Report a high hedges complaint
If your neighbour's hedge is too high and causing problems for you, contact them first to resolve the issue. You’ll need to show that you've tried everything to fix the problem before we can step in.
Check out the government's guidelines on resolving neighbour disputes for more help.
Make a complaint
If you can't resolve the problem informally, you can make a formal complaint if the hedge:
- has 2 or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs
- is over 2 metres tall
- blocks light or access
- affects your enjoyment of your home due to its height
There is a fee of £600 to file a high hedge complaint.
Make a high hedges complaint online
Documents to include:
- a photo of the hedge
- a plan showing the hedge and surrounding properties/buildings
- evidence of your attempts to resolve the issue with your neighbour
- location plan of the hedge and properties with markings (for example house names, street names, directions)
- if you are complaining about the hedge blocking light, show on your plan which way is north, the position of windows that are affected by the hedge (for example, whether they are located on the front, side or rear of the house), relevant measurements (for example, size of garden, distance between the hedge and any windows affected). All measurements must be in metres
- communication evidence with your neighbour about the hedge
- name and address of all parties involved
We may reject your complaint if you do not fill out the form correctly.
Reviewing a complaint
We will visit the site once you file a complaint to measure the hedge and gather details. If we decide action is needed, we will send a “Remedial Notice” to the hedge owner explaining what they need to do and by when.
Appeal a decision
Both you and the hedge owner can appeal our decision. To learn more about how to appeal, get advice from the Planning Inspectorate website.
Timeline
The process can take at least 12 weeks. Below are the steps we will take:
- We acknowledge your application within 3 days.
- Check if the complaint is valid within 10 working days and notify you of this
- Contact the hedge owner and local council member, allowing 28 days for a response.
- Conduct a site inspection after the 28-day consultation.
- Assess the case and notify all parties of the decision.