Planning activity in Braintree covers market town infill, conversions of former mill and industrial sites, edge-of-town residential expansion at Great Notley, and replacement housing across the surrounding villages. Braintree District Council looks for daylight and sunlight evidence on most schemes large enough to affect neighbouring residential properties, with overshadowing analysis flagged where amenity space sits inside the impact zone and seasonal sun access is in question.
Our team works across Braintree, Bocking, Cressing, Halstead, and the wider district from our Essex base, with RICS-regulated reports prepared in line with BRE 209 (2022). Local site attendance runs faster than for London-led practices covering the district, and the broader practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports for residential and mixed-use schemes across the East of England since 2004.
Using the knowledge we have gained throughout our involvement in projects of differing size and complexities, we are able to apply the criteria within the BRE guidelines and produce comprehensive reports to accompany a planning application.
When assessing daylight and sunlight, we work with a professional team to try and achieve the best outcome for a site, whilst respecting the neighbouring properties’ access to daylight and sunlight. We will also provide advice on how the design of potential residential accommodation can ensure access to good levels of daylight and sunlight.
The starting point is the proposed scheme drawings and a site visit where the context warrants it. From there, a 3D model captures the development, the affected neighbouring properties, and any features that change the result. The analysis runs Vertical Sky Component and No Sky Line for daylight, and Annual Probable Sunlight Hours for sunlight, in line with BRE 209 (2022) methodology.
Overshadowing on amenity space is tested using the 21 March sun position recommended in the guidance. Sunpath diagrams cover seasonal access where these add useful evidence. Trees within the impact zone are factored in, with the report flagging where retention or removal materially changes the outcome for the proposed scheme.
A typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. Calls are answered by a qualified surveyor rather than a call centre, and a free initial assessment confirms scope before anything is committed. This is a bespoke surveying service shaped to each scheme.
I have worked with CHP for a number of years, obtaining advice from them with regard to daylight and sunlight. They provide exactly what our clients require and work closely with us to resolve any issues, should they arise.
- Andrew Ryley , DLBP
Most schemes that materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms or amenity space will need a daylight and sunlight study to support the planning submission. Braintree District Council will not always request one at submission, but a borderline case is far easier to defend with the report already in the bundle and the methodology set out in advance.
BRE 209 sets reference values, not legal thresholds, and shortfalls can be justified where the context supports the design. Reports are turned around in 2 to 3 weeks. For sites where work also crosses a shared boundary, party wall services sit alongside the planning piece, both run by the same team. The free initial assessment runs through scope and answers the early questions before any fee is set.
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
020 3714 4090
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2nd Floor, 10 High Street
Wickford, Essex
SS12 9AZ
020 3714 4090
enquiries@chpsurveyors.com
