Hedgerow Regulations

The Hedgerow Regulations came into force in 1997 to protect the most important hedges in our countryside from being removed.

The Regulations apply to most hedges in the countryside which are more then 20 metres long or which meet another hedgerow at either end. 

If you wish to remove a countryside hedgerow you will need to apply to this Council for permission by submitting a Hedgerow Removal Notice. Once the Council receives the notice it has six weeks in which to respond by either approving the proposals, or by issuing a Hedgerow Retention Notice if the hedgerow is found to be important. The Hedgerow Removal Notice can be dowloaded by following the link here.

It should be noted that garden hedges are not affected by the regulations even though the land on the other side of the hedgerow may be used for one of the purposes set out below. For example, where the hedgerow marks the boundary line between agricultural and residential land, such as on the edge of town, the regulations do not apply.

If you remove a hedgerow without permission you may face an unlimited fine and you may also have to replace the hedgerow. 

You do need permission to remove a hedgerow if it is on:

    Land used for Agriculture   

   Common land   

    Land used for Forestry   

   Land used for the breeding of horses, ponies, or donkeys   

   Village Greens   

   Local Nature Reserves   

   Sites of Special Scientific Interest   

You do not need permission under these regulations if:

   The hedge is shorter than 20 metres and not connected to other hedgerows.   

    The hedgerow is within or makes up the boundary of your garden.   

   You are removing it to obtain access in substitution for an existing one which provides access to the land.   

   You are removing it to obtain temporary access to any land in order to give assistance in an emergency.   

    You are removing it to obtain access to land where other means of access is not available or is available only at disproportionate cost.   

    The Local Planning Authority have given consent for new development following the submission of a planning application (except in the case of permitted development rights.)   

   To comply with statutory plant or forestry health order.   

   To comply with a statutory notice for preventing interference with electric lines.   

   In connection with statutory drainage or flood defence work.   

    The work that you intend to carry out is considered as proper hedgerow management, and will not result in the destruction of the hedgerow. (i.e. Coppicing, Laying, and the removal of dead or diseased shrubs or trees)   

It is also important for you to check that there are no covenants, planning permissions or conditions requiring the hedgerow to be retained.

Sources of Further Information:

Statutory Instrument 1997 No.1160: The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (Crown Copyright 1997) –   http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1997/19971160.htm

For further information or advice on an application to remove a hedgerow please contact a member of the Council’s Aboricultural Staff.