High hedges

The Government issued high hedges legislation in June 2005. This comes under part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

A high hedge is any two evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs growing next to each other which are taller than two meters.

Contacting the council and making a high hedges complaint should be seen as a last resort if all other options to resolve the dispute have been unsuccessful. A complaint form must be completed and a fee paid. Guidance notes about making a complaint should be read.

The first option should always be to try contacting the owner of the hedge. Contact the Land Registry if unsure about who owns the property where the hedge is situated. It is advisable to keep a record of the actions taken to try and resolve the dispute. This may include telephone calls and letters.

Another option is mediation services. There are companies who will try to help resolve high hedges disputes. 3 leaflets are also available and should be read before making a complaint:

For copies of the leaflets contact the Actionline.

Should a complaint be made a copy of the form must also be sent to the owner and occupier of the land where the hedge is situated.

When the council receives a high hedges complaint form, a Tree Officer will review the form and information provided. The Tree Officer will decide if the council will register the complaint.

If the complaint is not registered the council will inform the complainant why it has not been registered and the fee will be returned.

If the complaint is registered the council will inform both the complainant and the hedge owner. A Tree Officer will visit the site and assess the hedge. Following this a decision will be made, the council has 2 options:

The council will inform both the complainant and the hedge owner of the reasons for this decision

The complainant or the hedge owner can appeal. This may be done by writing to the Planning Inspectorate. More information can be read in the leaflet 'High hedges: appealing against the council's decision'.

If a Remedial Notice is issued a Tree Officer will check that the hedge has been cut to the correct specification. The council will allow the hedge owner a reasonable time to carry out the works. Works may be delayed for a time if birds are nesting in the hedge.

If the hedge is not cut to the correct specification the case will be reviewed. This will be done by the Tree Team and City Patrol Enforcement Team. The council may proceed by prosecuting the hedge owner. The council may also use its powers of entry to carry out the works. The council will then re-claim the costs from the hedge owner. The remedial notice also states that the hedge is to be maintained at the specified height.

For enquiries concerning council owned high hedges contact Actionline or email the trees team. For enquiries about council hedges overgrowing the highway contact Actionline, they will log the enquiry for the Grounds Maintenance Team.