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CONSERVATION & DESIGN

You should find the answers to many of your questions on this page. We also point you in the right direction if you want more information or need to make contact.

Hedgerow Regulations

Background

The Hedgerow Regulations came into force in 1997 to protect hedges within the countryside from being removed. Garden hedges are not affected by the regulations even though the land adjacent may be used for one of the uses set out below.

The regulations apply to hedges over 20m in length and /or are met by another hedge at either end.

Requirements

Permission is required for removal if the hedge is on;

• Common Land
• Agricultural Land
• Land used for Forestry
• Village Greens
• Land used for the breeding of horses, ponies or donkeys
• Local Nature Reserves
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Permission is not required under these regulations if:

• Less then 20m and not connected to other hedgerows
• Hedge is within or makes up your garden boundary
• Removing a section of hedge to obtain access in substitution for an existing access that provides access.
• Removing a section of hedge to provide temporary access onto land for emergency purposes
• Removing a section of hedge to obtain access to land where other means of access are not available or are at a disproportional cost
• Removal has been approved as part of an approved planning application - this is not the case of permitted rights
• To comply with a statutory plant or forestry health order
• To comply with a statutory notice for preventing interference with utility lines
• In connection with statutory drainage or flood defence works
• The works are considered good practice for hedgerow management and will not result in the destruction and loss of a hedgerow - laying, removal of dead or diseased trees/shrubs and coppicing

A six-week Removal Notice is required to be submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council. We will either approve the proposals or serve a Hedgerow Retention Notice if it is felt that the hedgerow is important.

Download:

• Hedgerow removal form
• Hedgerow removal - guidance notes
• Hedgerow checklist

Further information

• Statutory Instrument 1997 No 1160: The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (Crown Copyright 1997) (This link will open in a new window)

Contact

[Trees and Landscape officer] (This link will open in a new window)

Telephone: 03450 450 500
Fax: 01954 713152

Trees & Landscape Service
Conservation & Design
South Cambridgeshire Hall
Cambourne Business Park
Cambourne
Cambridgeshire
CB23 6EA

THERE IS NO FEE FOR THIS SERVICE