Overlooking – Direct Line of Sight

An important issue when building a new house is Overlooking . . . . . . you won’t want to be overlooked by your neighbours . . . . . . and you need to avoid overlooking them, otherwise they will have grounds to object to your new house!

The Regulations refer to a ‘Direct Line of Sight’ which has a particular meaning . This is based on:

  • The view below a horizontal line 1.7m (a typical eye line) above the floor
  • A horizontal view of 45 degrees either side of straight in front of the view.
  •  A horizontal distance of 9m

This is further is illustrated below:

View from a Habitable Room

The regulations are concerned with the view from a  ‘Habitable Room’ such as a living room, but not a ‘Non Habitable Room’ like a corridor. (see the following link to find out which are Habitable, and Non-Habitable rooms. See this link: Habitable Room )

Vertical Line of Site

line of sight vertical habitable room

Horizontal Line of Sight

line of sight room horizontal

 

View from a Raised Open Area

A Raised Open Space is an area of more than 2m2  above normal ground level and can include: Balconies, Patios,  Decks,  Terraces, or a landing.

Vertical Line of Site

line of sight raised open area vertical

Horizontal Line of Sight

line of sight raised open area horizontal

Exclusion

There is no ‘Direct Line of Sight’ if . . . . . The floor level of the room or the raised open space is less than 800mm above ground level at the boundary, and there is a visual barrier at least 1·8m high at the boundary.

 

This link will explain: How To Avoid Overlooking