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High Hedges

The council deals with complaints about high hedges blocking light into neighbouring property.

High Hedges Legislation

The High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 came into effect on 31 March 2012. It gives local authorities in Northern Ireland the powers to deal with complaints about high hedges that block light to a neighbour’s property. The Act gives Council power to serve a legal notice on a person requiring them to cut their hedge down to a reasonable height. Please note that a remedial notice cannot involve the reduction of a hedge to less than 2 metres above ground level or the removal of a hedge. Removal includes action that would result in the death or destruction of the hedge.

Complaints Process

Information for those who are affected by a High Hedge

We would encourage all neighbours to talk to one another and try and resolve any problem hedges informally and amicably. If no solution can be found then the next step is to write to your neighbour explaining the problem and asking for a resolution. You will need to provide us with a copy of this letter before we can pursue any complaint.

You can use our sample letters to help explain to your neighbour how their hedge is blocking your light.

If your neighbour refuses to talk or correspond with you, you could consider using mediation. You could ask a community representative or mutual acquaintance to intervene. Or you could contact an independent mediator. But there may be a cost associated with this.

Criteria for Complaints

The Act does not cover:

single trees

non-evergreen hedges or trees

trees within a forest or woodland (of a size greater than 0.2 hectares)

roots, dangerous trees, or leaves.

For the legislation to apply the hedge must:

Be made up of a line of 2 or more evergreen or semi-evergreen plants, trees or shrubs (not deciduous ones - that lose their leaves) which are acting as a barrier to light

Reach a height of at least 2 metres from ground level on the hedge owner’s side (not measured from your garden level)

Have no significant gaps.

Making a High Hedge Complaint

If talking or writing to your neighbour does not work, you can then submit a complaint by contacting Enviromental Health E. envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or T. 028 9034 0160. A complaint form can be obtained from Environmental Health or can be downloaded below. Before submitting a complaint you should read the Guidance for Complainants.

Complaint Form and Guidance Notes

You must send evidence with your complaint, such as a photograph and location plan of the hedge and a copy of letter(s) sent to your neighbour.

You will need to pay a fee of £360 to pursue the complaint. If your complaint is upheld, this fee will be refunded to you. Information on fees including the transfer of fees to the hedge owner are set out in legislation and can be viewed here.

High Hedges (Fee) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

Information for High Hedge Owners

If you have a high hedge, you don’t have to do anything unless your hedge is causing a problem for someone else. But, we would encourage you to maintain the hedges on your property at a reasonable height and listen carefully if your neighbours have any concerns about it. Please read our Guidance Notes for Hedge Owners.

Useful Downloads

Sample Letters to Neighbour Download(37KB)
Guidance for Complainants Download(393KB)
High Hedges Complaint Form Download(150KB)
Guidance for Hedge Owners Download(352KB)
High Hedges Leaflet Download(656KB)