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.
Provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving hedge dispute, you can make a complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to the Council.
What constitutes a High Hedge?
Evergreen or semi-evergreen hedges over 2 metres high that adversely affect the reasonable enjoyment of a residential property. This can include the loss of light to garden or dwelling.
Issues relating to roots, property damage and overhanging branches are not covered
The Councils Role
The Councils role is not to mediate or negotiate between the yourselves and the hedge owner but to assess whether the hedge is adversely affecting the reasonable enjoyment of your property.
If we consider there are 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.
Procedures
If you have a compliant about a high hedge you will need to submit a high hedge compliants form. In addition to this, you will need to provide copies of any correspondence you have had with your neighbour about the hedge and provide all evidence of how you have tried to resolve the dispute yourself. A fee of £300 is also payable when you submit the form.

Find out more

Click the link to get further advice about how to deal with the problem of  high hedges.