Right to Light Consultation

In February, the Law Commission published a consultation paper on the topic of ‘Right to Light’. The project looks into the law concerning the right to light from the interests of landowners in addition to the need to facilitate the appropriate development of land.

The ‘Right to Light’ is an age-old entitlement that gives landowners or home-owners the right to retain the flow of light into their building or land, meaning objections can be made should a development threaten to block natural light into their property.  The Right can aid not only in the prevention of developments deemed to interfere with the flow of light, but there are documented cases where building work has been halted or even demolished as a result of an infringement.

The new consultation project by the Law Commission is investigating whether the law provides an appropriate balance between the interests of home or landowners and the development of land, as well as looking at how the Right of Light fits within the current planning system.

We are seeing a large increase in the use of our 3D modelling and visualisation data, which provides architects with a highly-accurate, real-life representation of an existing site or building.   The digital data not only provides an opportunity to view separate layers for items such as walls or roofs, but also streets and trees, meaning architects are able to visualise how a new development might work within existing surroundings, including analysing whether natural light would be impacted for neighbouring buildings.  This makes 3D models an important tool for feasibility studies, BIM compliance and, of course, Right to Light analysis.

The Right to Light consultation period closes on 16 May 2013.  For details on how to respond to the consultation, visit: http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/consultations/rights-to-light.htm