Description
Andrew Pickerskill outlines how daylighting principles and rights of light influence planning decisions and building design, combining legal frameworks with practical guidance to optimise light access and avoid costly disputes.
Key Points:
- Daylighting assessments in planning use BRE and British Standard EN 17037 tests (e.g. VSC, daylight distribution) to ensure habitable rooms meet acceptable light levels.
- Rights of light are legal entitlements gained after 20 years’ uninterrupted light and can trigger legal claims or compensation if obstructed.
- Developers must consider both planning regulations and common law rights early in design to prevent project delays or legal liability.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between planning-related daylight/sunlight standards and common law rights of light.
- Understand the key assessment tools such as Vertical Sky Component, daylight factor, and the 25/45-degree rules.
- Identify legal and design strategies to mitigate the risk of infringing on neighbours’ light rights during development.
