Brentwood Borough Council reviews planning applications across a mix of conservation-protected town centre frontage, Green Belt boundary sites, and the affluent residential stock running through Shenfield, Hutton, and Pilgrims Hatch. Daylight and sunlight assessments come up regularly on replacement dwellings, large rear and side extensions, and mid-rise residential schemes near Brentwood and Shenfield stations, where the existing built form is tight enough that small massing changes can shift the outcome.
Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation, working from offices in London, Wickford, and Hampshire, with site attendance across Essex running faster than for London-only practices. The work follows BRE 209 (2022) and is formatted to drop into the planning submission. Where the scheme is large enough to engage neighbour legal entitlements, rights of light assessments sit alongside the planning 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.
A Brentwood report starts with the existing site context, drawings of the proposed development, and a visit where access and orientation cannot be fully read from the drawings. From there, a 3D model captures the proposal and the neighbouring properties affected, and the BRE 209 analysis runs across daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing.
Vertical Sky Component covers light to windows. Annual Probable Sunlight Hours covers sunlight to habitable rooms with relevant orientation. Overshadowing tests amenity space under the 21 March sun position. Sunpath studies sit alongside where seasonal access matters, particularly for garden-led schemes in Hutton and Shenfield.
The report sets out methodology, figures, and design rationale where the numbers run below BRE 209 reference values. A typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction, with the free initial assessment covering scope before any fee is set. This is a bespoke surveying service rather than a templated output.
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
Falling short of BRE 209 reference values does not block consent on its own. The figures are guidance and need to be read against the context. Brentwood Borough Council will look at existing density, the orientation of the neighbouring properties, and whether the design has done what it reasonably can to protect light access. Conservation context can also shift how the figures are interpreted on town centre sites.
A well-argued report sets out the shortfall, explains the cause, and shows the design steps taken to reduce the impact. This is where early commissioning pays back, because the report can prompt minor adjustments before submission. Reports are turned around in 2 to 3 weeks, and the free initial assessment is the way in for borderline cases or for an early read on whether a full study is needed at all.
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
