If planning law is an ass; must say I've been inclined to that view on occasions; it is nonetheless binding on us all, and those, like this man, who break it must expect to face the consequences. These may be having to apply retrospectively to having a whole building demolished.
The lights one is more interesting. At present, the right may be established, over time, without regard to any need for the light. Planners considering new buildings and changes to existing ones always consider whether an adjacent building would be deprived of light and can, and will, order adjustments to the plans of the new development; this is alluded to in the link. The old 'ancient lights' rule is an anachronism, however it is expressed. No substantive change to existing established rights is being proposed.