Colchester City Council reviews a varied planning caseload. The historic core carries significant conservation weight, the former garrison sites and other large brownfield plots are being redeveloped at scale, and the suburban edges at Stanway, Mile End, and Wivenhoe continue to expand with new residential schemes. Daylight and sunlight assessments come up routinely on proposals that could materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms, gardens, or shared amenity space, and the larger mixed-use schemes regularly carry overshadowing analysis alongside the main study.
Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation, working from offices in London, Wickford, and Hampshire, with site attendance across the Colchester area running faster than for London-only practices. The work follows BRE 209 (2022) and is formatted to accompany the planning submission. The practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports 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.
Each Colchester report starts with the proposed scheme drawings, an initial site appraisal, and a site visit where the context warrants it. From there, a 3D model captures the proposal and the neighbouring properties affected. The BRE 209 analysis runs Vertical Sky Component for daylight, Annual Probable Sunlight Hours for sunlight, and No Sky Line checks where room geometry matters to the result.
Overshadowing analysis on amenity space tests the 21 March sun position as recommended in the guidance. Sunpath studies cover seasonal access where these add useful evidence, particularly for garden-led schemes and conservation-area sites. Trees inside the impact zone are factored in, with the report flagging where retention or removal materially changes the outcome.
A typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. Calls are answered by a qualified surveyor, and a free initial assessment confirms scope before any fee is committed. This is a bespoke surveying service shaped around 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 Colchester schemes that materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms or amenity space will need a daylight and sunlight study to support the planning submission. Colchester City 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 for the case officer 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 larger developments that could affect a neighbour's legal entitlement to light, rights of light assessments sit alongside the planning piece, both handled by the same team. The free initial assessment is the way in for early advice.
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
