Planning - High Hedges
Control over high hedges was introduced in June 2005 as part of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003. The legislation is aimed at protecting light and alleviating nuisance caused by high hedges at domestic properties.
However, the legislation only relates to evergreen hedges which are over 2 metres high. Before a formal complaint regarding the height of a hedge can be accepted by the Council attempts to resolve the problem must have been made by the aggrieved party and evidence of these negotiations must be produced with any application to the Council.
Booklets relating to high hedges legislation and providing guidance and advice are available to download at the bottom of the page.
These are:
Over The Garden Hedge
The Right Hedge For You
High Hedges Complaining To The Council
Copies of the booklets are also available at the Planning Reception.
Application forms to make a formal complaint to the Council and guidance notes are available from the Planning Department reception or may be downloaded from the web site. The fee for making an application is £320 unless the applicant is in receipt of a means tested benefit in which case a reduced fee of £50 is payable. The reduced payment must be accompanied by proof of the benefit which makes the applicant eligible for the concessionary fee.
Where an application is made to the Council to determine whether the height of a hedge is acceptable both the applicant and the hedge owner will be notified of the Councils decision. Similarly both parties have a right of appeal to the Planning Inspectorate and a further booklet "High Hedges; Appealing against the Councils decision" is available on the ODPM website listed above. Appeal forms and more detailed guidance for appellants are available on the The Planning Inspectorate Web Site.
Telephone enquires relating to high hedge matters should be directed to the Planning Enforcement section (details at bottom of page).
Downloads
A leaflet on how to settle your hedge differences without involving the local authority. (1.05 MB)
The right hedge can be an ideal garden boundary, but the wrong hedge may bring problems. Use this information to help you choose the best hedge for your garden. (334 KB)
This leaflet, published in March 2005, explains what complaints local authorities can consider and how they will deal with them. (394 KB)
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