Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing
ACCON UK is one of a relatively small number of consultants offering services relating to the assessment of Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing.
With increasing pressures for land, especially in our cities, new developments are becoming taller and are located closer to their neighbours than ever before. It is now becoming more common for Local Authorities to require that buildings are assessed to see whether they will affect the amount of sunlight or daylight which neighbouring buildings will receive. Additionally there is often a requirement to assess whether local playgrounds, parks or gardens will suffer from overshadowing.
From small houses to skyscrapers, ACCON UK has the expertise and experience to assess Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing according to the recognised BRE methodology and provide clear and concise reports for submission to Local Authorities. Utilising CAD it is possible to demonstrate graphically the location of shadows from the development to endeavour to explain the likely impacts.
As well as for planning purposes, ACCON UK is able to assist in the design stage by testing design options and recommending solutions with minimal impact on surrounding properties. For large buildings this is a cost effective option for safeguarding against expensive design changes or planning delays at a later date due to impacts from Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing.
We are also able to provide services for the assessment of lighting under the Code for Sustainable Homes. Whilst the credits are discretionary many developers are seeking expert design advice, which ACCON can provide, in order to achieve the credits for their proposed developments.