Welcome to EK McQuade Rights to Light
Natural light really does matter. We all need light to thrive in the buildings in which we live and work as part of the human body’s circadian rhythm. That’s why both common law and planning regulations require it to be taken into account whenever new buildings or developments might affect neighbouring properties.
If neglected, natural light matters can become a major obstacle for developers and architects, and costly to resolve. Of course, it’s also in the interests of neighbours to be aware of any light issues before work begins. Nobody benefits from a drawn out and expensive dispute over Rights to Light.
Understanding potential impacts at an early stage is key to ensuring that Right to Light and Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing matters are taken into account. A project can then either go ahead free from the risk of disputes arising, or solutions can be found to mitigate any negative impacts.
Shedding light on a Dark Art
Natural light matters are often referred to by building surveyors as the ‘Dark Art’. EK McQuade have the expertise to shed much-needed light on this sometimes obscure field, and the skillset required to handle projects from early feasibility to completion.
We have full technical knowhow and reporting proficiency across the whole Rights to Light spectrum, covering everything from small domestic rural extensions to masterplan town regeneration and commercial skyscrapers.
Our expert Right to Light team is headed by Daniel Wade and has 25 years’ experience covering natural light matters at both common law and planning level. We are small enough to offer a personal, boutique service to our clients, but large enough to meet their needs throughout the course of a project. We pride ourselves by offering clear, responsive advice in our quest to find practical solutions for your project.
Right to Light
Common law matters
Whether you are a developer (building owner) concerned about the risk to your development or an affected neighbouring owner (adjoining owner) worried about the potential loss of light to your property, we are ready to act on your behalf. We will guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you are fully aware of the risks and pitfalls in all right to light common law matters.
Developers & Building Owners
As a developer or building owner, you need swift and accurate Right to Light assessments and strategic advice, from feasibility stage through to completion. You also need workable mitigation measures to cover any risks identified.
Impacted Neighbour
If you have received letters of notice from a neighbouring developer, or have your own concerns that a nearby development might affect your property’s access to natural light, we are here to help.
Daylight, Sunlight & Overshadowing
Planning matters
Whether you are a developer (building owner) concerned about the risk to your development or an affected neighbouring owner (adjoining owner) worried about the potential loss of light to your property, we are ready to act on your behalf when it comes to planning matters. We also act in a third party capacity validating planning applications for local authorities.
We have the expertise to manage Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing matters when it comes to both local and national planning authorities.
Developers & Building Owners
As a developer, you need swift and accurate Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing assessments, and strategic advice from feasibility stage through to planning submission.
Impacted Neighbour
If you have received letters of notice from your local authority, or have your own concerns that a neighbouring development could adversely affect your property’s access to natural light, we are here to help.
Local Authority
Large scale developments constituting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) could prompt local authorities to instruct an independent third party Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing consultancy.
An expert Rights to Light Surveyor
Our record for a speedy Award is just three weeks
Over 70% of jobs go from Notice to Award in under four months
We have a collective 60 years’ Right to Light experience
2000 Right to Light Awards completed and counting
