High hedges

What is a 'high hedge'?

Definition of a high hedge:

• 'a line of two or more evergreen, or semi-evergreen, trees or shrubs, which are 2 metres or more in height and which block light or access to a domestic property'

Advice and guidance

We consider complaints under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and give advice and guidance on the various processes and stages.

Any complaints must relate to the height of the hedge (as problems relating to roots are specifically excluded from the Act).

We can only intervene once you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your hedge dispute. We can send you a copy of the leaflet Over the garden hedge which sets out some steps that you should consider trying.

Mediation

Our 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. Please refer to the Civil Mediation Directory.

If you cannot agree a solution we will send further information about the procedure for making a formal complaint. Please note, however, that we can reject a complaint if we think you have not done everything you reasonably could to negotiate a solution to your hedge problems. So if you don't follow the advice in the leaflet, you will need to explain why not.

Before you submit a complaint to us

Before you make a formal complaint to us, you need to carry out various actions yourself, including collecting detailed evidence and in particular attempting to resolve the matter amicably with your neighbours.

To make a complaint regarding high hedges or have any comments regarding this service please contact 01884 255255 or email customerfirst@middevon.gov.uk.