Provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your hedge dispute, you are able to take your complaint about a neighbour's evergreen hedge to your local authority.
The role of the authority 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. In doing so, the authority must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of the complainant and hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.
If we consider the circumstances justify it, we will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when by. Failure to carry out the works required by the authority is an offence which, on prosecution, could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
For further information on high Hedges, please see the following useful links:
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High Hedge Complaints: Prevention and Cure - Detailed guidance on the Communities and Local Government's website regarding the whole process of complaining
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High Hedge Complaints: Complaining to the Council - Guidance on the procedure of making a complaint
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High Hedges: Appealing Against the Council’s Decision - Guidance on how to make an appeal to the Planning inspectorate following the councils determination of a complaint
Contact us
Email: development.control@dudley.gov.uk
Planning Help Desk
Development Management
Planning and Economic Development
Directorate of Place
4 Ednam Road
Dudley
West Midlands
DY1 1HL
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