High Hedges

Facts about high hedge legislation

• You do not have to get permission to grow a hedge above two metres.
• When a hedge grows over two metres, we do not automatically take action against the owner. We only do so when someone complains about it.
• If you complain to us, we will not automatically order your neighbour to reduce the height of his hedge. We have to weigh up all the issues and consider the action to take.
• Not all hedges have to be cut down to a height of two metres.
• We cannot require the hedge to be removed.
• The legislation does not cover single trees; it can cover deciduous trees as long as the hedge is predominantly evergreen.
• We cannot request  total removal of hedge so as to guarantee complainant unrestricted access to light.
• We will not necessarily serve an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for high hedge complaints.