Lichfields sheds light on Neighbourly Matters

Lichfields is expanding its services with a new Neighbourly Matters team delivering sector-leading natural lighting expertise. The company has extended its existing daylight and sunlight capabilities to include Rights to Light analysis and advice, solar glare studies and detailed overshadowing investigations.

With sunlight and daylight issues of increasing importance in the planning process Lichfields has recruited two lighting experts to head up this new division.

He has been joined by Associate Director Irfan Ahmed, who brings over 10 years experience in the practical delivery of natural lighting studies.

With the Government pushing a housebuilding agenda and promoting densification of brownfield urban land, access to natural light is an issue rising in prominence both for developers and decision makers.

Additionally, as the use of glass in building envelopes increases, developments which border the rail network or major road junctions are also undergoing greater scrutiny over potential solar glare issues.

Lichfields is leading the way amongst its planning peers in delivering these enhanced services as part of their overall offering. The team are adept at providing practical design advice and have a proven track record of working with architects to get the best performance from a design. This often included live testing and design sessions where detailed design concepts were tested with all parties included in ‘live sessions’. Given the current work climate, this facility has successfully been moved to live remote sessions that allow all parties to view, comment and interact with the detailed testing. Feedback received from clients and architects has confirmed the positive effects these sessions can have on the delivery and timescales of the design development process; leading to schemes being brought forward for planning submission in a more timely manner.

Mr. Rogan-Lyons, a design engineer with a Diploma in Practical Surveying has been undertaking detailed natural lighting studies for over 14 years.

He said: “As our towns and cities become more and more dense, buildings are having greater impacts on each other.

“Traditionally, the benefits to be gained from reducing energy consumption were at the heart of lighting considerations, but local authorities are increasingly taking a more holistic approach.

“Recent studies show that natural lighting can makes a difference with regards to anti-social behavior and the physical and mental well-being of occupants. Research has shown, not allowing for adequate natural light can have significant effects on mental health, emotional wellbeing and lead to increased crime in an area.

“Lichfields has recognised the growing importance Planning Authorities are placing on natural lighting as part of the planning process.

“Lichfields is unique in this regard; most Neighbourly Matters teams are standalone consultancies or are embedded in building surveying companies, not planning offices.”

Lighting analysis involves numerous tests to measure external interference and potential light loss within and around buildings.  Lighting analysis can be undertaken for the smallest single-storey extensions, to urban-infill projects, and developments of 10,000 homes or more.

On the rail networks, the increased use of glazing in building facades has contributed to some recent incidents and near misses. These have been attributed to solar glare from the windows of buildings bordering the tracks leading to missed or misread signals. Network Rail has the power to prevent a development where it poses a risk to the rail network.

Mr Rogan-Lyons said: “We have developed solar glare testing and reporting methodologies that fulfil the very specific requirements of Network Rail, allowing developers near to rail lines to ensure that reflections from buildings will not adversely affect train drivers.

“These methodologies have also been accepted by local authorities when assessing the effects of reflected sunlight on road users. Our team is able to provide design guidance to developers on material specifications to mitigate glare issues.

“We provide clear, jargon-free advice on rights to light matters and practical mitigation studies.”

Mr Ahmed has over ten years experience of the technical nuances of natural light studies. He has worked closely with software providers over this time to help develop industry-leading natural light analysis software, a process that is continuing with Lichfields.

The Neighbourly Matters team is completed by technicians Alessio Perez and Fernando Farias Gauto.

James Fennell, Lichfields’ Chief Executive, said the firm has more than 20 years of experience in daylight and sunlight analysis for planning purposes.

He continued: “We have become increasingly aware that clients are looking for a more holistic approach to natural lighting and are, therefore, delighted to bring Toby and Irfan on board to enhance our offering and support its delivery.”