When submitting a planning application in Greater London, daylight and sunlight considerations are often overlooked — until objections arise. Whether you’re building a new residential block or extending an existing property, a daylight assessment planning report can be crucial for getting your development approved smoothly.
At Hawkins Environmental, we’ve supported developers and homeowners across Hampshire with precise, policy-compliant daylight & sunlight assessments. This blog explains when and why they’re needed, what’s involved, and how to meet local planning expectations in Greater London and surrounding areas.
Why Are Daylight and Sunlight Assessments Needed?
Planning authorities — including Greater London — must ensure that new developments do not significantly reduce daylight or sunlight to neighbouring properties or create poor lighting conditions for future occupants.
A daylight and sunlight assessment evaluates how a proposed development impacts the amount of natural light received in and around the site, considering both:
- Impact on neighbours: Will it overshadow nearby homes?
- Quality of internal daylight: Will the proposed units offer acceptable living conditions?
In both cases, poor light quality or significant overshadowing can lead to planning refusals. That’s where a professional internal daylight assessment comes in.
When Is a Daylight Assessment Planning Required?
A daylight assessment for planning is typically required when:
- A new building may overshadow existing homes or gardens
- A proposed extension is close to a neighbouring boundary
- The site layout may restrict light to new or existing rooms
- You are developing in dense, urban environments
If you’re unsure, speak with experienced daylight and sunlight consultants early in the design phase to avoid delays later on.
What Does a Daylight & Sunlight Assessment Include?
At Hawkins Environmental, our daylight & sunlight assessment planning permission reports follow the latest BRE (Building Research Establishment) guidelines and are suitable for submission to local authorities.
Our assessments typically include:
- Vertical Sky Component (VSC) analysis
- Daylight Distribution (DD) and Average Daylight Factor (ADF)
- Annual Probable Sunlight Hours (APSH) for sunlight analysis
- Overshadowing diagrams and visual impact plans
- Clear recommendations for mitigation, if necessary
We use advanced modelling software to provide accurate and defensible results that align with Greater London’s planning requirements.
Why Daylight Assessment Planning Matters
Submitting a robust daylight assessment with your planning application can:
- Prevent objections from neighbours
- Satisfy planning officers’ validation requirements
- Reduce the risk of refusals or costly redesigns
- Strengthen your case for approval
We have helped dozens of applicants in Greater London meet these exact expectations.
View our Daylight and Sunlight Assessment Services
Why Choose Hawkins Environmental For Daylight Assessment Planning?
We are trusted daylight and sunlight consultants who understand the nuances of local planning policy in Greater London and across the South of England.
What sets us apart:
- Clear, jargon-free reporting
- BRE guideline compliance
- Quick turnaround for tight planning deadlines
- Collaborative approach with architects and planning agents
From small extensions to large housing schemes, we tailor our daylight assessment planning services to suit your needs.
If your project in Greater London could impact natural light — or if you’re concerned about meeting planning requirements — a professional daylight assessment is essential.
At Hawkins Environmental, we ensure your application is supported by robust, defensible evidence to move your project forward with confidence.
Phone: 01256 522332
Email: enquiry@hawkinsenvironmental.co.uk
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Daylight Assessment Planning FAQs
Q1: Do all planning applications require a daylight and sunlight assessment?
A1: Not all, but it’s recommended when developments are close to existing buildings or may overshadow neighbouring properties.
Q2: What are BRE guidelines, and why are they important?
A2: BRE guidelines are nationally recognised standards for assessing daylight and sunlight. Councils often rely on them to judge the impact of a development.
Q3: How long does daylight assessment planning take?
A3: Most reports are completed within 5–7 working days, depending on the project’s complexity and the availability of drawings.