Is there a right to light in the UK?

Advice  |   29 January 2025

Written by
Mustafa Sidki, Partner

Part 1 of our right to light series looks at the legal rights to light in the UK.

A right to light is a legal easement that means owners of property can enjoy natural light passing over neighbouring land and into defined apertures such as windows, skylights and glass roofs into a building. The right however does not apply to all buildings and is not a light to direct sunlight, but a minimum level of natural light. The minimum level of light required depends on the rooms use – a living room will need more light than a store room.

If you are planning on a building project, for example an extension or loft conversion, it’s important to be informed of the details that may affect it with planning permission and building regulations.

A property can obtain right to light through The Prescription Act 1832, giving right to light after 20 years of uninterrupted light access.

For more information and advice on right to light disputes contact our litigation team on 020 8290 0440.

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