My neighbor's hedge is too high. How do I make a complaint under UK high hedges law?

What the Law Says

Under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, a 'high hedge' is legally defined as a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs that exceeds 2 metres in height and adversely affects the reasonable enjoyment of a domestic property (e.g., blocking light, causing loss of privacy, or impacting views). The legislation applies only to residential properties — not commercial land — and does not cover single trees, deciduous hedges (unless mixed with evergreens), or hedges on non-residential land. Crucially, the law does not mandate a specific maximum height, but empowers local councils to determine whether the hedge’s height and condition unreasonably interfere with living conditions. The council must consider all relevant factors, including the hedge’s height, density, proximity to windows or gardens, its impact on natural light and daylight (not just sunlight), and whether reasonable steps have been taken by both parties to resolve the matter. A council’s decision is binding: it may order the hedge owner to reduce height, thin growth, or maintain it regularly. Failure to comply is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1,000 (and daily fines for continued non-compliance). There is no right of appeal to the county court, but a person aggrieved may challenge the council’s decision in the magistrates’ court solely on grounds of legal error or procedural unfairness.

Practical Steps

Before contacting your council, you must demonstrate that you have made reasonable efforts to resolve the issue informally — such as writing to your neighbour, proposing a shared pruning schedule, or suggesting mediation. Keep dated records (letters, emails, photos) of these attempts, as councils will require evidence. Next, check whether your local authority has adopted Part 8 powers (all English councils have; most in Wales have, but some in Northern Ireland and Scotland do not — note: Scotland has no equivalent high hedge law, and Northern Ireland operates under separate common law principles). If covered, complete your council’s official high hedge complaint form (usually available online) and pay the statutory fee (typically £400–£750, non-refundable unless the council declines to investigate). Once submitted, the council will inspect the site, consult both parties, and assess impact using professional guidance (e.g., the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ ‘High Hedges Complaints: Guidance for Local Authorities’). The process usually takes 12–16 weeks. If the council issues a remedial notice, the hedge owner has 28 days to comply. If they fail, the council may arrange works and recover costs from the owner. You may also seek independent mediation via services like the Property Ombudsman or local community mediation schemes — though these cannot issue binding orders, they often prevent escalation.

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