The Square Mile concentrates some of the most complex rights of light territory in the country, with the tall building cluster around Bishopsgate, Leadenhall, and Fenchurch Street rising alongside historic commercial buildings, City churches, and Barbican residential. Almost all existing buildings carry windows that have received natural light for far longer than the 20-year easement threshold under the Prescription Act 1832, which means new commercial towers, mid-rise redevelopment, and conversion projects all routinely raise high-value rights of light questions. City of London Corporation planning consent does not address that legal position.
We act on City of London schemes from the London head office, with reach across the wider central London area, supported by colleagues in Essex and Hampshire. CHP is RICS regulated and has been advising on rights of light since 2004. The London team handles this work with specialist focus, and where the work overlaps with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 we run party wall services from the same point of contact.
Using specialist software, we can establish whether a proposed scheme will cause an infringement of the neighbouring properties’ rights of light.
By applying our knowledge on this matter, we are able to provide clear guidance on the best course of action, should an infringement occur.
The right time to instruct on a City of London scheme is as early as possible, before drawings go in for planning consent. Commercial tower projects in the Square Mile typically involve substantial neighbouring rights of light exposure, and quantifying it at the design stage when massing and footprint are still negotiable can save very significant settlement figures later. The free initial assessment identifies which neighbouring windows could be affected and which carry the 20-year easement, with a full rights of light analysis following where the appraisal flags risk.
Where modelling shows likely infringement, the cutback analysis tests design variations including reduced height, set-back upper floors, and adjusted fenestration until the scheme works for both the planning case and the rights of light position. The Equivalent First Zone and the 50/50 rule are applied to quantify any loss. Our rights of light assessments overview sets out the broader method, with each scope tailored to the specific City of London project.
I have employed CHP Surveyors on numerous rights of light and party wall matters over the last 10+ years. James, personally deals with all matters, whether big or small, providing comfort that my projects are highly valued and is personally dealt with by their director. James and his team have always worked well and professionally with our client side and contractor side teams, to conclude all matters in a expediate manner on our developments. I would thoroughly recommend CHP Surveyors as a Party Wall and Rights of Light Surveyor.
- Peter Whittingham, Akelius
Adjoining owners in the City of London have several options when a nearby tall building or significant scheme threatens the light through their windows. We assess the impact of the proposed scheme on the affected rooms, advise on the strength of the legal position under the acquired easement, and set out the available remedies including negotiation, formal objection to the City of London Corporation, and ultimately court action where matters cannot be resolved between the parties.
Light Obstruction Notices can also be used to protect future development potential of the adjoining owner's own property. Given the scale of City of London schemes, settlement figures can be substantial, making early engagement worthwhile. A short free initial assessment is the quickest way to know where you stand.
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
020 3714 4090
Get in touch.
Head Office
2-6 Boundary Row
London, SE1 8HP
Essex Office
2nd Floor, 10 High Street
Wickford, Essex
SS12 9AZ
020 3714 4090
enquiries@chpsurveyors.com
