A woman has taken to social media to share her frustration after her neighbour's DIY project allegedly blocked six of her windows, turning her home into a 'hell'. She is now considering legal action over the 'right to light'.
DIY project blocks windows
Katie, who shared her story on TikTok, filmed the view from one of her windows, showing a brick wall just a few centimetres away. The wall, part of what appears to be an extension, blocks six of her windows. In the clip, the top of the window is open and hangs over the wall's edge, meaning if it got any taller, she couldn't open the window at all.
She wrote on the video: "Goodbye light." In the caption, she added: "Neighbours blocked up six of our windows ... DIY hell." The video has racked up almost 3 million views.
Right to light explained
Commenters told Katie that the build could be 'illegal' if the neighbours didn't secure planning permission, as it is usually against the law to build extensions that block light from neighbouring properties. The 'right to light' is a legal easement granting property owners the right to receive natural light through openings like windows. However, it only applies if the building has enjoyed uninterrupted light for 20 years. Once established, neighbours cannot block that light without facing legal claims, even with standard planning permission.
Katie later posted a follow-up asking for advice, saying: "We actually asked for this [right to light] for months, and they kept saying 'We're looking into it'. Now they've actually finished their build, so I don't know what we can do. I would love any advice."
What to do next
Commenters encouraged Katie to file a complaint with her local council, which could result in compensation, the neighbours being forced to take down the build, or both. One person said: "Right to light is common law, you have to go through court and see if you can win compensation or removal or both. nothing to do with permission they got to build."
Another added: "Lodge an application with the council, they can investigate if there is any fault, and then they will either fine them or make them take it down." A third wrote: "There's conflicting advice online, and without seeing the two properties from the outside, it's hard to tell, but it feels like you should have at least been consulted so you had the right to object to the build."
Steps to take for right to light
Legal advice on the right to light can be tricky. First, determine whether you have a right to light. According to Daylight Protect, if your window has received uninterrupted daylight for at least 20 years, you may have acquired a right under the Prescription Act 1832. You may also have rights granted in deeds or implied in certain circumstances.
Next, get a right-to-light survey. A specialist surveyor can measure whether the new building leaves your rooms too dark for ordinary use. If the survey finds interference, you may have a legal claim.
Finally, take legal action. Daylight Protect states that "surveys and letters prove interference, but only litigation forces your neighbour or the developer to negotiate."
There are things you cannot do: rely on planning permission (planning rules don't override private rights of light), demand a view or direct sunlight (the law protects sufficient daylight for ordinary use, not sunshine or a view), or expect results without risk (unless you're prepared to litigate, developers have no incentive to pay).
