Find out about high hedge legislation and if you can make complaint to the Council about a high hedge close to your property
High hedges
If you're the occupier of a property and are affected by a high hedge you must speak to your neighbour about the problem. If you've tried at length to resolve the issue, and have been unsuccessful, you can ask us to help.
How to complain to us
You can complain about a high hedge if:
- it is growing on land owned by someone else
- the part that is causing problems is made up of a line of two or more trees
- it is mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
- it is more than two metres tall
- it is obstructing light or views
If you wish to lodge a formal complaint about a high hedge, a fee of £290 is payable.
If we begin investigating the complaint, the fee is non-refundable. But, if we think the complaint is invalid the fee will be refunded.
To complete our high hedge complaint form you'll need:
- to pay the fee
- the address of the high hedge issue
Please see our guidance notes booklet to help you with your complaint.
What happens next?
If you're successful, we'll issue a formal notice to the hedge owner. This will set out what they must do to the hedge to improve the situation, and when by.
This will be registered as a Local Land Charge on the property. It will remain with the property for the life of the hedge.
Failure to carry out the works required by us is an offence that could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.