Can Daylight Studies Help Avoid Planning Objections?

Building developments can attract objections for all sorts of reasons, a common concern from neighbours is the potential loss of daylight.

If you’re planning a new development, extension or change to an existing building, a daylight and sunlight study can be a useful way of identifying and mitigating these concerns before they become a problem.

A daylight study looks at how a proposed development could affect the amount of natural light reaching nearby properties, as well as the daylight and sunlight available within the proposed development itself. The assessment will be carried out in accordance with the latest Building Research Establishment (BRE) guidance.

Find potential problems before submitting

One of the biggest advantages of carrying out a study early is that it can highlight potential issues while there is still time to change the design, i.e. before submitting a planning application.

For example, the results might show that a proposed extension is likely to have a noticeable effect on a neighbouring window or garden. Rather than waiting for an objection to be raised, design changes can be made earlier reducing or even eliminating the effects towards the neighbouring properties and addressing any concerns the neighbour may have.

That can save time and, importantly, avoid having to redesign the scheme after a planning application has been submitted.

Providing evidence when concerns are raised

Neighbours may understandably be concerned if they believe a new building will reduce their daylighting. However, assumptions about loss of daylighting are not always correct.

A properly prepared assessment provides measurable evidence about the predicted impact. This gives the applicant and planning officer something objective to consider when assessing whether the change is significant. 

It isn’t simply a pass or fail

It is ultimately up to the planning officer to decide whether a development is acceptable. A daylight assessment will provide the planning officer with a clear picture of the potential impact the proposed building may have on neighbouring properties, taking into account the context of the site. As well as ensuring the proposed development achieves acceptable levels of daylighting internally. This allows the planning officer to make a more informed planning decision and consider any objections thoughtfully.

About Pager Power

Pager Power undertakes technical assessments for developers of renewable energy projects and tall buildings worldwide. 

For more information about what we do, please get in touch.

Image accreditation: Maxim Tolchinskiy (December 2021)  from Unsplash.com. Last accessed on 13 August 2026. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-tall-building-with-a-clock-on-the-side-of-it-ynpaI2bv0CY