Independent property and construction consultancy Tuffin Ferraby Taylor (TFT) has announced the launch of its rights of light and daylight & sunlight consultancy service. The new business line will be led by well-known industry specialist Chris Harris, who joins TFT as Technical Partner.
The new service adds to TFT’s existing consultancy on neighbourly matters, covering issues affecting owners or occupiers of neighbouring land or buildings during the planning and construction of a new development.
“Daylight, sunlight, and rights of light can affect anyone but few people understand what they mean and why they’re crucial,” says Chris Harris, Technical Partner, TFT. “Daylight and sunlight are a vital part of the planning phase and rights of light is a legal issue which many clients face post-planning.”
In England and Wales most local authorities factor in daylight and sunlight assessments based on BRE guidelines when considering the viability of a residential or commercial development. Institutions such as schools and hospitals also have specific requirements requiring expert advice in this area.
A growing trend
Chris Harris says there are several reasons behind the rising interest in rights of light, daylight and sunlight matters: “Increasing population density and a plethora of new developments in thriving hubs such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester means more people are affected. There’s a growing general awareness of social and environmental issues. And people have access to lots of information online, which means they are more aware of their legal rights and how to protest against developments.”
“Failing to consider ‘neighbourly matters’ such as rights of light can have significant cost implications for a development, and can even cause a project to come to a halt. Bringing in expert advice early in the design process can ensure a scheme’s success,” says Chris. “I have worked with TFT on many past projects and this is a great opportunity to bring additional capabilities in-house as we see rights of light, daylight and sunlight matters come to the fore.”
Alan Pemberton, Managing Partner, TFT, says: “Chris is a leader in the field of daylight, sunlight, and rights of light and his expertise complements TFT’s neighbourly matters services, which is a crucial part of our Development and Project Consultancy group. For existing clients this means a seamless approach as we work with them to enable developments.”
“Property investors, developers, occupiers and tenants are all affected by these matters and we’re pleased to be able to offer the full range of consultancy services to meet their needs.”
Chris Harris has joined TFT from Delva Patman Redler LLP where he spent 12 years specialising in daylight, sunlight and rights of light. Over the course of his career Chris has been involved in numerous commercial and residential developments of all sizes.
More details on Rights of Light can be found here.
More details on Daylight & Sunlight can be found here.
You can contact Chris on [email protected]
