As the demand for more sustainable housing increases, airspace developments are becoming more common. An airspace development builds on top of the roof of an existing building, to provide additional residential accommodation within dense urban areas.
As well as providing daylight, sunlight and rights of light advice, our role would be to make contact with the occupants of the existing building to establish any concerns regarding the development. We will work closely with the professional team to identify the initial questions and look at how these can be addressed.
It is our experience that maintaining the same point of contact for the duration of the project offers the existing occupants’ reassurance and continuity.
We have been working with CHP for best part of 5 years where they have provided daylight & sunlight, party wall and lessee liaison services. They are diligent, efficient and above all provide a high quality service; what’s not to like.
- Richard Taube, Upspace
Daylight and sunlight refer to a set of guidelines that are used by the Local Planning Authority, when considering planning applications. These are guidelines and relate only to habitable rooms. Rights of Light is an easement that any window can acquire, generally by being over 20 years old.
Planning does not consider rights of light and therefore even though a scheme may have been granted planning permission, it can still result in an infringement to a neighbouring properties right of light.
The numerical values in relation to daylight and sunlight are guidelines and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when reviewing the results of an analysis. As a result, it is not necessary that these are achieved in all instances.
If the works require Notice to be served, then it is recommended that these are served at least 3 months prior to them being undertaken, although the minimum is 2 months for works to a party wall and one month in relation to excavations.
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is an enabling Act to facilitate works, whilst ensuring appropriate protection is provided. If Notices are required, provided that the Act is complied with, the works cannot be prevented.
On average, we are able to undertake the required analysis and prepare the report within 2-3 weeks from instruction. It does however depend on the complexity of the project and the number of neighbouring properties that need to be assessed. We do advise of a turnaround time within our fee quotations.
If it is considered that your light will be affected by a development, then we can write to the developer advising them of your concern and you are not prepared to accept this.
We do not have a standard fee; we consider each individual project by reviewing the proposals for the site and the specific requirements. Our fee quotations are based on competitive hourly rates.
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
