High Hedges Guidance
The Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 deals with high hedges and
became law in Wales on the 31st December 2004.
This gives the council power to take a complaint from a householder
about a high hedge which is affecting the enjoyment of their
property. It also allows the council to require that the hedge be
reduced and maintained at the reduced height.
A booklet outlining details on the following can be downloaded
from the bottom of this page explaining:-
- The type of complaint that can be investigated
- The cost of making a complaint
- Timescale involved
- The appeal process
- Enforcement
- Examples of hedges and hedge maintenance
- Questions and answers on the law
Making a High Hedge Complaint
The following conditions must be met in order to make a
complaint. The hedge is:-
- On another persons property
- Made up of a line of two or more trees or shrubs
- Mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
- Over 2 metres high
- A barrier to light
- Adversely effects your living accommodation or garden through
loss of light
The council can only accept a complaint as a last resort and you
will have to show that you have tried to resolve the problem with
the hedge owner. You should have taken the following steps:
- Made every effort to resolve the situation yourself
- Tried talking to the hedge owner or occupier of the
property
- Sent a letter to the hedge owner of the property to try to
resolve the problem
- Informed your neighbour of your intention to complain to the
council
- If these requirements are met a complaint can be made.
The fee for investigating a complaint is £320. This is payable
before the council undertakes any investigation of the complaint
and is non-refundable. If you require more information, contact us
at:
Planning Department,
The Quays,
Brunel Way,
Baglan Energy Park,
Briton Ferry,
Neath,
SA11 2GG
ODPM Guidance Notes
All documents open in a new window.
Download Acrobat PDF Reader (external website). Acrobat PDF Reader allows you to view PDF files.
For further details on how to view documents, refer to our Document Viewers page.
Page Details
Last Updated: 22.07.2009 at 16:16