The right to light and air are closely related legal concepts that protect a property owner’s access to natural light and ventilation. While these rights are not explicitly defined in statute, they have been developed through common law and are essential for the enjoyment and value of properties.
Free Initial Telephone Discussion
For a free initial discussion with a member of our New Enquiries Team, get in touch with us today. We are experienced in dealing with all the aspects of construction law and Property Litigation, and once instructed, we will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help ensure you are on the best possible footing from the start and also avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or click here to make a free enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you.
Understanding the Right to Light
The right to light protects a property owner’s access to natural light. This means that if a property has received a certain amount of light for a significant period, it has the right to continue receiving that level of light. Any obstruction to this light, such as a new building or extension, can potentially infringe on this right.
Understanding the Right to Air
The right to air protects a property owner’s access to fresh air and ventilation. This right is particularly important in urban areas where air pollution can be a significant issue. While it’s less commonly litigated than the right to light, it can still be relevant in certain circumstances, such as where a new development significantly restricts airflow to a property.
The Interplay Between the Two Rights
The rights to light and air are often intertwined. For example, a new building that blocks natural light to a property may also restrict airflow. In such cases, a property owner may have grounds to claim an infringement of both rights.
How to Protect Your Rights
If you believe your property’s right to light or air is being infringed upon, you can take the following steps:
- Negotiation: In some cases, it may be possible to resolve the issue through negotiation with the neighbouring property owner.
- Legal Action: If negotiation fails, you may need to take legal action to enforce your rights. This could involve seeking an injunction to prevent the obstruction or claiming damages for loss of light or air.
Seeking Legal Advice
If you have concerns about your property’s right to light or air, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. A qualified solicitor can assess your specific circumstances and advise you on the best course of action.
Blackstone Solicitors is a leading law firm with extensive experience in property law, including matters related to the right to light and air. Our team of experienced solicitors can provide expert advice and representation to protect your interests.
We can help you with:
- Assessing your property’s right to light and air
- Advising on potential development restrictions
- Negotiating with neighbouring property owners
- Representing you in court proceedings, if necessary
Conclusion
The rights to light and air are important for protecting the value and enjoyment of your property. By understanding these rights and seeking legal advice when necessary, you can safeguard your property and ensure a bright and airy future.
How we can help
We have a proven track record of helping clients deal with construction law and property litigation. We will guide you diligently and ensure all checks are carried out swiftly and efficiently and we firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting. You can read more about the range of construction law and property litigation services we offer by clicking here: https://blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk/construction-solicitors/
How to Contact Our Property Litigation Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and possible implications of a property dispute. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring a positive outcome to your case.
To speak to our Property Litigation solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.