Is there a right 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.

If you would like any further information or advice on right to light, please contact Mustafa Sidki in our Dispute Resolution team on 020 8290 0440.