is there a right of light?

[normannormal]

I built a conservatory over 2 years ago on the south facade of my property so that it would have maximum benefit from the sun during the course of the day. Currently it overlooks a hedgerow ( about 8 - 10ft high)and a field. A planning application has been submitted to build houses on the field with a 2 storey building being located approx 12 ft from my conservatory (its 6ft to my boundary then 6ft on the other side) running its full length. I have put an objection in to the council. However, my question is; do I have a "right of light" for my conservatory? If yes what can i do to prevent a house be built so close? If the planning appliaction is approved do I have any other options open to me? Apologies for it being 3 questions, many thanks N

[dyli795]

As some kind of insurance, if that's the right way to put it, find out who the "developer" is (unless it's the local council, in which case this answer is rendered as no help) and make it known to him, her, them, it, that there is the case of a compliant registered with the said councl. It may be to your advantage if the "problem" is resolved in your favour in order for the project to continue at speed for the cocerned partys, time being money and all that.
Good Luck anyway. I think it's absolutely outblinkinrageous that anyone can just come along one day and say, "Excuse us, we're just going to condem your coservatory to permanent shade."

[dzug]

You don't have a right to light as such.

However you could object on the grounds the proposed development is too close to your property. Depending on the type of area you live in this may or may not be considered a valid reason. In an urban area it probably wouldn't - in a rural one it might.

[Hgrove]

this link may be of interest http://www.planning-applications.co.uk/rightto light.htm

[normannormal]

many thanks for your help very useful especially link, thanks for that Hgrove

[nicpicot]

i understand that after 20 years and dep[ending on the direction of sunlight you have a case. you may have to get a report from a specialist surveyor and then serve an injunction on the neighbour,. IThe neighbour then has to reimburse you. It would appear that right to light is lost after 1 year if you do not object!