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Privacy & Separation Distance Calculator - PlanningCore

Privacy & Separation Distance Calculator

Overlooking, Separation Standards & Residential Amenity Analysis

BRE Guidance

21m Standard

8+ Amenity Check

Proposed Development

Building Type

Number of Storeys

1-20 storeys

Window Type Being Assessed

Window Height Above Ground (metres)

e.g., 1.5m for first floor window sill

Oblique Angle

Neighbouring Property

Relationship

Neighbour Window Type

Actual Separation Distance (metres)

Measured between building facades

Neighbour Building Height (metres)

Ground Level Difference (metres)

Positive = proposed higher, Negative = proposed lower

Context & Mitigation

Urban/high density area

Conservation area

Existing screening/planting

Obscure glazing proposed

Angled windows proposed

Brise-soleil/louvres proposed

Raised planters/boundary

Condition restricting opening

Processing calculation...

Assessment Results

Required Distance

Actual Distance

Calculation Breakdown

Privacy Impact Assessment

Mitigation Effectiveness

Recommendations

About this tool: Privacy & Separation

Back-to-back separation distances (21m standard), oblique angle reductions, balcony/terrace overlooking, and amenity impact assessment.

When to use it

Use when your proposal has windows, balconies, or terraces facing existing habitable rooms. Privacy is one of the most common objection grounds.

Policy and guidance it draws on

Local Plan design policies, BRE Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight

Part of Design Intelligence

Use these tools when designing your scheme or reviewing drawings. They help ensure your proposal meets technical standards before submission, reducing the risk of officer objections on design grounds.

Guidance to help you prepare — not formal planning advice. Check the current policy text and your council's local plan before relying on it.