Trees blocking light - any rights ?

henryd65

We moved into our offices c. 4 years ago.

We are in the top floor of a two storey building. The back of the building faces a sports club. Our building is next to the boundary of the sports club.

The club had planted leylandii (a fast growing, evergreen conifer tree) at their side of the boundary and the trees have grown to the point where they are the same height as the roof level of our building.

The trees are c. 5 feet from our windows and blocking light/views.

Do we have any rights here ? Can we force them to cut back the trees ?

coylemj

Google 'ancient lights'.

As a tenant you may have no standing on the issue, it might be something the landlord can pursue but I think you have to have had enjoyment of the natural light for 20 years in order to have an actionable claim so if the building is less than 20 years old you may have no basis for a claim.

A friendly letter to the sports club perhaps? If it's a GAA or soccer or rugby club then it's probably deserted during the day and it would be in their interests if the office workers in your building can see the clubhouse and report any suspicious activity to the Gardai, that might be a good plan of attack.

henryd65

Thanks.

The building is less than 20 years old, the club is a lot older, but it looks like the trees were planted after the buildings were built.

Just trying to get an idea of rights (if any) before we approach landlord.