New powers were created for local authorities under Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to tackle problems associated with high hedges.
A 'high hedge' is defined (section 66 of the Act) as a line of two or more evergreen trees which rise to a height of over two metres above ground level.
What we can do
The local authority may take action against the owner of a property where such a high hedge is growing, if the hedge forms a barrier to light or access, such that the owner or occupier of a neighbouring property has his reasonable enjoyment of that property adversely affected.
Formal action by the local authority could require the owner of the hedge to reduce its height to a maximum of 2 metres. The council could not require the hedge to be completely removed or for trees to be destroyed i.e that would not be carried out in accordance with BS3998 (2010).
The council may decline to investigate a high hedge complaint where it considers that the complainant has not taken all reasonable steps to resolve the matter for themselves, or where it appears that the high hedge legislation does not apply.
Making a complaint
If you feel you would like to make a complaint about a high hedge please see the guidance notes and complete the complaint form below.
- High hedges complaint form (pdf 613 kb)
- High hedges guidance notes (pdf 266 kb)
The cost of making an application to the council is £693, this is not refundable.