High hedges FAQs

• What is the high hedge legislation ?
• Can I make a complaint about my neighbour's hedge ?
• Is there anything I need to do before I can make a complaint ?
• How do I make a complaint ?
• Will it cost me anything to make a complaint ?
• I am not sure my hedge falls within the legislation, will the Council come and look at if for me anyway ?
• I have a tall evergreen hedge but I do not want to cut it.  What can I do ?
• Where can I find out more about the high hedge legislation ?

• The high hedge legislation is used to help resolve disputes between neighbours regarding high hedges.
• If you have a neighbour who has a high hedge you may be able to complain to the Council about it.
• The Council then carry out an independent assessment to decide whether the hedge needs to be reduced in height or not.
• If the hedge does need a reduction the Council can issue a remedial notice requiring work to be done to the hedge.
• If your neighbour fails to carry out the required works the Council can take enforcement action if necessary.

• The hedge must be made up of a line of two or more trees.
• The hedge must be predominantly evergreen (it must keep its leaves all year round).
• The hedge must be at least 2m in height.

• Before the Council can consider a complaint you must have tried to negotiate with your neighbour.
• You should try talking to your neighbour about the hedge first.
• If this is not successful try writing to your neighbour.
• The Council accept copies of written letters as proof of negotiation.
• The booklet Over the garden hedge provides tips for negotiations.
• If negotiations do not work you could think about making a formal complaint to the Council.

• If you want to make a complaint about a high hedge you can download a complaint form pack.  Alternatively, contact the Tree Section.
• If you have any problems filling in the form please contact the Tree Section for advice.

• You should explain to your neighbour why you do not want to cut the hedge - for example it may be due to privacy issues, cost, birds may be nesting in the hedge, etc.
• You should try and reach an agreement with your neighbour about the hedge.  This may mean cutting the hedge in a few months when you have the money, or reaching a compromise about a suitable height for the hedge.
• If you do reach an agreement it is a good idea for both parties to have a copy of the agreement to avoid people going back on their word.
• If it is not possible to reach an agreement it is likely your neighbour will make a complaint to the Council if the hedge falls within the high hedge legislation.
• You will be given a chance to provide the Council with your views regarding the complaint and why you want to keep the hedge at the current height.
• The Council will then decide whether the hedge needs cutting.