High hedges legislation
You do not usually need permission to plant a hedge in your garden,
but from 1 June 2005 you have a responsibility for looking after
the height of the hedge so it doesn't unreasonably affect the
enjoyment of adjacent properties.
What to do if a neighbour's hedge is affecting your
light
If a neighbouring hedge is affecting the light to your property,
the first thing to do is to talk to your neighbour. Even if you
eventually ask the Council to help with your complaint, you must
have evidence that you and your neighbour have tried to come to a
mutually acceptable agreement.
A leaflet is available with advice about talking to your neighbour
called Over the Garden Hedge.
As well as this, there is also a leaflet entitled High Hedges:
Complaining to the Council which explains what will happen if
the Council get involved.
The Council cannot accept a complaint until you have made every
reasonable effort to discuss the problem with your neighbour.
Approaching the Council should be a last resort.
How to make a complaint
You can only complain to the Council to settle the dispute if:
- the hedge is over 2 metres high
- the hedge is a barrier to light or access
- the hedge adversely affects your domestic amenity.
To get a complaint form you can:
There is a fee of £300 per complaint, reduced by 50% for anyone
claiming certain benefits.
How to appeal against a complaint or
decision
If a complaint is made about a hedge you own, we will write to you
and you will have the opportunity to make comments to the Council.
Those comments will be taken into account when we determine the
complaint.
Both hedge owners and the complainants will be able to appeal
against the Council's decision. However, if an enforcement order is
made, failure to comply could result in the case being taken to the
magistrate's courts and the person could be fined up to
£1,000.
For any further information relating to high hedges, please
contact:
David Thornber, Arboricultural Officer
> Tel: 01695 585114
> Email: dave.thornber@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Roland Jones, Tree and Landscape Officer
> Tel: 01695 585168
> Email roland.jones@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Related information
>
Department for Communities and Local Government Tree & Hedge
Team (external link)