High Hedges

The High Hedges Legislation came into force on 1 June 2005. Useful leaflets & information are available from the  Communities and Local Government website:

1.  High Hedges - General Information

2  Over the Garden Hedge

3.  High Hedges: Complaining to the Council

If you are unable to settle your hedge dispute amicably, and you are a resident of Mid Beds, you can take your complaint to Mid Beds District Council provided that:

• The hedge in question is comprised wholly or predominantly of a line of two or more evergreens or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs;
• It is over 2m high;
• The hedge acts, to some degree, as a barrier to light or access; and,
• Because of its height, it is adversely affecting the complainants reasonable enjoyment of his domestic property (that is your house or garden)

The Council's fee is £367.50.  Concessions for complainants on means tested benefits £100.00.

Any initial complaint about a neighbours hedge must be made on the official form provided by the Council. This is available to download from the right of this page or by calling the Council’s contact centre on 01462 611 222. You can also e-mail customerservices@midbeds.gov.uk. Translations and large print versions of this guidance are also available.

Upon receipt of a complaint officers will arrange to carry out an inspection and the relevant measurements from the affected property to the hedge will be recorded.  If officers decide action should be taken, they will issue a formal ‘remedial notice’ to the owner of the hedge outlining what action should be done and by when.

Both hedge owners and complainants will have the right of appeal against the Council’s decision.