High Hedges
Part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 gives local authorities the power to deal with complaints about high hedges if all attempts at negotiation between neighbours have failed.
This new legislation came into operation on 1 June 2005. This means that if you have a neighbouring hedge that causes you concern, you can contact Welwyn Hatfield Council's Landscape and Ecology Section on 01707 357000 to take the complaint further.
Welwyn Hatfield Council’s role is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property. In doing so, the Council must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.
The Council will charge a fee of £350 for this new investigative service. There will be encouragement for the parties involved to agree their own resolution, and evidence of a recent attempt is required prior to the Council accepting the complaint.
The Council can issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when they must do it by. Failure to carry this out can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
There are a number of documents available to download, to receive by post or for collection from the Council Offices at Campus East:
If you wish to appeal against a Council decision, you should contact:
The High Hedges Appeals Team
Room 4/12 Eagle Wing
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6PN
Telephone: 0117 372 8812