13.13.4 Daylight and Sunlight

Closed22 Dec, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Mar, 2021, 5:00pm
13.3.4 Daylight and Sunlight

The amount of sunlight reaching an apartment significantly affects the amenity of the occupants.  Dual-aspect apartments are likely to maximise the availability of sunlight, but this solution may not always be possible (e.g. with corner units).  Single-aspect apartments should allow the main living rooms to face south or west; north-facing units should be excluded. Particular care is needed where windows are located on lower floors which may be overshadowed by adjoining buildings.  The orientation of buildings within the site should maximise energy efficiency.

In relation to the minimum number of dual aspect apartments that may be provided in any single apartment scheme, the following shall apply:

(i) A minimum of 33% of dual aspect units will be required in more central and accessible urban locations, where it is necessary to achieve a quality design in response to the subject site characteristics and ensure good street frontage where appropriate.

(ii) In suburban or intermediate locations, it is an objective that there shall generally be a minimum of 50% dual aspect apartments in a single scheme.

(iii) For building refurbishment schemes on sites of any size or urban infill schemes on sites of up to 0.25ha, planning authorities may exercise further discretion to consider dual aspect unit provision at a level lower than the 33% minimum outlined above on a case-by-case basis, but subject to the achievement of overall high design quality in other aspects.

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