Extensions and the right to light

Martyn_H

Hi

My neighbour has a two floor extension up to our boundary. He has a frosted landing window on the side wall.

I would like to build a similar extension up to the boundary but would end up blocking his window.

Would I be able to build my extension 1 foot away from the boundary? He would still have ventilation but much less light.

Thank you.

Chanes

I think halls and landing are not covered by a right to light? But you will need to comply with the party wall act if you build that close.

pmartin86

If i recall a recent Radio 4 program, the "right to light" is only applicable if the user has had "20 years or more" of of uninterupted access to light.

Edit: Google throws this up:

http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/consumer-guides/rights-to-light/



"A right to light may be acquired by ‘anyone who has had uninterrupted use of something over someone else’s land for 20 years without consent, openly and without threat, and without interruption for more than a year.’"

Martyn_H

Thank you both. Most helpful ☺

J_B

There was an article in the paper t'other day about someone who had erected a 2m high fence on their boundary to 'stop their livestock escaping' and it was about 500mm from the neighbours lounge window.

The court said it was ok!

Martyn_H

Our neighbours are lovely so the last thing I would want is to see them in court :-)