High hedges
High hedge complaints
If you are troubled by a neighbour's hedge, the first thing to do is to talk to them about the problem to try and reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Remember that whether or not there is a hedge between you, you will have to continue to live with your neighbours and so resolving the dispute amicably is always preferable.
High hedge criteria:
- a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs
- a hedge that forms a barrier to light
We cannot investigate:
- individual trees
- deciduous hedges
- root damage
- overhanging branches
- falling leaves and other natural debris
Before making a complaint
Please read:
These documents explain
- Whether your hedge dispute can be considered by the Council
- The factors we must consider when assessing a complaint
- The steps you should take to try and resolve the issue yourself
Before submitting a complaint, you should ask your neighbour to voluntarily reduce the height of the hedge and keep a record of the attempts you have made to resolve the matter.
Submit a complaint
To make a valid complaint, you must provide:
- A statement explaining how the hedge is affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property
- Evidence of the steps you have taken to resolve the matter directly with your neighbour
- The required application fee of £459.86
What happens if my complaint is successful?
If the Council determines that the hedge adversely affects the reasonable enjoyment of your property, it may issue a Remedial Notice requiring the hedge owner to take action.
A Remedial Notice can require:
- A reduction in the height of the hedge
- Ongoing maintenance to prevent the problem recurring
This means you would not normally need to submit a further complaint if the hedge grows back.
Appeals
Both the complainant and the hedge owner have a right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the Council's decision.
Details of how to appeal will be included with the decision notice.