Party Wall Rights Of Light

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Party wall rights of light.

A distinctive feature of a party wall is that the adjacent buildings are so constructed that each derives its support from the common wall. A right to light is a right to receive uninterrupted light passing across neighbouring land into a window. If a building owner has a right to light and the path of light is obstructed then a remedy may be sought through the courts. Alastair has extensive experience in party wall and rights of light matters and was formerly a senior member of the deloitte neighbourly matters team.

Many residents of top floor flats assume that they have rights over roofs. Once acquired the right to light extends only to a certain amount of light such as is suitable for the continuous use and enjoyment of the building and is not a right to all the light that was once enjoyed. Alastair has over fifteen years experience advising private residential clients. Our comprehensive range of services cover chartered building and quantity surveying project management architecture civil and structural engineering mechanical.

If the extension is built onto a parapet party wall rights may not be an issue but other issues such as rights to light the impact on services and any disruption caused during construction may require consideration. Many adjoining owners wrongly assume that a potential injury to their light is a matter that should be discussed by the appointed surveyors. Obstruction of window is a breach of planning. I say wrongly because section 9 of the party wall etc.

Alastair gill has advised clients on a number of large projects such as neo bankside tate modern and crossrail. A party wall can be used by the adjoining owners for the construction and maintenance of chimney flues and fireplaces. Rights to receive light over another person s land through particular windows will generally cover sufficient natural light for comfortable or beneficial use of the property depending on whether this is for commercial or domestic purposes. Unless an agreement exists between the adjoining property owners to the contrary neither has a right to maintain windows or other openings in the wall unless they are necessary for air and light.

Rights of light party wall.