If you are troubled by someone else's hedge, the best option is to talk to them. This process must be attempted before a complaint can be made to us. Keep a record of what you have done to resolve the matter, as you will need this if you want to involve us at a later stage. You should bear in mind when approaching the owner of the hedge, that works may have to wait until the end of the bird nesting season. The bird nesting season is considered to be from the 1st March to the 31st August. The Department of Communities and Local Government has produced guidance Over the Garden Hedge.
The Council will only become involved if negotiation with your neighbour has failed. We can refuse to intervene if we think you haven't done everything you reasonably could to settle your dispute. Once a complaint has been received, we will assess the case as an independent and impartial third party. There is no general requirement to keep hedges below a certain height, but if it is justified, we will order the owner to reduce the height of their hedge.
The Department of Communities and Local Government has produced guidance High Hedges: Complaining to the Council as a guidance leaflet to help you decide whether to complain about a nuisance hedge.
If you wish to make a complaint please use this form. Details of the current fees can be found here