Barnet is one of London's largest boroughs by population, with a planning caseload shaped by major regeneration at Brent Cross Town and Colindale, the West Hendon and Edgware redevelopment programmes, and the dominant suburban character running through Mill Hill, Finchley, Whetstone, and Friern Barnet. The London Borough of Barnet also reviews the conservation-area work across Hampstead Garden Suburb and the historic core of Chipping Barnet, with daylight and sunlight assessments coming up regularly given the mix of new tall buildings and dense suburban stock.
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 where the scheme involves building over an existing property, airspace development advice sits alongside the daylight piece.
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 Barnet report starts with the proposed scheme drawings and an initial site appraisal that grounds the analysis in the existing context. A 3D model then captures the development and the affected neighbouring properties, before running against BRE 209 (2022) methodology covering 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. No Sky Line and sunpath studies sit alongside where geometry or seasonal access matter, with the larger Brent Cross and Colindale regeneration zones requiring particular attention to cumulative effects.
The report sets out methodology, figures, and design rationale where the numbers run below BRE 209 reference values. Typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. A free initial assessment confirms 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
Booking the report early supports several outcomes at once. The technical evidence sits in the planning bundle from the start, neighbour amenity arguments are addressed before they become objections, and the design team gets an early read on whether the scheme needs reshaping to protect light access. The London Borough of Barnet case officers will look at the design rationale closely on the Brent Cross and Colindale regeneration sites and the conservation-area work in Hampstead Garden Suburb where massing has the biggest impact.
BRE 209 reference values are guidance, not pass or fail. 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 at this stage of the project.
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
