Dealing with High Hedge Disputes

Tall hedges can sometimes lead to disagreements between neighbours. The legal framework addressing these types of issues falls under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which became effective in England on 1 June 2005.

Trying to Resolve Things Amicably

The government encourages you and your neighbours to work out hedge differences on your own, without involving the local council. Your first step should always be to make an effort to settle any disputes with your neighbour in a friendly way. You can find helpful advice on this process by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/over-the-garden-hedge.

When the Local Authority Gets Involved

If you have explored every other possible avenue for resolving a dispute about a high hedge and nothing has worked, you can then submit your complaint to your local council. Remember, this formal procedure specifically applies to concerns you have about an evergreen hedge on a neighbour's property.

Costs for Council Services

Be aware that your local council may charge a fee for handling this type of service, and these charges can be quite significant. This fee aims to encourage people to resolve private disputes amicably, ensuring that involving the council is truly a last resort. It also helps deter complaints that are trivial or intended solely to cause annoyance.

Understanding the Council's Role

Your local council doesn't act as a mediator or negotiator between you and your neighbour. Instead, their role is to make a formal decision on whether the hedge is negatively impacting your reasonable enjoyment of your home, as the Act defines it.

When they make their determination, the council must take into account all relevant aspects. They are tasked with balancing your interests as the complainant against the interests of the hedge owner, while also considering what is best for the wider community.

Official Notice and Penalties

If the local council believes the situation justifies it, they will issue an official notice to the hedge owner. This notice will clearly state what the owner must do to the hedge to fix the problem and by what specific date.

Failing to carry out the works required by the council constitutes an offence. If you face prosecution for non-compliance, this could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Additional Information and Guidance

• Looking for specific guidance on how to make a complaint about a high hedge to your council? Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council

• For a comprehensive collection of resources and information about high hedges, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/high-hedges