Duncan Lewis Solicitor Featured in This is Money on Neighbour Floodlight Dispute (17 March 2026)

Duncan Lewis Solicitors has been featured in This is Money, with Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Director of Housing and Property Litigation, providing expert legal insight on a neighbour dispute involving intrusive security lighting.

The article explores a reader’s concern about a bright motion-sensor floodlight installed by a neighbouring property, which is activating throughout the night and disturbing their young child’s sleep.

Commenting on the issue, Manjinder explained that while security lighting is generally lawful, it can cross into a legal nuisance if it is excessively bright, poorly positioned, or overly sensitive.

She highlighted that such cases are typically assessed under the law of statutory nuisance, with local authorities holding powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to investigate complaints relating to artificial light.

Manjinder noted that the key legal test is whether the interference is unreasonable, taking into account factors such as brightness, frequency, direction, and the surrounding area. She also confirmed that domestic lighting – not just commercial or industrial sources – can fall within the scope of statutory nuisance where the impact is significant.

The article outlines practical steps available to affected homeowners, including attempting to resolve the issue informally, keeping a record of disturbances, and escalating the matter to the local authority where necessary. In more serious cases, legal action through a private nuisance claim may be considered, although this is typically a last resort.

Manjinder emphasised the importance of a proportionate approach, noting that while homeowners are entitled to take reasonable steps to protect their property, those measures must not unduly interfere with the wellbeing of neighbours.

This feature reflects Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ continued role in providing clear, accessible legal guidance on everyday housing issues affecting homeowners and tenants alike.

Read the full story here

About the instructing team:

Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Director of Housing, is recognised by the Chambers UK legal directory as a UK-wide notable practitioner, offering strength across a wide range of social housing matters, including interim relief and homelessness applications. She heads a Housing Team ranked Tier 1 in London by The Legal 500 for its "excellent knowledge of the law" and "extensive experience". The department is recognised as a market-leader in all areas of social housing and property litigation including disrepair, unlawful evictions, homelessness, possession disputes, and complex judicial review matters.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is an award-winning law firm, recognised for its commitment to justice and client care. Ranked by both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, and named among The Times Best Law Firms, the firm provides expert legal services across a broad range of practice areas.

The Housing and Property Litigation team is widely recognised for its expertise in complex landlord and tenant disputes, possession proceedings, housing disrepair, and judicial review matters, regularly advising clients on issues affecting their homes and quality of life.