High Hedges

As of the 1^st June 2005 the Council is administering the new High Hedge Regulations under Part 8 (High Hedges) of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

A high hedge is defined in the Act as a barrier to light or access as is formed wholly or predominately by a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs and rises to a height of more than 2 metres above ground level.

However the Act will only offer control over hedges that affect domestic properties, which are defined as a dwelling or any associated garden or yard.

Complaining to the Council is seen as a last resort and should only be undertaken when all other avenues have been exhausted. If someone is troubled by a neighbouring hedge, the best way to deal with the issue is to discuss it amicably and agree a solution. For this reason, the law requires people to have taken reasonable steps to try to settle their hedge dispute for themselves before complaining to the local Council.

The role of the Council is to act as an independent and impartial third party. Whilst it is not the Council's role to negotiate or mediate between individuals, officers will make a site visit prior to an application to discuss the complaint provided both parties are present. This will help to ensure everyone involved is aware of all the issues, encourage neighbours to find their own solution and verify that every effort has been made to resolve the problem amicably. No charge will be made by the Council for this pre-application visit. In doing so, the Council must take account all views and relevant factors including the hedge owner's amenity and that of the wider neighbourhood. The Council will assess each case on its particular merits.

The Government have produced the following publications in order to offer guidance on hedge problems, which are available at the Council offices at the Forum or alternatively you can visit the Communities and Local Government website (external link):

• Over the garden hedge (external link)
• High hedges: complaining to the Council (external link)
• High hedges: appealing against the Council's decision (external link)

Click to access the Online Forms page where you can download the High Hedges complaint form.

Should you wish to discuss your hedge problem you can contact the Tree Officer, details below. 

Contact Details

Countryside Service

Email - countryside@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402397

Fax - 01244 310071

Address - Countryside Service, Green Space Team, Culture & Community Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS