We are delighted to announce that our in-house Paralegal, Deia Russell-Smith has been called to the Bar of England & Wales. Deia joined GIA in September and we are proud of her achievements so far.
Alongside our in-house lawyer, Madeleine Harper, Deia addresses aspects of property law, notably Rights to Light and Light Obstruction Notices.
In simple terms, a Light Obstruction Notice (LON) is a legal tool that allows for uninterrupted development without compromising a neighbouring property’s right to natural light. This means the development can reach its full potential without costing you a fortune. If a development does obstruct a neighbours right to light, it could lead to injunctions or hefty financial damages.
Time can be a double-edged sword when it comes to development. However, our expert team can help you navigate that challenge, potentially saving you millions and ensuring the long-term success of your project.
Even if this doesn’t seem like an immediate concern, it’s always wise to plan ahead and be smart about your site’s development potential.
Thanks to the Rights of Light Act 1959, a Light Obstruction Notice is registered as a local land charge for one year, preventing neighbouring properties from gaining a right to light through prescription. After that year, the 20-year countdown starts again!
Rights of Light and Planning are undoubtedly the two biggest hurdles developers face in urban environments. But fear not, because a Light Obstruction Notice is the solution that safeguards your asset’s development potential – at least for the next 19 years!
Traditionally, surveyors identify properties where a Light Obstruction Notice can be served and then inform lawyers, but this process can be time-consuming. Thankfully, at GIA, we have everything you need under one roof. We strive to unlock your project’s potential and ensure a seamless journey from identification to protection.
While the process can be complex, our combined expertise in Rights of Light and law sets us apart. Our surveyors and lawyers work hand in hand, with efficient systems in place, so you can rest assured that the process will be quicker, more cost-effective, and smoother than outsourcing to a law firm.
At GIA, we offer a range of services to support your development process. Whether you’re working on new projects or repurposing existing ones, our focus is always on proactive planning and looking ahead.
Ready to take the next step? Find out more about Light Obstruction Notices