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Airspace Developments
As the demand for more sustainable housing increases, airspace developments are becoming more common. An airspace development builds on top of the roof of an existing building, to provide additional residential accommodation within dense urban areas.
Airspace Developments
As well as providing daylight, sunlight and rights of light advice, our role would be to make contact with the occupants of the existing building to establish any concerns regarding the development. We will work closely with the professional team to identify the initial questions and look at how these can be addressed.
It is our experience that maintaining the same point of contact for the duration of the project offers the existing occupants’ reassurance and continuity.
Services Provided
- Make initial contact with existing occupants.
- Attend meetings to discuss any concerns of the existing occupants.
- Recording Schedules of Condition of the flats below the proposed units.
- Act as a liaison between the developer and occupants throughout the project.
- Assist in resolving any issues that may arise such as car parking, site setup etc.
We have been working with CHP for best part of 5 years where they have provided daylight & sunlight, party wall and lessee liaison services. They are diligent, efficient and above all provide a high quality service; what’s not to like.
- Richard Taube, Upspace
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FAQ
What is the difference between daylight and sunlight and rights to light?
Daylight and sunlight refer to a set of guidelines that are used by the Local Planning Authority, when considering planning applications. These are guidelines and relate only to habitable rooms. Rights of Light is an easement that any window can acquire, generally by being over 20 years old.
If a scheme has planning consent, can I object on a rights to light basis?
Planning does not consider rights of light and therefore even though a scheme may have been granted planning permission, it can still result in an infringement to a neighbouring properties right of light.
Can planning consent be granted if a daylight and sunlight report demonstrates that not all properties meet the recommended targets?
The numerical values in relation to daylight and sunlight are guidelines and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when reviewing the results of an analysis. As a result, it is not necessary that these are achieved in all instances.
When should I serve a party wall notice on my neighbour?
If the works require Notice to be served, then it is recommended that these are served at least 3 months prior to them being undertaken, although the minimum is 2 months for works to a party wall and one month in relation to excavations.
Can I prevent works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 being undertaken?
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 is an enabling Act to facilitate works, whilst ensuring appropriate protection is provided. If Notices are required, provided that the Act is complied with, the works cannot be prevented.
How long does it take for you to produce a daylight and sunlight report.
On average, we are able to undertake the required analysis and prepare the report within 2-3 weeks from instruction. It does however depend on the complexity of the project and the number of neighbouring properties that need to be assessed. We do advise of a turnaround time within our fee quotations.
I am concerned that my neighbour’s development will block my light. What can be done to protect my interests?
If it is considered that your light will be affected by a development, then we can write to the developer advising them of your concern and you are not prepared to accept this.
How much does it cost to undertake a daylight and sunlight assessment and produce the associated report?
We do not have a standard fee; we consider each individual project by reviewing the proposals for the site and the specific requirements. Our fee quotations are based on competitive hourly rates.
