High Hedges

On the 1st June 2005, Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which gives local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges, came into operation. The Planning Enforcement section at North Norfolk administers these complaints.

In brief:

• Provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving a hedge dispute, you will be able to take your complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to your local authority.
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• The role of the local authority is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property. In doing so, the authority must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.
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• If they consider the circumstances justify it, the local authority will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when by. Failure to carry out the works required by the authority is an offence which, on prosecution, could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

If you wish to lodge a complaint about a high hedge the fee is £300 and is non refundable, even if the complaint is upheld.

Complaint forms are available at the Council Offices or on request, tel: (01263) 516130

Inquiries should be directed to tel: (01263) 516156 or to planning-enforcement@north-norfolk.gov.uk