Anti-social hedges

Anti-social hedges
Originally uploaded by powerfulpierre.

It’s good to see that the new government has got its priorities right:

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister press release

Inconsiderate hedge owners to be cut down to size under new legislation

Homeowners will no longer need to suffer the misery caused by high hedges, under new Government legislation which comes into effect on Wednesday 1 June.

In the first instance, people must always try to resolve disputes amicably between themselves. In cases where an amicable resolution cannot be reached a complaint can be made to the local authority provided that:

- The hedge in question comprised wholly or predominantly of a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs;

- It was over 2 metres high;

- The hedge acted to some degree, as a barrier to light or access; and

- Because of its height, it was adversely affecting the complainant’s reasonable enjoyment of their domestic property (that is their home or garden).

Note that these powers come under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003...