occurred because of pollution from particulates (PM10).

Livingstone said: "With the 2012 games and regeneration throughout the Thames Gateway, London will see decades of construction. It is therefore essential that we do all we can to reduce these particulate emissions, which are harmful to health and exacerbate respiratory conditions.”