Daylight and Sunlight Surveyor in Newham
Daylight & Sunlight Analysis for Newham Developments
Newham reviews one of London's most active planning environments, with the Stratford regeneration around the Olympic Park, the Canning Town and Royal Docks tower cluster including the Silvertown Quays and Royal Wharf schemes, and the wider East End character running through East Ham, Forest Gate, and Manor Park. The London Borough of Newham reviews a high-volume caseload of new tall residential and mixed-use proposals, alongside dense Victorian terrace work, extensions, and conservation-area infill where these run through the borough.
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, particularly on the Royal Docks and Stratford tower schemes. Where the scheme involves building over an existing property, airspace development advice sits alongside the daylight piece.
Daylight + Sunlight
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.
Services Provided
- Initial Site Appraisal
- Daylight + Sunlight Analysis
- Overshadowing Analysis
- Sunpath Analysis
- Assess the impact of existing trees on a proposed development
- Produce detailed reports to accompany planning applications
How do we deliver BRE 209 assessments in Newham?
Each Newham 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 on amenity tests 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 Stratford and Royal Docks tower clusters 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
How does a daylight and sunlight report support a Newham planning submission?
A formatted report attached to the planning submission gives the London Borough of Newham 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 tall building context, and the proportional impact of the new proposal explain why the scheme 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 whether a full study is needed at this stage of the project programme.
Case Studies
FAQ
What types of daylight and sunlight projects do you handle in Newham?
How do Newham schemes typically perform against BRE 209 targets?
How do daylight and sunlight assessments handle tall buildings?
What is No Sky Line (NSL)?
What happens after a daylight and sunlight report is submitted?
Contact Us
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