In a landmark piece for Property Week, Barney Soanes-Cundle, Senior Associate at Hollis, explores the legal and technical tensions surrounding rights to light in the wake of the Bankside Yards ruling. The article, titled Shadow of doubt on rights of light, examines how outdated assessment methods are clashing with modern design and sustainability goals.

The Bankside Yards Case
When the High Court declined to grant an injunction against the Arbor building at Bankside Yards, it reignited debate over how natural light is measured in dense urban environments. The ruling favoured the century-old Waldram method – based on candlelight tests – over radiance modelling, a more advanced technique that simulates real-world lighting conditions.

Why It Matters
This decision highlights a growing disconnect between legal precedent and planning innovation. As Barney Soanes-Cundle notes, developers face a Catch-22: designs that meet legal light thresholds often fail to meet financial or ESG targets. The industry is left navigating a grey area where planning consent doesn’t guarantee protection from neighbour disputes or legal action.

Looking Ahead
The article calls for greater clarity and reform in how rights to light are assessed. Without updated standards, developers risk delays, injunctions, and costly redesigns. As cities evolve, so must the legal frameworks that shape them.

Read the Full Article
Shadow of doubt on rights of light – Property Week