Essex covers a wide planning landscape, with district, borough, and city councils each running their own caseloads under the strategic context set by Essex County Council. Daylight and sunlight assessments come up across the full mix, from city centre regeneration in Chelmsford and Colchester through to coastal infill at Clacton and Southend-on-Sea, replacement housing across the affluent commuter belt, and conservation-area work in towns like Saffron Walden and Maldon. The technical methodology is the same across the county, with the local planning environment shaping how the figures are read.
Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation, working from offices in London, Wickford, and Hampshire, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference. Site attendance across Essex runs faster than for London-only practices, and the practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports across the region since 2004.
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 follows a consistent process whether the scheme sits in Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, or any of the smaller towns and villages across the county. Each report starts with the proposed scheme drawings and an initial site appraisal, followed by a 3D model that captures the proposal and the neighbouring properties affected. The BRE 209 analysis then runs Vertical Sky Component, Annual Probable Sunlight Hours, and No Sky Line where the geometry warrants it for the specific scheme.
Overshadowing analysis on amenity space tests the 21 March sun position recommended in the guidance. Sunpath studies cover seasonal access where these add useful evidence. Trees within the impact zone are factored in where they materially affect the outcome of the assessment.
A typical turnaround is 2 to 3 weeks from instruction. Calls are answered by a qualified surveyor, and a free initial assessment covers 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. The figures are guidance and need to be read against local context. Each Essex local planning authority will look at existing density, the orientation of neighbouring properties, and whether the design has done what it reasonably can to protect light access. The same principle applies whether the scheme is in a conservation town like Saffron Walden, a regeneration city like Chelmsford, or a coastal community like Southend-on-Sea.
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. For larger developments that could affect a neighbour's legal entitlement to light, rights of light assessments sit alongside the planning piece, both handled by the same team.
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
