BRADFORD is the British city which experiences the least amount of sunlight in winter – which is “harming the physical and mental well-being” of its residents – according to a new study.

Analysis of Met Office data shows that Bradford only experiences 110 hours of sunlight during the winter months, said Origin, a leading manufacturer of doors and windows.

A lack of natural light is “creating a generation who are unhappy at home”, according to Origin, who added that the research suggests that those with limited natural light in their houses generally rate their physical and mental well-being lower than others do.

It added that those with low levels of natural light are “three times more likely” to “believe their home is bad for their mental well-being”, and more than “twice as likely” to “believe it is bad for their physical health”.

Met Office data shows that the South East coast benefits from the highest levels of year-round sunlight, with Chichester, Eastbourne, and Hastings all collectively benefitting from an average of 227 hours of sunlight during winter.

But for those living in the North - in cities and towns including Barnsley, Rochdale, and Glasgow – exposure to sunlight is “significantly” lower.

Origin added that homeowners should consider their property type to ensure they are making the most of the sunlight available to them, also finding that basement flats are the “worst” for people’s well-being.

People who live in farmhouses and detached homes, which tend to be lighter, are the most likely to be happy with their home, it was also said.

The survey, which was conducted amongst British adults, further revealed that people living in homes with low levels of natural light are 10 per cent less likely to get a good night’s sleep, while Origin reported that 55 per cent of those currently living with poor natural light are planning a house move or renovation project within the next 12 months.

Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said: “It’s interesting to see how much of an impact light can have on our enjoyment of our homes.

“We have been forced to spend more time at home than ever before due to the pandemic, so our houses have become the centre of our lives.

“At Origin, we believe that it’s vital for our homes serve as more than just a place to live. We should enjoy being in our homes, and they should promote physical and mental wellbeing for the whole family.”