The Borough Council’s role is to judge whether the hedge is adversely affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property. The council cannot mediate or negotiate between you or your neighbour.
The council's role has been set by an Act from central government.
In adjudicating, the Borough Council must:
take account of all relevant factors
strike a balance between the competing interests of you and the hedge owner
consider the interests of the wider community.
What happens if the Borough Council decides that my neighbour must cut the hedge?
In these circumstances the council will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner. This will set out:
What if the hedge owner won't cut the hedge?
If the hedge owner fails to carry out the works required by the council this is an offence. The council could prosecute the hedge owner, which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
