High Hedges Legislation
Legislation
From 1 June 2005, and under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, local authorities have powers to deal with complaints about high hedges.
Disputes
If you have a dispute with your neighbour to do with the height of a hedge then we do have powers to intervene. However, involving us should be a last resort and only if you really can’t agree a solution with your neighbour.
We can refuse to intervene if we think you haven’t done everything you reasonably could to settle your dispute.
The process and the steps that you should consider before coming to us are outlined in the leaflet High hedges: complaining to the Council, a link to which can be found below. If you have taken reasonable steps to resolve the dispute yourself AND can answer ‘yes’ to ALL the points listed below, the Council will consider your complaint:
- Is the hedge growing on land owned by someone else?
- Is the hedge – or the portion that is causing problems – made up of a line of 2 or more trees or shrubs?
- Is it mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen?
- Is it more than 2 metres tall?
- Even though there might be gaps in the foliage or between the trees or shrubs, is the hedge still capable of obstructing light or views?
If you do want to complain to us please use the form below, but please read the leaflet and guidance notes before completing it.
Charges
We charge you £400 for this service.