Site layout planning for daylight IP 23 12
Site layout planning for daylight (IP 23/12) was written by Paul Littlefair and published by BRE on 16 October 2012. It superseded IP5/92 which was withdrawn.
Daylight makes an interior look more attractive and interesting, as well as providing light to work or read by. However, access to natural light depends on the design of the external environment. Large obstructing buildings may make adequate interior daylighting impossible
This 6-page Information Paper outlines revised BRE guidance on site layout planning to achieve good daylighting, both within buildings and in the open spaces between them. It deals with daylight within new developments and in existing buildings nearby. It addresses the provision of daylight in dense urban areas and summarises some of the guidance on diffuse daylighting (ie light from the sky rather than direct from the sun).
This Information Paper should be of interest to developers, architects, surveyors, clients, and planning officials.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Daylight within a new development.
- Existing buildings.
- Trees and hedges.
- Conclusions.
- References.
It is available at: https://www.brebookshop.com/details.jsp?id=327076
See also: Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 7 ways better lighting can improve your health.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Expert Collection 6 Daylight and shading.
- Building Research Establishment.
- EN 17037 Daylight in buildings.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- Light obstruction notice.
- Light pollution.
- Lighting and energy efficiency.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Lighting of construction sites.
- Natural light.
- Passive building design.
- Right to light.
- Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight.
- Solar gain in buildings.
- Use of lighting to improve health and wellbeing.
Featured articles and news
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”






















