This quick fix solution to the UK鈥檚 housing shortage could leave only a damaging legacy

Proposed changes to the historic 鈥渞ight to light鈥� law, although designed to encourage new development, could prove to be a giant step backwards in terms of the UK government鈥檚 sustainable agenda. Many existing homes would suffer from reduced natural light as a result of adjacent new buildings, which could be detrimental to occupant health as well as the home鈥檚 energy efficiency due to a greater reliance on electrical lighting.

Evidence suggests that increased sunlight can contribute to occupant wellbeing and the public has long expressed a preference for sunlight in the home. Early findings from our European wide Model Home 2020 project support this and reveal that an increased level of natural light has had a positive impact on the occupants鈥� quality of life. Any proposed change to the law needs to properly consider occupant health and wellbeing, otherwise this quick fix solution to the UK鈥檚 housing shortage will leave only a damaging legacy.

Paul Hicks, design manager at Velux

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