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29 May 2019 / Andrew Francis
Issue: 7842 / Categories: Features , Property
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Seeing the light through the trees

Andrew Francis explains why trees cannot & should not be ignored in right of light claims
  • The effect of trees and large bushes on light can cause a dispute to arise.

It is May, and as Thomas Hardy said ‘the May month flaps its glad green leaves like wings’*. In the cloistered world of rights of light the main concern will usually be the effect of proposed new buildings upon the light enjoyed by its neighbours. But in some cases, particularly as between residential properties, the effect of trees and large bushes on light can cause a dispute to arise. In such cases the High Hedges legislation (Pt 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003) may assist. This article is not about that remedy. This article is about whether trees and large shrubs etc (referred to generically here as ‘trees’) on the land over which a right of light is claimed (the servient land) should be taken into account when determining whether a proposed building, or structure on the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Dual-qualified partner joins as head of commercial property department

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Firm announces appointment of next chair

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Director joins corporate team from the US

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NLJ's latest Charities Appeals Supplement has been published in this week’s issue
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