Planning - high hedges

Planning Enforcement – High Hedge Enquiries

From 1 June 2005, provided they have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving their hedge dispute, people have been able to take their complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to their local authority. The role of the local authority is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property.

The Environmental Crime Unit will investigate high hedge enquiries through the Planning Enforcement Team using powers in Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003

Eligibility
The hedge must be a barrier to light or access
The hedge must be formed from more than two trees/shrubs in a row
The trees/shrubs must be predominantly evergreen
The trees/shrubs must be over two meters in height
The trees/shrubs must be on land which is not owned by complainant
The complainant must be the owner or occupier (tenant) of the land affected
The complainants property must be residential

Required Customer Information
On first contact no documentation is required. If formal action is required by the Council, a questionnaire form is to be completed a long with a fee of £200. Once this is completed and returned further action can be undertaken. A complaint form is available on the Council website.

Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
There is no legal deadline for the Council to respond to these complaints. However, the Council will strive to investigate and issue a decision within 40 working days of the complaint being registered

More information about this service

Contact Us

Address:
Environmental Crime Unit
Planning Enforcement
PO BOX 58
Civic Centre
B-Block North
Silver Street
EN1 3XE
Map

Telephone:
Customer Contact Centre 020 8379 1000

Planning Enforcement
020 8379 3856

Enviro Crime
020 8379 2170

Fax:
020 8379 2190

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday
9.30 - 4.30

Useful Links

Envirocrime.gov.uk