Hillingdon sits at the western edge of Greater London with a planning caseload shaped by the major Uxbridge town centre regeneration, the Hayes redevelopment along the canal corridor, the substantial commercial and logistics activity around Heathrow Airport, and the suburban residential character running through Ruislip, Northwood, Eastcote, and Ickenham. The London Borough of Hillingdon reviews a steady caseload of mid-rise residential blocks, replacement housing, commercial proposals, and rear and side extensions, with daylight and sunlight assessments coming up regularly given the mix of regeneration 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. The practice has been delivering daylight and sunlight reports since 2004. 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 Hillingdon 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 Uxbridge and Hayes 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
A formatted report attached to the planning submission gives the London Borough of Hillingdon case officer the technical evidence they need without follow-up requests at validation. Where the figures sit cleanly inside BRE 209 reference values, the planning conversation moves on. Where they sit below, the design rationale, the existing density, and the masterplan or regeneration context explain why the proposal is still acceptable on balance for the case officer to recommend.
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 scope before the planning programme commits to a particular form or massing strategy for the scheme.
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
