Introduction to High Hedges

From the 1st June 2005 the Council has been given new powers to deal with nuisance high hedges under a provision of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003.

The legislation allows people to lodge a complaint with their local authority about a particular hedge, based on the adverse affects brought on by its height. It is our role to then assess the points raised in the complaint, and decide whether they are sufficient to warrant a reduction in height of the hedge. Calculations on the amount of light obstructed by the hedge are also taken into account. Epping Forest have appointed an officer within Planning Services to process these complaints.

Some important points you should note if you are considering making a complaint are:

1. the law only applies to evergreen or semi-evergreen hedges more than two metres high;
2. we can only deal with a complaint if the person affected has taken steps to settle the dispute themselves before making a formal complaint to the Council. This normally means making a written approach;
3. you will have to pay a fee to the Council (£265) to have a formal complaint considered. This will normally be non-refundable even if your complaint is upheld.

If you are in any doubt about these criteria it's best to study one of the guidance documents,  email contacttrees@eppingforestdc.gov.uk or ring 01992 564546..

Of course, we are only able to act within the constraints of the legislation. Therefore, it may not be possible for us to look at all high hedges or trees that are causing problems: only the ones covered by this law. This is not to say your problem is not serious - merely that it may not be something that falls within this legislation.

The Department of Communities and Local Government has lots of guidance available on high hedge issues:

• High Hedges: complaining to the Council
• Over the garden hedge (a guide to settling hedge differences)
• Hedge height and light loss

next »