high hedge

Old_Git

has anyone any experience of dealing with high hedge problems .
I have spoken to my neighbour and they have refused to cut the hedge down as they are two story and it gives them privacy but it blocks my light .

don_ky01

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Disputes about high hedges

The right hedge can be an ideal garden boundary but the wrong hedge may bring problems. Find out what you can do if you think that a hedge on a garden boundary is too high.
Before you contact the council

Before you contact your local council you should try to do the following:

• talk to your neighbour about the problem
• aim to get a better understanding of each other's concerns and try to work out a solution
• if this doesn't work invite them to talk to independent mediators who may be able to help you find a way forward
• if your neighbour won't talk or you are nervous about speaking to them, send a polite letter outlining the problems

Remember to keep a record of what you have done, such as copies of letters or a diary.
Making a complaint to your council

If none of this works, you should let your neighbours know that you are intending to make a formal complaint to the council. Involving the council should be a last resort if you are unable to agree a solution with the hedge owner.

• Local councils in Northern Ireland

Fees for the service

You have to pay the council for this service. Your council will be able to tell you what they will charge but the maximum fee will be £360. If the council finds your complaint is justified and remedial action is taken, the fee will be refunded to you.
A fee is payable because:

• the service benefits an individual rather than the community in general
• a fee helps ensure that complaints are genuine
• a fee is a payment for a service - not a penalty
• payment of a fee encourages people to try to settle disputes amicably
• most people who responded to a public consultation about high hedges thought it was fair that the person making the complaint should pay something for the council to intervene in their hedge dispute

:beer:

GlynD

I didn't know the councils had introduced this system. I think it's a very good idea because I can remember some ding-dong's over high hedges, particularly leylandi. OP I think it's highly possible that your neighbours may be like me - ignorant of the fact they can be told to cut the hedge down. That being the case I'd be inclined to approach the council although as we all know sometimes taking any action against a neighbour can lead to an escalation of feelings between both parties.

I hope that doesn't happen in your case.

almillar

Whose hedge is it?!

lazer

Old_Git wrote: »

has anyone any experience of dealing with high hedge problems .
I have spoken to my neighbour and they have refused to cut the hedge down as they are two story and it gives them privacy but it blocks my light .

Is the hedge over 2m? if not there is nothing legally you can do - but you can discuss with your neighbour and try to compromise>

GlynD

lazer wrote: »

Is the hedge over 2m? if not there is nothing legally you can do - but you can discuss with your neighbour and try to compromise>

You see that's what I thought - even if it was over 2m but the council information posted by Don gives me hope that some things have changed. Mind you 2m is nothing.

warmhands.coldheart

I believe you can trim any branches hanging over on your side of the boundary back to the boundary edge and turf them back over into his garden !! Would give you an enormous sense of well being if nothing else !!

GlynD

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

I believe you can trim any branches hanging over on your side of the boundary back to the boundary edge and turf them back over into his garden !! Would give you an enormous sense of well being if nothing else !!

I just had this with my own neighbour last month. You can trim anything which is in your own garden. If you're cutting something which originated in your neighbour's garden you're legally bound to offer the cuttings back. In our case I let my neighbour know he could trim what he wanted to and that I didn't require the cuttings back.

It was quite a problem for him. I actually got my own gardener to cut some branches on our side which were touching the man's bricks and mortar because they were in danger of damaging his property.