Meet the team

Daylight and sunlight influences the quality of the built environment for the poeple who live in and around it, whilst good light enhances the site value.

Barry Hood
Partner & Head of Department

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Who we are

Our approach

Our people

Indicative daylight and sunlight advice

Providing adequate daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties imposes a planning constraint to the potential height, bulk and massing of a proposed scheme. It is therefore important to obtain an indicative understanding at an early stage of what these constraints are likely to be. After a site visit we can quickly provide an approximate indication of the building potential to respect daylight and sunlight to surrounding properties and avoid unnecessary costs and delays in the development later on.

Masterplanning

We have the capability to analyse masterplan block models for daylight and sunlight impact to the surrounding properties and also internal to the masterplan scheme itself. This enables early stage optimisation of masterplans which results in acceptable levels of amenity and therefore reduces risk of delay at the more detailed design stage. Our masterplan analysis is presented in an easily understandable graphical form by colouring a 3D façade of the block massing of the masterplan with levels of daylight and sunlight potential to rooms and windows within the scheme.

Environmental Impact Assessments

This report is often required by the local planning authority where there are residential properties or open amenity spaces near a proposed scheme. Daylight and sunlight to surrounding properties and within the proposed scheme is calculated based upon accurate 3D computer models. This provides a very clear understanding of the impact of the scheme on the amenity of the neighbouring properties by reference to planning guidelines. The resulting report presents the scheme in the most positive but technically robust way. Analysis of overshadowing for the surrounding vicinity can be incorporated into this report.

Daylight and sunlight reports

This report is often required by the local planning authority where there are residential properties or open amenity spaces such as parks, gardens and children's play areas near a proposed scheme. Overshadowing analysis of these spaces can be calculated using accurate 3D models. This analysis includes calculating the permanent overshadow on March 21st, as well as transient analysis at hourly intervals, to show how the overshadowing will compare with the existing situation as it changes with time of day and year. The resulting report presents the scheme in the most positive but technically robust way. Analysis of daylight and sunlight to surrounding properties can be incorporated into this report.

Overshadowing reports

These are often required for larger schemes. We write the Environmental Impact Assessment chapter on daylight, sunlight and overshadowing. This includes a detailed analysis, similar to that carried out for a Daylight & Sunlight Report or Overshadowing Report [link]. A light pollution analysis can also be undertaken to predict the amount of light which will emit from the proposed scheme into the immediate vicinity (light pollution) and can then be compared with planning guidelines. The approach is similar to solar glare where the reflected image of the sun from shiny façades of the proposal may be a danger and is analysed to determine the precise impact to sensitive areas, such as road junctions, pedestrian walkways and railway signals.

Planning Inquiries

Where a scheme does not gain planning permission at local authority level, GIA frequently provide expert witness evidence at Planning Inquiries on daylight, sunlight, overshadowing, light pollution and solar glare. We have a large team of partners and associates with extensive experience of dealing with Public Inquiry cases. Our role includes strategic advice and writing the proof of evidence to support the proposal at Public Inquiry as well as giving evidence at the Inquiry itself under cross-examination.

Daylight & Sunlight

Daylight and sunlight analysis is often required to obtain planning permission wherever proposals are located close to residential windows or open spaces. We provide expert consultancy on daylight and sunlight and associated matters, both as part of the Planning Application process and if necessary, at Public Inquiry. The core competencies listed to the right set us apart from the competition.