Site Visits and Surveys
If you are a client of ours, you will probably find that we are keen to arrange a site visit early on in our engagement. There are a number of reasons we carry out site visits:
To inform the scope of works and fee proposal
When faced with a complex site where it and the surrounding properties might be obscured from view on aerial and streetside imagery, or where it is difficult to gauge distances or scales without visiting the site, a site visit at this early stage can be vital to ensuring that we are providing an appropriate outline of the work required for the project. This early site visit can also inform the scenarios that need to be considered for the Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light assessments e.g. where there is a consented scheme that is under construction.
Laser scan measured surveys to inform the 3D assessment model
Particularly where Rights of Light will be a factor for a proposed development, it is recommended that we visit the site to carry out a laser scan to provide point cloud data for the site and surrounding context. This data can then be used instead of less accurate photogrammetry data to create the 3D computer context model for the assessments. This provides an assessment model with the level of accuracy that is recommended for Rights of Light analysis.
To make observations regarding the surrounding properties
The uses and ages of the surrounding properties are critical to the Daylight, Sunlight and Rights of Light assessments we do. This is why our developer clients will find that our instruction always includes a due diligence exercise in connection with the potentially affected neighbouring properties. A site visit, where ideally we take numerous photographs of the site and surrounding properties and make observations as to the uses and ages, is usually essential at the due diligence stage.
Adjoining owner visits
Whether acting for developers or affected adjoining owners, it is usually the case that we seek to access the neighbouring properties that may experience a rights of light impact to carry out internal surveys, which informs the discussions between ourselves and the opposing surveyor. At these internal surveys, there is usually joint representation by the Rights of Light experts representing both parties and measurements are taken of the site-facing rooms and windows. These measurements are then taken back to the office for updating in the assessment model, so that the extent of rights of light impact can be confirmed with greater accuracy than the original assessment. These surveys are usually, although not always, done once planning permission has been granted for the development in question.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at enquiries@century-associates.co.uk, or on 07554 939 187, for advice.