Hedges

The Borough Council has signed the Hedge Pledge, and is committed to trying to retain hedgerows wherever possible.

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 protect most hedgerows other than those which are growing on the boundary of a residential property.  A Hedgerow Removal Notice must be obtained from the Borough Council and submitted.  Unlike protected trees visual amenity is not a criterion which is addressed in the legislation, rather nature conservation value and historic value.

High conifer hedges growing on garden boundaries can cause problems between neighbours if they are not maintained adequately.  Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act makes provision for the Borough Council to assess whether a hedge is affecting the reasonable enjoyment of a neighbour's property and take action if necessary.  If you consider that you have a case and you want to enlist the help of the Borough Council's Enforcement Officer you must first be able to prove that you have been unable to persuade your neighbour to reduce the height of the hedge.

Although it is most commonly leylandii conifer hedges which are a problem, the legislation can be applied to any evergreen hedge, but not decidious hedges.

Contact details for high evergreen hedges:- Mrs Felicity Webber 01933 231923 or e-mail FWebber@wellingborough.gov.uk or fax 01933 231982

Last Updated: 07/12/2011