High hedges
A high hedge is defined as a line of two or more evergreen, or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs which are two or more metres high and which because they are too tall cause problems such as blocking light. If a high hedge on another person’s land spoils your reasonable enjoyment of your property, because it is too tall, we can deal with complaints only as a last resort if you can show us all other attempts to resolve the matter including mediation, have failed.
Complainants should have taken steps to resolve the issue with the hedge owners, both verbally and in writing, in the 4 months before making the complaint. Guidance produced by Central Govenrment can be found here and here. With some local guidance notes found here.
When the Council receives a complaint we will investigate and may determine that the height of the hedge should be reduced. However the Council cannot require hedges to be removed or reduced to less than 2m and will not require the hedge to be reduced in all cases. If the Council determine that the height of the hedge is acceptable we cannot require the hedge owner to carry out any maintenance to the hedge.
Once we receive the completed form we will arrange a site visit to make a basic assessment from your garden of the hedge. If it is considered after this initial survey that we may be able to take action; then you will be required to pay the high hedge administration fee of £400.
However to avoid futile complaints, we will make an initial visit to see if the complaint is likely be upheld once a formal complaint is made to us. The complainant will still need to resolve the matter with their neighbour before making an approach for us to do the initial visit.