The City of London Corporation reviews a planning caseload dominated by tall buildings, commercial redevelopment, and high-density mixed-use schemes, with the Eastern Cluster, Bishopsgate corridor, and Fleet Street area all generating regular daylight and sunlight queries. The Square Mile sits inside an unusual planning environment where most floor space is commercial but residential receptors still need protection, and the cumulative effects of multiple tall buildings on neighbouring properties and public realm are taken seriously by the Corporation.
Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation from our London office at Boundary Row, SE1, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference. For larger developments that could affect a neighbour's legal entitlement to light, rights of light assessments sit alongside the planning piece, and rights of light is often the more material constraint than planning in the City. 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.
The work covers 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 public realm and amenity space tests the 21 March sun position recommended in the guidance. Sunpath studies cover seasonal access where these add useful evidence, particularly on the tall building proposals in the Eastern Cluster where cumulative shadow effects matter to the planning conversation. 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 rather than a call centre, 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
Falling short of BRE 209 reference values does not block consent on its own in the City of London. The figures are guidance, and the City of London Corporation will read them against the existing tall building context, which is exceptionally dense compared with anywhere else in the UK. Existing receptors often already sit below standard reference values because of the surrounding stock, and the proportional impact of new development is what the Corporation typically focuses on in the assessment.
A well-argued report sets out the shortfall, explains the cause, and shows the design steps taken to mitigate it. 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.
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
