High hedges

If the height of a hedge is stopping you from enjoying your property, we may be able to order the hedge's owner to trim it. However, we do not negotiate with the owner of the hedge on your behalf.

Negotiation

When you submit a complaint to us, you must be able to show that you have done everything possible to resolve the problem yourself.

The following documents provide advice on talking things through with your neighbour.

• Over the garden hedge
• Hedge height and light loss
• High Hedges Complaints: Prevention and Cure

Making a formal complaint

If things do not improve, you can then complete a complaint form.

High Hedge Complaint Form

The following documents provide guidance on submitting your complaint.

• High hedges: complaining to the council
• Guidance notes: high hedges complaints

Fee

£385.00

Payment can be made online.

Make a payment

If you receive means-tested benefits, we may be able to refund half of your fee. To claim your discount, please fill in a discount form.

High Hedge Complaint Discount Application Form

You can send your completed form to trees@sstaffs.gov.uk or post it to:

Development Management

South Staffordshire Council

Council Offices

Wolverhampton Road

Codsall

South Staffordshire

WV8 1PX

What we do

We will check that we have everything we need to look at your complaint: your form(s), the fee, and the details of your negotiations.

If everything is right, we will invite your neighbour to respond to the complaint. We will also visit to measure the hedge and take photographs.

If we are able to take action, we will send your neighbour a remedial notice, which will say:

• what they must do; and
• when they must do it by.

What we cannot do

We cannot:

• Enforce a legal limit for hedge height (because there isn't one).
• Automatically take action against any hedge over two metres in height.
• Issue a remedial notice for every complaint.
• Issue Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) about hedges.
• Take action against deciduous trees (those that shed their leaves in the autumn) or single conifers.
• Order the complete removal of a hedge.
• Guarantee access to uninterrupted light.