High hedges
To summarise procedures, if a hedge is over a certain height (this has to be calculated according to each circumstance but is likely to be greater than 2 feet tall) and causing a nuisance to neighbours because it is blocking out their light or views, then they have the right to express their concerns to the hedge owner in conversation, to start with, and ask him/her to trim it back. If nothing is done after informal requests, then the neighbours can ask in writing for it to be done. If the hedge is still not being attended to, then one course of action is to approach the City Council planning department and fill in the appropriate form. A request to the Council to sort out a hedge dispute incurs a charge of £450.00. Alternatively, differences may be settled peaceably by using a mediation service, but both of the parties must agree to take part in this.
