high hedges

Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which gives local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges came into operation in England on 1 June 2005.

From 1 June 2005, provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving a hedge dispute with your neighbour, you will be able to make a complaint to your local Authority.

Our role is not to mediate or negotiate between the yourself and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property. In doing so, the authority must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.

If we consider the circumstances justify it, we will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when by. Failure to carry out the works required by the authority is an offence which, on prosecution, could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

The legislation explained in brief:

The legislation does not require all hedges to be cut down to a height of 2 metres
You do not have to get permission to grow a hedge above 2 metres
When a hedge grows over 2 metres the local authority does not automatically take action, unless a justifiable complaint is made
If you complain to your local authority, it does not follow automatically that they will order your neighbour to reduce the height of their hedge. We have to weigh up all the issues and consider each case on its merits.
The legislation does not cover single or deciduous trees.
The local authority cannot require the hedge to be removed.
The legislation does not guarantee access to uninterrupted light.
There is no provision to serve an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in respect of high hedge complaints.

How to make a complaint

If you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving a hedge dispute with your neighbour, please read the following guidance notes then download, complete and return the High Hedges complaints form. We will investigate your complaint and contact you accordingly.

For the Council to investigate an high hedges complaint there is a charge of £450. This is payable at the time you submit your complaint and is non refundable.

For more information about high hedges, please contact the planning enforcement service.