Common questions about daylight & sunlight
Do I need a daylight assessment for a single-storey extension?
A daylight assessment isn’t always mandatory for a single-storey extension in the UK, but it’s often recommended to avoid planning issues. Local authorities may request evidence, so getting a professional daylight and sunlight assessment can help demonstrate compliance and strengthens your application.
What if the assessment shows a loss of light?
The report will typically propose mitigation strategies, such as adjusting building height, repositioning or resizing windows, or reshaping the overall massing to improve natural light access, help improve performance against relevant daylight standards, and reduce the risk of planning refusal overall.
Can a neighbour object to my building plans?
Yes. A neighbour can object to your building plans, and an anticipated loss of natural light is a valid reason for the local planning authority to consider. Concerns about overshadowing, reduced daylight or sunlight, and impacts on amenity often carry significant weight in planning decisions.
Our Main Services
Full daylight and sunlight analysis and planning ready reports (BRE 209)
Proposed internal daylight and sunlight studies for new habitable rooms (British Standard)
Neighbouring, public and proposed amenity overshadowing and assessments
Rights of Light analysis & negotiations with neighbours & freeholders
Cutbacks and permissible envelope massing studies for development potential
Other Services We Offer
Laser scanning & CAD conversion
Captures accurate site data, CAD model building and surveys available.
3D visualisation
Helps you picture the new design, verified views & marketing materials.
Transient sunlight studies
Shows sunlight paths across the day for further detailed analysis.
Post planning submission support
Technical responses, addendums and supporting evidence for planning submissions and appeals.
Design optimisation advice
How to meet targets without redesigning everything.
Why Homebuilders Choose Us
Fast turnaround
Urgent assessments & last minute requests are available.
Easy to understand
Our reports are written for homebuilders and planning officers.
Neighbourly-friendly
We help you avoid risk from adjacent neighbours & freeholders.
Clear communication
We pride ourselves on our responsive collaboration approach.
BRE guided support
All your daylight & sunlight planning requirements in one place.
