Information about high hedge issues, and hedgerow protection
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 £150 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
There are guidance notes available to help you. You can find these at the bottom of the page.
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.
Hedgerow Protection
Under the Hedgerow Regulation 1997 it is unlawful to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from us.
Permission is required before removing hedges that are:
- 20 metres or more in length (less if connected to other hedges)
- over 30 years old
- of historic value or important to wildlife
Proper management of hedges does not require permission, and residential hedges are not covered by these regulations.