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 It superseded IP5/92 which was withdrawn.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
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.



















