High Hedge Disputes

We understand that problems with high hedges can be frustrating, especially if they affect the light or enjoyment of your home or garden. This page explains when we may be able to help and what you need to do first.

The law that covers high hedge complaints is the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. The Council can usually only get involved as a last resort, so you will need to show that you have already tried to resolve the issue with your neighbour.

When we can look into a complaint

We can only consider your complaint if all of the following apply:

• You have tried to sort the problem out yourself and can provide evidence, such as speaking to your neighbour, sending a letter, text or email, or arranging mediation.
• The hedge is made up of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs.
• The hedge is more than 2 metres high.
• The hedge is on land owned by someone else.
• The problem affects a residential property.
• You own or live in the property affected.
• Your complaint is about problems caused by the height of the hedge, such as blocking light.

If you are not sure what to do next, please complete our High Hedge Informal Enquiry form. We can then explain the process and let you know whether we may be able to help.

What to do before making a formal complaint

Before we can consider a formal complaint, you should try to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour. The government guidance Over the Garden Hedge explains the steps you should take.

If you have taken these steps and still need our help, you can submit a formal complaint using our High Hedge Formal Enquiry form.

There is a fee to investigate a high hedge complaint of £780.20. Reduced Fee (for applicants receiving qualifying benefits) £311.50

If we get involved, we cannot act as a mediator or negotiate with your neighbour for you. Our role is to decide whether the height of the hedge is having a negative effect on the reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden.

If we decide that action is needed, we may issue a formal notice to the hedge owner. This notice will explain what they must do to reduce the problem and when they must do it by. If they do not follow the notice, they could be fined up to £1,000.

The national rules for high hedge complaints are strict, so we recommend reading the government guidance before you make a complaint.