Daylight and Sunlight Surveyor in Richmond upon Thames

Daylight and sunlight reports support planning applications across Richmond upon Thames, particularly on the conservation-area work across Richmond, Kew, Twickenham, and Hampton, the Twickenham town centre redevelopment, and the Thames-fronting schemes from Kew through to Hampton Court. Reports follow the BRE guidelines (2022 edition) and cover the technical analysis, design context, and any massing advice that helps the scheme work within London Borough of Richmond upon Thames expectations.

Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing in Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames is one of London's most heritage-led planning environments, with substantial conservation-area coverage running from Richmond Green and the Old Deer Park through to Kew Gardens, Twickenham riverside, Hampton, and Hampton Court. The borough also takes in Richmond Park, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Bushy Park, and Marble Hill, all of which shape what's possible on adjoining sites. The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames reviews a planning caseload dominated by conservation-area infill, replacement housing, rear and side extensions, and the Twickenham town centre redevelopment, with relatively few tall building proposals.

Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation from our London office at Boundary Row, SE1, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference. Where works cross a shared boundary, party wall services sit alongside the daylight piece, and the practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports since 2004.

Daylight + Sunlight

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.

Services Provided

  • Initial Site Appraisal

  • Daylight + Sunlight Analysis

  • Overshadowing Analysis

  • Sunpath Analysis

  • Assess the impact of existing trees on a proposed development

  • Produce detailed reports to accompany planning applications

What does a daylight and sunlight report involve in Richmond upon Thames?

A Richmond upon Thames report opens with the proposed scheme drawings, an initial site appraisal, and a 3D model of the development and the affected neighbouring properties. The BRE 209 analysis then runs Vertical Sky Component for daylight, Annual Probable Sunlight Hours for sunlight, and No Sky Line where room geometry matters to the result for the proposed scheme.

Overshadowing analysis on ground-level amenity tests the 21 March sun position recommended in the guidance. Sunpath studies cover seasonal access where these add useful evidence, particularly on the Thames-fronting plots and the conservation-area garden settings where mature tree cover and historic boundary lines drive much of the result. Trees within the impact zone are factored in where they materially affect the outcome.

A typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. Calls are answered by a qualified surveyor, and a free initial assessment sets out scope before any fee 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

Will the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames require a daylight and sunlight assessment?

Most Richmond upon Thames schemes that materially affect neighbouring habitable rooms or amenity space will need a daylight and sunlight study to support the planning submission. The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames does not always request one at submission, but a borderline case is much easier to defend with the report already in the bundle and the methodology set out in advance for the case officer to consider, particularly on conservation-area infill and Thames-fronting plots where heritage context shapes the planning conversation.

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. The free initial assessment is the way in for borderline cases or for early advice on whether a full study is needed.

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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