Loss of Light Planning Objections

Professional Assessment and Objections for Daylight & Overshadowing Impacts

Loss of light is one of the most common and impactful reasons for objecting to a planning application. If a neighbouring development threatens to reduce the natural light entering your home, garden or business premises, Cedar Planning can prepare a strong, policy-led objection that clearly demonstrates planning harm.

We support homeowners, neighbours, community groups and businesses in preparing effective objections grounded in daylight/sunlight guidance, planning policy and local design standards.

Why Loss of Light Matters in Planning Decisions

Local planning authorities must consider whether proposed development would cause:

• Unacceptable loss of daylight

• Significant overshadowing of rooms or gardens

• Reduced sunlight to key living spaces

• Overbearing visual impact caused by increased height or massing

Many councils rely on:

• BRE Guidelines: “Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight”

• Local design guides

• Neighbouring amenity policies

We ensure your objection demonstrates harm using the criteria planning officers must consider.

Common Causes of Loss of Light

We regularly prepare objections relating to:

• Two-storey side or rear extensions

• Loft conversions with large dormers

• Deep rear projections

• New dwellings built close to boundaries

• Oversized garden outbuildings

• Blocked south-facing windows

• Multi-storey developments overshadowing gardens

• Infill developments in tight urban plots

Even small extensions can dramatically reduce daylight depending on orientation and proximity.

If your concerns include other issues such as overlooking, overdevelopment, or Green Belt impacts, see our full Planning Objections Guide.

What Cedar Planning Can Do for Your Objection

We tailor our service to meet your needs, which may include:

1. Initial Case Review

   • Assessment of planning drawings, supporting documents and planning history to identify relevant issues.

2. Advice on Valid Grounds for Objection

   • Clear explanation of which concerns are material in planning terms. This could be overshadowing, loss of employment land or Green Belt matters.

3. Professional Written Objection

   • A structured, persuasive objection letter with references to applicable Local Plan Policies.

4. Support for Neighbour and Community Groups

   • Assisting residents’ associations and campaign groups to coordinate consistent, policy-led objections.

5. Planning Committee Support

   • Preparation of committee speech notes or support for attendees where an application is decided by councillors.

Our Process

• Send us the planning reference and a short summary of your concerns.

• We review the application documents and identify planning issues.

• We advise you on your options and the strength of potential objections.

• We prepare your objection, referencing relevant local planning policies.

• We support you through the process, including monitoring amendments or committee involvement if required.

Why Use Cedar Planning for Your Loss of Light Planning Objection?

• Policy-led arguments written in professional planning language

• Experience across all London boroughs and familiarity with local design guidance

• Clear, structured representations that officers and councillors can refer to

• Time saved navigating drawings, statements and technical documents

• A constructive, outcome-focused approach aimed at influencing amendments or refusals

Areas We Cover

We provide loss of light objection services across all of England, including:

• London (all boroughs)

• Essex

• Hertfordshire

• Suffolk

• Norfolk

• Cambridgeshire

• Surrey

Get a Free Quote

If you’re concerned about loss of light from a proposed development, contact us for a free initial review.

Or alternatively, send us an email at info@cedarplanning.co.uk with the relevant information.