A to Z of services: High hedges

In dealing with high hedge disputes, the role of the Council is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner.  Rather its role is to adjudicate on whether, in the words of the Act, 'the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property'.

 

Negotiation is a necessary precursor to submitting a formal complaint.  The Council may reject a complaint if they consider that the complainant has not done everything they reasonably could to resolve the matter themselves.  Evidence of negotiation with the hedge owner in the form of letters or other mediation will be required before a complaint can be accepted.

 

The Council will charge a fee (currently set at £100) for adjudicating in these matters, payable by the complainant.  The fee is a payment for a service and does not guarantee that the height of the hedge will be reduced.  The Council must take full account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and the hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.

 

If they consider the circumstances justify it, the Council can issue a formal notice (a remedial notice) to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when by.

Further Information on high hedges