B2.6.4 Managing microclimates

Tall buildings (defined as those substantially taller than their neighbours and/or significantly altering the skyline) can affect the surrounding microclimate, with potential impacts on comfort, daylight, sunlight, overshadowing and wind conditions. These impacts must be carefully assessed and managed to create safe, pleasant, and liveable urban environments.

Building on the findings of the Site Appraisal Assessment (C1.1 and G1.1 where applicable), development proposals that include either:

• new tall buildings

• proposals located near or adjacent to existing tall buildings

must assess the effects on pedestrian-level wind conditions, daylight, sunlight, overshadowing, and the usability of nearby spaces, in line with the BRE Guidelines: Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight – A Guide to Good Practice (2022).

Applicants must agree the scope of required assessments in advance with Wakefield  Council and submit, where relevant:

• a Wind Microclimate Assessment to evaluate pedestrian-level wind conditions, which may include Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and/or wind tunnel  testing as appropriate

• a Daylight and Sunlight Assessment, prepared in accordance with the BRE  Guidelines, to assess impacts on neighbouring buildings and amenity spaces