RIGHT  TO  LIGHT

    Rights to light can be a complicated area. In the absence of a restrictive covenant on your neighbour, it may be difficult to argue that he should not have planted those trees that are now blocking your light. It may be more difficult still to argue that he should remove the newly erected building that now blocks your light.

    It is important to remember that the right is enjoyed by the land, not necessarily by any particular building or window on it. It is therefore possible to demolish an old building and replace it with a new one and still claim a right to light through the new windows. However, if the windows in the new building are significantly smaller than those in the demolished building, you may have great difficulty in proving that any reduction in light is due to the actions of your neighbour.


What you should do
Consult a chartered building surveyor.

This page was updated on 19 February 2001

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The information given on this web site is of necessity of a very general nature and cannot be relied upon to meet your specific requirements. Jon Maynard FRICS cannot be held responsible for any action that may or may not be taken by anyone who accesses this site and acts upon any information found within. Whilst I hope that you may gain benefit from the information in this site, my liability can only extend to specific advice given by me after completion of a formal engagement letter.