01Pre-application meetings
We can attend meetings with local planning authorities and other relevant planning bodies to explain the daylight, sunlight and related solar evidence and discuss the concerns that need to be addressed before submission. This can include meetings with borough or district councils and, where relevant, the Greater London Authority.
Clear, timely technical input at pre-application stage can help identify an acceptable assessment scope, focus design work on the relevant issues and reduce avoidable disagreement later in the planning process.
02Planning committee hearings
Where a planning application is referred to committee, we can help the project team prepare concise, evidence-based answers to daylight, sunlight or related technical issues, and provide appropriate representation at the hearing where speaking arrangements permit.
The objective is to communicate the relevant technical conclusions and their practical planning context clearly, rather than overloading decision makers with the detail of a report.
03Mayoral call-ins
Where a development is called in for determination by the Mayor of London, or engages a comparable strategic planning process, we can assist with the preparation, review and presentation of the relevant daylight and sunlight evidence.
Support can include responding to technical queries, explaining the implications of scheme revisions and presenting clear, proportionate advice to the project team and relevant planning decision makers.
04Planning appeals
We can prepare and review technical material relevant to a planning appeal, including evidence on daylight and sunlight impacts, proposed internal light quality and associated solar matters. Where suitable, we can help respond to matters in dispute and support the client’s planning and legal team during the appeal process.
The form of involvement, including written representations, hearings or inquiries, is agreed in advance based on the project, procedural requirements and the expertise required.
05Expert witness for mediation and court proceedings
For rights of light and other matters within our expertise, we can consider instructions to provide independent expert technical evidence in mediation, litigation and court proceedings. This may include reviewing disputed analyses, preparing an expert report, attending meetings of experts and giving oral evidence when required.
An expert witness’s duties to the relevant court or tribunal take precedence over the interests of the instructing party. Formal expert instructions, scope and any conflicts are considered carefully in coordination with the legal team.
