header-logo header-logo

29 May 2019 / Andrew Francis
Issue: 7842 / Categories: Features , Property
printer mail-detail

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

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Muckle LLP—Roland Fairlamb

Specialist associate solicitor rejoins Muckle’s leading employment team

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
back-to-top-scroll