Issues with high hedges
If you are the owner or occupier of a residential property affected by a high hedge, you can make a formal complaint to us.
Before we can deal with your complaint, we need to be sure that:
- the hedge is covered by legislation
- that you have exhausted all other ways to sort out the problem yourself
- complaining to us is a last resort
Advice on steps you can take to negotiate with your neighbour is in the GOV.UK over the garden hedge guidance. The hedge must have the following features:
- it is growing on land owned by someone else
- it is acting to some degree as a barrier to light or access
- the hedge, or the part which is causing problems, is made up of a line of 2 or more trees or shrubs
- the hedge is mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
- it is more than 2 metres tall
- even though there might be gaps in the foliage or between the trees or shrubs, the hedge is still capable of obstructing light or views
You cannot complain about root activity, for example, subsidence, or the blocking of drains.
How to resolve the problem
In the first instance, you should speak to your neighbour about the problem the hedge is causing you.
If talking to your neighbour has not worked, you can contact a mediation service to try to sort out the matter.
If the issue is still not resolved, you can make a formal complaint.
How to make a formal complaint
We cannot deal with your formal complaint unless:
- You can show that you have tried to resolve matters with your neighbour before involving us
- There is a record of what you have done
The following documents have more information to help you with your formal complaint:
Fees and charges
The fee for making a formal complaint is £725. We can't accept a complaint without the correct fee. You can pay the fee by calling our contact centre on 0161 912 2000.