High hedges

This new legislation comes into force on 1 June 2005 and is aimed at setting disputes where a hedge is evergreen or semi evergreen, more than two metres tall, and can be considered to obstruct light or views.

The right hedge can be ideal garden boundary, but the wrong hedge may bring problems. Although no one is quite sure how this legislation will work in practice, complainants are expected to settle the dispute themselves.

Council involvement

Before the Council has to become involved, written evidence will be expected to be provided to the Council to show attempts have been made to settle a dispute, even if the argument over a hedge has gone on for years.

The Council can even refuse to intervene if it considers that those involved have not done everything they can to try to settle the dispute themselves.

The Council's role is to act as an independent and impartial adjudicator in those cases, which people cannot settle for themselves. We cannot, therefore, negotiate or mediate between you and your neighbour. However, Hillingdon Mediation services might be able to help, and can be contacted on 01895446611.

The cost

The complainant has to pay a fee for this service in Hillingdon like most other Councils. This fee is £500. However, if the complaintant is over 65 years, then no fee is payable.

Complainants will have to fill in a High Hedge Complaint Form [124kb] (PDF). Please read the guidance notes [94kb] (PDF) before completing the form.

The form and guidance notes are also available direct from the Trees & Landscape Team on 01895 277556 or Planning reception on 01895 250834 or 01895 250574.

Find out more

The following leaflets are available about this new legislation

• Over the Garden Hedge
• High Hedges: Complaining to the Council

These leaflets can be downloaded from the Department of Communities and Local Government or are available in hard copy from the Trees and Landscape team:-

London Borough of Hillingdon
Planning and Community Services
Trees and Landscape Team 3N/02
Civic Centre
High Street
Uxbridge
Middlesex, UB8 1UW

Tel: 01895 250230

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