On 1 June 2005 the Government gave Local Authorities the powers to deal with complaints relating to high hedges (under part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003). Provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your dispute, you will be able to take your complaint to the Council.
The role of the Council is not to mediate or negotiate between the complainant and the hedge owner, but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property.
Two leaflets, Over the Garden Hedge and High Hedges: complaining to the Council, give advice on dealing with your neighbour and their high hedge and complaining to the Council are available.
You can get a copy from our reception; by calling 0161 770 4105 or by downloading a copy from the High Hedges page on the Communities and Local Government website where you will also find other information on all aspects of trees and hedge legislation.
We have also produced a summary leaflet and complaint form available here.
Download summary leaflet