High hedge complaint

When and how to contact us about a high hedge complaint and the action we can take.

This guidance is informed by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8. 

Read about this Act on legislation.gov.uk

Use this guidance to find out when you can make a complaint about a high hedge, how to do it, and what action the council may take.

When you can complain

You can make a complaint only after you have tried all reasonable ways to resolve the issue with your neighbour. A high hedge must:

  • be made of two or more evergreen or semi‑evergreen trees or shrubs
  • be over 2 metres tall
  • form a barrier to light or access

This includes species such as leylandii, yew, laurel, and box. Individual trees do not count. The law only applies to hedges affecting domestic properties.

The council’s role is to decide whether the hedge is harming your reasonable enjoyment of your domestic property. We do not mediate.

If required, we can issue a notice telling the hedge owner what must be done. Not following this notice is an offence and can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Before you complain

If you have been trying to sort things out for a long time or communication is difficult, consider mediation. A mediator helps both sides talk calmly and understand each other’s views. Mediation must be voluntary.

Check the guidance on what counts as a high hedge on GOV.UK

Find advice on resolving hedge, tree and boundary issues with neighbours at GOV.UK

Check how to complain to the council about a high hedge at GOV.UK

Read about how to appeal a council’s decision in A Guide for Appellants: High Hedges on GOV.UK

How to make a complaint

If talking and mediation have not worked, you can make a formal complaint. You will need to provide:

  • a completed high hedge complaint form
  • a location plan (preferably to 1:1250 scale). You can buy to-scale planning maps at planningportal.co.uk
  • copies of correspondence with your neighbour about the hedge
  • copies of any other relevant documents 
  • pay the required fee
  • email or post the form to us

Download the form to initiate a complaint (DOCX , 77KB)

Fee

A fee must be paid to the council with the complaint. This covers the costs incurred by the council to assess the complaint, issue any legal notices, enforcement action, ensures complaints are a last resort and helps prevent misuse of the process. 

The current fee is £792

What happens next

Once we confirm your complaint meets the rules, we will:

  • ask your neighbour for their response
  • visit the site
  • assess the hedge and decide whether action is needed.

If action is required, a formal notice will be issued to the hedge owner and a copy sent to you.

There is no set timescale for decisions. If you are concerned about delays, please contact us.

Email: planning4@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Address: 
Westmorland and Furness Council
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street
Kendal
LA9 4DQ
United Kingdom