The high hedges provisions
came into force on 1st June 2005, and Leicester City Council will investigate all High Hedge complaints that are accompanied by a fee. The fee is currently £100 (Or £50 for those in receipt of benefits). An application form must be completed by referring to the guidance notes which can be downloaded (see related documents below).
A High Hedge is defined as a line of two or more evergreen or semi evergreen trees or shrubs that is higher than 2 metres.
An owner or occupier of domestic premises can complain if they believe that their reasonable enjoyment of their property is being adversely affected by the height of a High Hedge.
The effect of the roots of a High Hedge is specifically excluded from this legislation, so complaints cannot be made about subsidence or damage to paths, but can be about shading of rooms inside a dwelling or shading of a garden.
If the Council decide to proceed with a complaint then a Remedial Notice is served specifying works to be carried out within a set timescale. If the works are not carried out by the owner of the hedge then the City Council may appoint a contractor to carry out the works, and then recover the costs incurred. They can also prosecute for non compliance with the Notice with a maximum fine of £1,000.
The notice cannot specify reducing the hedge height below 2 metres or removal of the hedge.
Environmental Health staff in Area Environmental Health will deal with High Hedge complaints. Contact the Team Manager (Area Environmental Health) on (0116) 252 6407 for further information.
From 1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011 we received 23 enquiries about High Hedges.
From 1st June 2005 to 31st March 2011 we served 15 Remedial Notices for High Hedges.
