The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (GCSPS) administers applications and decisions about high hedges.
If you have an issue with a neighbour’s high hedge, you must first try to resolve it with them informally. GCSPS cannot get involved unless you can demonstrate that informal talks have not worked.
- Read the government’s advice about resolving neighbour disputes.
- Read the government’s information about high hedges.
When you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your dispute, you can ask GCSPS to consider your complaint if:
- the hedge is a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs
- the hedge is more than two metres high
- the hedge acts as a barrier to light or access
- the hedge adversely affects your reasonable enjoyment of your home due to its height
GCSPS cannot mediate or negotiate between you and the hedge owner. Their role is to adjudicate on whether, according to the law, the hedge adversely affects your reasonable enjoyment of your property. In doing so, they must take account of all relevant factors. They aim to find a fair balance between your interests and those of the hedge owner and the wider community.
When GCSPS receive your complaint, they will visit the site to measure the hedge and record other details. If they decide that action should be taken, they will send a formal remedial notice to the hedge owner outlining what they need to do and by when.
Both you and the hedge owner have the right to appeal their decision.
