We are delighted to welcome Matt Hensey to the team. Bringing over a decade of expertise in rights of light and daylight and sunlight, his wealth of experience and deep client relationships in both London and the Midlands make him an invaluable addition as we continue to expand our presence and strengthen our brand.
Matt will primarily support our daylight team in Birmingham, where we opened an office in May 2024. His expertise, however, will be leveraged across our entire network, ensuring we continue to provide industry-leading advice and innovative solutions. His specialisms also extend to solar glare – assessing the impact of sunlight reflections on surrounding environments – and photovoltaics, optimising solar panel installations for maximum efficiency.
Matt has built a distinguished reputation within the industry, with deep-rooted client relationships across the UK. His addition to GIA marks a strategic expansion, reinforcing our company’s leadership and enhancing our ability to deliver expert guidance to clients navigating complex daylight, sunlight (planning) and rights of light (legal) challenges.
Matt’s career in rights of light spans over a decade, following an early background in criminal defence at a solicitors’ chambers. His legal expertise has refined his critical and analytical skills, enabling him to advise clients and project teams through complex planning and legal challenges. His strategic problem-solving approach ensures optimal outcomes, integrating technical knowledge with wider project team expertise.
Throughout his career, Matt has advised clients across the UK, including the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, and has been involved in multiple planning appeals and court cases. A recognised industry thought leader, he frequently delivers talks and presentations to developers, solicitors, planning consultants, architects, local authorities, and institutions on the evolving landscape of rights of light and daylight and sunlight assessments.
Outside of work, Matt is an avid rugby fan and a devoted Leicester Tigers supporter – whether they win or lose. When he’s not cheering from the stands, he enjoys binging a good series or trying his hand at gourmet cooking.
Michael Beatty, Director said:
“We are thrilled to have Matt on board and look forward to the expertise, energy, and leadership he will bring to GIA”.