High Hedges
Local authorities have the power to deal with complaints about high hedges, under Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
A complaint can be made in writing to the local authority only when all avenues for resolving the hedge dispute have been exhausted between the complainant and the hedge owner.
Guidance notes on the action you need to take before complaining to the council are detailed in the booklet High Hedges: Complaining to the Council, available from the right hand downloads menu.
Role of the local authority
To adjudicate on whether – in the words of the Act – the hedge is adversely affecting the complainants’ reasonable enjoyment of their property.
Making a preliminary complaint to the council
Please complete a Preliminary Complaint form if you have:
1. Read booklet High hedges: Complaining to the Council
2. Exhausted all avenues and are unable to resolve the dispute
Site plan
All completed Preliminary Complaint forms should be accompanied with a site plan showing the location of the hedge you are complaining about, in relation to site features, site boundaries and adjoining properties.
Photographs
Enclose a photograph(s) of the hedge with your Preliminary Complaint form.
Please check that all questions on the Preliminary Complaint Form have been answered and that the forms are signed.
We will acknowledge your complaint within 10 working days and notify you if your concerns are to be investigated. If we determine that this is a case we can act upon you will be sent a further form, which must be completed and returned with a non-refundable fee of £250.
Fees
A non-refundable fee of £250 is payable with part 2 of the complaint procedure.
Help and advice
If you wish to discuss your application before submitting it or you are having difficulty completing the form, please contact the planning service - details below.
Appointments
Staff are available to give general advice during normal office hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.