High hedges

High hedges are a concern for some householders and the aim of this page is to answer the questions commonly associated with this matter.

There are no restrictions on the height a hedge can be grown to. However, if enjoyment of your property is being affected by a nearby high hedge, and negotiations with the hedge owner have failed to achieve agreement to the hedge being reduced, then you may be able to make a complaint to the council under the High Hedge legislation (part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003).

Before the council can consider the case, various criteria must be met:

• the hedge should be evergreen or semi-evergreen
• the hedge should be a minimum of 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) in height
• the hedge should be made up of two or more trees or shrubs, roughly in a line
• the hedge should block light or obstruct views, even if there are a few gaps in it

This is not an exhaustive list. Even if the high hedge meets all of these criteria, you must also have already contacted the hedge owner and discussed getting the height reduced before considering making an application. If you have reached a stalemate with your neighbour, then you could make a formal complaint to the council.

Making a formal complaint to the council should be your last resort. You must try to reach a resolution with your neighbour first. You can view our guidance notes about making a complaint and download the high hedge complaint form..

The council will remain impartial in any case it decides to investigate.