Hampshire covers a wide planning landscape, with city, borough, and district councils each running their own caseloads under the strategic context set by Hampshire County Council. Daylight and sunlight assessments come up across the full mix, from urban regeneration in Southampton and Portsmouth through to conservation-area infill in Winchester, new town and suburban expansion in Basingstoke, and coastal residential schemes along the Solent and beyond. The technical methodology is the same across the county, with the local planning environment shaping how the figures are read by each case officer.
Our team prepares these reports under RICS regulation from our Hampshire office, with BRE 209 (2022) as the working reference and offices in London, Wickford, and Hampshire supporting wider coverage. The practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports across the South Coast and East of England since 2004. Where works cross a shared boundary, party wall services sit 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 process is consistent whether the scheme sits in Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke, or any of the smaller towns and villages across Hampshire. Each report starts with the proposed scheme drawings, an initial site appraisal, and a 3D model that captures the development and the affected neighbouring properties. The BRE 209 analysis then runs across 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 on amenity space tests the 21 March sun position. Sunpath studies sit alongside where seasonal access matters, and 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 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
A well-prepared report does several jobs at once across any Hampshire planning submission. It puts the technical evidence in front of the case officer, addresses neighbour amenity arguments before they become objections, and gives the design team an early read on whether the scheme needs reshaping to protect light access. The principle applies whether the scheme is in a conservation context like Winchester, a city centre like Southampton, or a coastal context along the Solent or beyond.
BRE 209 reference values are guidance, not pass or fail. Reports are turned around in 2 to 3 weeks. The practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports across the South Coast since 2004, and the free initial assessment is the way in for borderline cases or for early advice on scope.
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
