Rights to Light London

Specialist Rights to Light Advice in London

London’s dense urban environment makes Rights to Light one of the most important legal and planning considerations for developers and property owners alike.

From high-rise residential blocks in Southwark to commercial schemes in the City, understanding and managing Rights to Light in London is essential to avoid costly disputes and delays.

At Anstey Horne, our London-based team provides expert advice to help unlock development potential, protect neighbouring properties, and resolve light-related legal risks with confidence.

Why Choose Anstey Horne for Rights to Light in London?

With our headquarters in the heart of London, Anstey Horne has the most experienced and respected team of Rights to Light surveyors in the UK.

We work with clients across Greater London—from Westminster and Kensington to Hackney and Greenwich—delivering clear, practical advice tailored to each scheme’s unique challenges.

Our team includes chartered surveyors, technical modellers, and strategic consultants who understand both the legal complexities and commercial realities of building in London.

Our Rights to Light London Services

1. Advice for London Developers

We support developers from concept stage through to delivery, helping you assess and address rights to light risks in line with London’s planning context. Our services include:

Initial feasibility reviews to assess risk before site acquisition
Technical Rights to Light assessments using 3D laser scan models
Waldram diagram analysis and cutback strategies
Negotiation and settlement with affected neighbours
Expert reports to support planning and insurance applications

We’ll help you balance legal obligations with your commercial objectives—so you can move forward with confidence.

2. Support for Adjoining Owners in London

Whether you own a Georgian townhouse in Islington or a commercial block in Shoreditch, we help protect your light rights if a neighbouring development affects your property. Our services include:

Impact analysis of proposed London developments
Clear technical reports for legal or planning use
Representation in negotiations with developers
Advice on appropriate compensation or amendments to scheme design

Our London team combines technical knowledge with tactical negotiation to secure the best outcome for adjoining owners.

3. Long-Term Risk Management

We also assist London property owners and estate managers in proactively managing Rights to Light risk across portfolios. This includes:

Light Obstruction Notices to prevent future claims
Portfolio-wide light risk audits
Strategic guidance for future development or refurbishment

By acting early, you can avoid surprises and safeguard the value of your London property assets.

Why Rights to Light Matters in London

Rights to Light claims can halt planning-approved developments, trigger redesigns, or lead to expensive legal settlements. In London’s tightly packed streets, it’s crucial to identify risks early and develop effective mitigation strategies.

With Anstey Horne, you get a team that understands the balance between planning, legal rights, and commercial viability—so you can navigate London’s regulatory landscape smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions – Rights to Light London

Do Rights to Light apply in London even if planning permission is granted?

Yes. Planning permission does not override a neighbour’s private right to light. That’s why early assessment is critical in London projects.

Can a development in London be stopped due to Rights to Light?

Yes. Courts have granted injunctions or ordered compensation in respect of completed buildings in London where Rights to Light were infringed.

Can I protect my London property from losing light?

If a new scheme threatens your property’s access to light, you may have grounds to negotiate a settlement or pursue legal remedies. We can assess and advise based on technical analysis.

Contact

With over two centuries of expertise and a dedicated London team, Anstey Horne provides trusted, strategic advice on Rights to Light in the capital. Get in touch to safeguard your position today.

To contact one of our specialist surveyors in London, please call our Enquiry line in 0121 667 9902.

For more information on Rights of Light, such as how a right is acquired, measured and defended, please see our Fact Sheet.

For further clarification of the correct VAT treatment of Rights of Light Compensation, see our recent article. Also, see our recent projects in London, such as our work on Aberfeldy Estate, Goodman's Fields and Dering Street.

For a collection of articles on all aspect of Rights to Light see our blog.