Specimen letter
This is the specimen letter which you can use as a model for the letter to the grower before you ask us to intervene using the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 (High Hedges).
- Include the address of the property where the hedge is
- Include your address and all forms of contact, such as telephone number or mobile phone number, add times when you will be available
Dear Name (or Occupier),
Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8: High Hedges
I am writing to you (again) about your hedge along your (back, left looking out from your house, right looking out from your house) boundary. This hedge comprises (x number) of (leylandii, laurel, mixed evergreen). It is now about (x) feet high. It is a considerable nuisance to me.
Mention in not more than two or three short sentences the forms this nuisance takes. Remember this law is about loss of enjoyment of your amenity because of someone else's hedge. It is not just about loss of light to your home and garden. When you write your letter make sure you outline all the forms of nuisance caused to you by the height of the hedge
Light and sunlight deprivation to homes and to gardens is only one of the criteria to be considered. Other criteria to consider are:
- safe height for regular trimming and maintenance, where the hedge is in such a position that it needs to be regularly maintained, because, for instance, the overhang is taking up too much of the victim's ground
- plant damage where it is clearly caused by hedge height through deprivation of light or rainfall
- visual amenity:
- deprivation of a cherished view
- the hedge being oppressive and spoiling reasonable enjoyment of a property
- the hedge being disproportionate to the garden space it dominates
This letter is sent as a result of the above Act, and I would ask you to communicate with me to try and amicably sort out the problem of your hedges’ height.
If you wish to go to mediation, I am quite amenable to this, or if you wish you are welcome to view the hedge from my property – if you wish to do this I would suggest (time) when the problem is most evident.
I appreciate there will be a cost to have the hedge cut and I willing to pay £ (x amount) towards this.
It is worth bearing in mind that as we will be charging you £400 for the service, offering to help pay with the hedge work may be the more reasonable option.
If you do not reply within 21 days, I am afraid I will have to resort to instituting formal proceedings under part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour Act: High Hedges.
I will (recorded deliver or hand deliver, taking an impartial witness with me) this letter.
Yours sincerely
Also see
- Private hedges
- High hedges: complaining to the Council (governmental guidance)
- Over the Garden Hedge (governmental guidance)
Planning Enquiries
DM Business Support