Formal High Hedge Complaints

How will the Council deal with a formal high hedge complaint?

The first thing we will do is to check the complaint is valid and that all the appropriate information is provided. Please read the guidance note carefully on how to fill in the complaint form and what needs to accompany it.

Once we have checked that we have all the information we need we will acknowledge receipt of the completed complaint form. However if the complaint is invalid, i.e. it doesn't comply with the legislation and we are unable to look at it, we will return the documents and fee and explain the reasons for this.

The next step is to notify the hedge owner of the complaint and arrange to visit the site to view it from both sides. We will identify the species in the hedge and make an assessment of the possible impact of reducing it to various different heights. Any remedial action we decide to take cannot have the effect of killing the hedge.

We will make various measurements in order to obtain the information needed to make the calculations set out in the 'Hedge height and light loss' document.

Other issues which are relevant to the decision on the complaint include:

• other problems experienced by the complainant as a result of the height of the hedge
• the amenity of the hedge owners and 
• the impact the hedge has on the amenity of the wider neighbourhood

We will also consider any written representations on these issues submitted by any of the parties.

When all of the information has been obtained we will prepare a report that deals with all of the relevant factors and determines whether the complaint should be upheld.

Once the decision is made, both the complainant and the hedge owner will be notified and sent a copy of the officer's report which explains the criteria on which the decision was reached.

The length of the process varies from case to case. There is no prescribed timescale, but experience suggests it takes around 8-10 weeks from application to final decision. The length of time depends on the complexity of the case; specifically, how many people or properties it affects.

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