DAYLIGHT & SUNLIGHT PLANNING
Lockdown has changed the way we view daylight and sunlight within our homes NUMEROUS studies demonstrate the positive impact natural light has on both our physical and mental health and, with recent reports on the effects vitamin D and UV light have on the Covid-19 virus, general awareness of natural light is rising. Toby Rogan-Lyons, Planning Director, Neighbourly Matters at Lichfields, explains...
Previous work and schooling practices meant that most people would have only a limited time in their homes during the day. However, the present restrictions have led to a dramatic increase in this, and increased levels of home-working are likely to feature for some time. All this is leading to an upsurge in awareness of the impact our home environment has on us as individuals, with natural light forming a significant element of that. This, coupled with the good weather experienced across the UK during lockdown - May saw record sunlight hours - will have instilled occupants with a, perhaps elevated, expectation of light within their homes. However, expressing this understanding in a measurable way will always be problematic; terms such as ‘light’ and ‘airy’ are subjective.
When undertaking studies to assess the effects a proposed development may have on the natural light amenity of both neighbouring properties and future residents, the guidance given in Building Research Establishment document 209 (Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight, a guide to good practice, 2011, BRE Report) is most often used, and reports based on this guidance are expected by most planning authorities for new developments.
The BRE Report
“ In urban areas the proportion of sky visible from within buildings is often restricted and the targets provided in the BRE Report are difficult to achieve.”
The BRE Report provides numerous tests used to assess daylight and sunlight striking windows and the penetration of daylight within spaces. These tests provide absolute and comparative numerical results and are used by consultants and planning officers to judge a development’s impacts on natural light. However, there is endless debate on
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July/August 2020
www.daylightingmag.co.uk
