Neighbour Blocking Natural Light

[JulyKarlsson]

hello everyone, some context - I live with chronic depression, successfully stabilised with an excellent GP and medications plus active lifestyle. Amongst other things, having access to natural light is crucial to my wellbeing, when my main room is receiving natural daylight I feel much better. If it is overcast, I take dog outside for a walk to get silver sunshine. I was hoping for advice please on an issue raised before by other members. I accept I have no rights to a view anymore ever since my new neighbours decided to park their large motorhome in such a position as to partially block the view from my kitchen window.
What are my rights to natural light?
When motorhome is away and when it returns, light measurements via a free app., indicates a halving to natural light in my kitchen on return of motorhome. This upsets me, for further context my new neighbours are not the sort to care about how I feel, that has been made abundantly clear during casual conversations that disintegrated when subject of motorhome was raised before. Sorry for the lengthy post, your thoughts are warmly welcomed, thanks.

As long as they are parking legally there is nothing you can do about it.

How about light bulbs that simulate daylight?

I do get that it’s annoying though. Is there anywhere else they could park it if you asked nicely.

Unfortunately there is likely very little you can do. Some streets and neighbourhoods have restrictions against parking motor homes, so you could check that with your council.

How often do you spend in your kitchen for it to affect you so badly?

www.camplify.co.uk/blog/can-i-park-my-motorhome-outside-my-house

This is an interesting read, hope it helps.

Ime motorhomes are a volatile topic for neighbours. Lots complain at the sight of them even if they're not inconvenienced by them so I can understand they might be defensive.

I don't think there anything you can do I'm afraid.

Concentrate on improving your light within the home. Placement of mirrors, paint choice, furnishings etc.

(Even choosing paint with a soft sheen can make a difference.)

Like you, I find my mood is sensitive to light levels. I dread winter. I have lots of light points around the home and lamps are a big thing for me.

I also use a Lumie alarm clock, medical-grade light box and daylight bulbs.

In your kitchen, I would try and focus on creating a new focal point a making it as pretty and light as possible. It will create a distraction from the vehicle and you'll no longer feel reliant on the light from the window.

I'd also put as many plants - ferns and flowers - on the window sill as you can, which will help to brighten it up. I rent and move about a bit so have to be able to adapt to things I can change, these things do help and are relatively inexpensive.

Led energy saving bulbs for lamps obviously, or buy battery powered or rechargeable ones.

If they are permitted to park it there, you just have to live with it. As someone suggested, if it is just about light, you may be able to get a special lamp or lightbulbs to help.

Is it on the street in front of your kitchen or in their driveway?
If it's the street can you just take that parking spot when they leave and hang onto it?

Thank you everyone, especially the ideas from members about improving light and decor, a wonderfully empathic response. Best wishes everyone.

Another point re decor choices- be careful about the shades of white and neutral colours you choose. All ok in summer, but in winter and rooms which don't get much natural light you want a good balance between warm and cool tones. You want to both avoid looking like you're swimming in a coffee cup or the Lakes on a drizzly day.