High hedges guidance and complaints

A hedge can be a great boundary between properties as it provides nesting places for birds, gives shelter for small animals and birds moving through gardens and can be an attractive backdrop for other trees and plants.

In some cases however, tall evergreen hedges can cause problems for those living nearby.

If your neighbour's hedges are causing concern, we first advise you to talk to your neighbour - they may be unaware that it is causing you a problem.

• Take some time to think about what problems you are having, write them down if it helps, so that you can approach your neighbour calmly.
• Sometimes taking a few photos to show them can help them appreciate your concerns.
• The government website has some useful guidance on how to approach your neighbours about hedges.

As part of any complaint you must prove that you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your hedge dispute (such as provide evidence of all written correspondence). If we believe all other avenues have not be tried or insufficient evidence is submitted, your complaint will be rejected.