Harlow District Council oversees a planning caseload shaped by its new town heritage and ongoing regeneration. Large estate redevelopments at Church Langley, Newhall, and around the town centre generate steady demand for daylight and sunlight reports, alongside replacement housing in Old Harlow and the surrounding villages. Schemes that materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms or amenity space typically need a report, and the larger mixed-use proposals regularly carry overshadowing analysis alongside the main study.
Our Essex team prepares these reports under RICS regulation, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference. Site attendance across Harlow and the surrounding area runs faster than for London-led practices, and 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 Harlow report starts with the proposed scheme drawings, an initial site appraisal, and a site visit where the surrounding context cannot be fully read from the drawings. A 3D model then captures the development and the neighbouring properties affected, with the BRE 209 analysis running across daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing as the scheme requires.
Vertical Sky Component covers light to windows. Annual Probable Sunlight Hours covers sunlight to habitable rooms with relevant orientation. Overshadowing analysis tests amenity space under the 21 March sun position recommended in the guidance. Sunpath diagrams sit alongside where seasonal access matters for the design, particularly on larger residential courts.
The report sets out methodology, figures, and design rationale where any values fall short of BRE 209 reference values. Typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. A free initial assessment covers scope before any fee is set. 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 Harlow schemes that materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms or amenity space will need a daylight and sunlight study to support the planning submission. Harlow 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 for the case officer to consider.
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 from instruction through to submission.
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
