Business Details
Right to Light and Daylight Assessments UK
Established by industry experts, Smith Marston specialises in Right to Light and Daylight & Sunlight assessments across the UK. Our team, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), brings decades of combined experience in resolving complex light-related disputes and providing BRE-compliant consultancy. We serve homeowners, developers, and legal professionals, offering tailored advice, expert witness reports, and boundary dispute resolution.Our approach prioritises transparency, technical precision, and client education, ensuring compliance with legal standards while safeguarding property rights. With regional offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Newcastle, we deliver nationwide expertise with localised attention to detail.
Services
Right to Light Assessments
Daylight & Sunlight Assessments
Expert Witness Reports
Boundary Dispute Consultancy
BRE Compliance Guidance
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of experience in Right to Light assessments
- Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Expert Witness Accreditation Service members
- Nationwide service with regional offices across the UK
- Proven track record in resolving disputes without litigation
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
What people say
Exceptional service
Highly knowledgeable
Professional and efficient
Excellent communication
Thoroughly recommend
Services
Right to Light Assessments
We evaluate potential light loss impacts on properties using 3D CAD modelling and BRE-compliant software. Our reports determine if proposed developments breach legal thresholds, helping clients mitigate risks through negotiation or design adjustments. Services include risk assessments, expert witness testimony, and compensation claims.
Daylight & Sunlight Assessments
Our BRE 209-compliant assessments analyse daylight and sunlight availability for habitable rooms. We produce detailed reports for planning applications, ensuring developments meet local authority requirements. Services include vertical sky component tests, sunlight hour calculations, and outdoor amenity area evaluations.
Boundary Dispute Consultancy
We resolve boundary conflicts through conveyance document analysis, measured surveys, and physical feature assessments. Our reports clarify legal boundaries based on operative deeds, supporting mediation or legal proceedings when required.
Expert Witness Reports
Our RICS-accredited experts prepare court-compliant reports and provide testimony in Right to Light and boundary disputes. Services include evidence preparation, courtroom attendance, and technical explanations of light loss impacts.
BRE Compliance Guidance
We advise on BRE guidelines for daylighting and sunlight access, ensuring developments meet planning requirements. Services include compliance strategy development, BRE 209 assessments, and mitigation plan creation.
People
Philip Smith
Chartered Building Surveyor
Philip has over 20 years of experience in Right to Light disputes, producing expert witness reports and negotiating settlements. Regulated by RICS, he specialises in complex light loss cases and client advocacy.
Adrian Marston
Chartered Building Surveyor
Adrian provides BRE-compliant daylight assessments and boundary dispute resolution. With expertise in planning applications, he supports developers and homeowners in achieving compliant designs and resolving conflicts.
Questions
What is the difference between Right to Light and daylight assessments?
Right to Light is a legal right covering all rooms, including non-habitable spaces. Daylight assessments focus on habitable rooms for planning compliance under BRE guidelines.
Do you work with homeowners and developers?
Yes, we advise homeowners, developers, architects, and legal professionals on light-related disputes, planning applications, and boundary issues.
Are your surveyors RICS accredited?
Yes, we are regulated by RICS and our team includes members of the RICS Expert Witness Accreditation Service.
Can you help with boundary disputes?
We provide expert boundary assessments, measured surveys, and legal boundary interpretations based on conveyance documents.
How do you assess Right to Light impacts?
We use 3D CAD modelling and specialist software to calculate light loss against legal thresholds, ensuring accurate risk assessments.
Do you operate nationwide?
Yes, with offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Newcastle, we serve clients across the UK.
