Cutting the tall stories down to size

• The legislation does not require all hedges to be cut down to a height of 2 metres
• You do not have to get permission to grow a hedge above 2 metres
• When a hedge grows over 2 metres the local authority does not automatically take action, unless a justifiable complaint is made
• If you complain to your local authority, it does not follow automatically that they will order your neighbour to reduce the height of their hedge. They have to weigh up all the issues and consider each case on its merits
• The legislation does not cover single or deciduous trees
• The local authority cannot require the hedge to be removed
• The legislation does not guarantee access to uninterrupted light
• There is no provision to serve an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in respect of high hedge complaints.