High hedges complaints support

Making a complaint about a high hedge to the Council should be a last resort. Before we can intervene under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 (High Hedges), you must demonstrate that you have made every reasonable effort to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour. Here are the steps we suggest you should take before submitting a complaint:

1. Contact your neighbour

You should contact your neighbour within a few weeks before asking us to intervene.

2. Send a polite letter

Write a polite letter to the hedge owner (also called the "grower") at least a few weeks before you intend to submit a complaint to us.

In your letter:

• Explain the problem briefly – mention how the high hedge is affecting your enjoyment of your property.
• Request a reduction – ask them to reduce the height of the hedge to alleviate the problem (but not below 2 metres).
• Encourage communication – invite your neighbour to discuss the issue with you directly.
• Offer mediation – if appropriate, suggest mediation as a way to resolve the dispute.

Keep your letter concise – aim for one side of A4 paper. You can refer to our Specimen letter for guidance on how to write this.

Send the letter by recorded delivery or hand-deliver it with a witness. Keep a copy for your records. You will need to provide evidence of your efforts to resolve the issue before we can accept a formal complaint.

3. Consider mediation

Mediation is a form of conflict resolution in which a neutral third party helps both sides reach a mutually acceptable solution. Organisations such as Yorkshire Mediation provide support with neighbour disputes like high hedge issues. Visit their website or call 0113 242 4110.

The Council’s Community Safety Unit also offers  Mediation services for neighbour disputes.

4. Follow-up after 21 days

If 21 days have passed and the issue remains unresolved:

• Send a second letter to inform the hedge grower of your intention to submit a complaint to us. This acts as a final warning and shows good faith that you have made every effort to resolve the matter amicably.
• If the second letter does not help, you may submit a complaint to us under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 (High Hedges).

Also see

• Private hedges
• High hedges: complaining to the Council (governmental guidance)
• Over the Garden Hedge (governmental guidance)