High Hedges

If your neighbour's evergreen or semi-evergreen hedge is too tall, it may detract from your reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden by acting as a barrier to light.

The problem may be easily settled. Try to solve the issue or reach a compromise with your neighbour before lodging a complaint with the Environmental Health Service Unit.

Under the High Hedge Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, you can complain about your neighbour's evergreen/semi-evergreen hedge to the Environmental Health Service Unit of Castlereagh Borough Council but the Council will not act to mediate or negotiate on your behalf.

The above legislation and guidance came into law on 31 March 2012 but the Council will require written evidence of your attempts to resolve the hedge issue with your neighbour.

The hedge must be:

• Obstructing light, even if there gaps in the foliage or between the trees/ shrubs
• Made up of a line of two or more trees/ shrubs
• Mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
• More than two metres in height

The Act does not cover:

• Single trees, Non-evergreen hedges
• Trees within a forest or woodland (of size greater than 0.2 hectares)
• Roots of trees, dangerous trees, leaves, and ivy

You must be:

• The owner or occupier (e.g. tenant) of the property affected by the hedge
• The property affected by the high hedge must be residential

How to lodge a complaint

If the Council is to take formal action, you have to complete an application form, following the guidance on completing the form and submit a fee of £360.00.

High Hedges Act – Complaint Form

High Hedge Act Guidance Notes on completing the complaint form

If your complaint is upheld, this fee will be refunded to you, following a decision. Please make sure that your supporting evidence is clearly labelled with your name and contact details.

Before completing this application form, please read the guidance contained in High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 Guidance for Complainants.

High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 – Guidance for Complainants

Complaint will not be taken up if you do not fulfill all the criteria in the application form.

Information for hedge owners

Hedges have many benefits, they can provide privacy and wind shelter and encourage wildlife. A hedge can also be an attractive feature. However, very high hedges can cause problems, such as loss of sunlight and daylight to neighbouring gardens. It is important to maintain the hedges on your property at a reasonable height and listen carefully if your neighbour’s have any concerns about the hedge. If required you can contact a reputable tree surgeon (arborist) to ensure the hedge is at a reasonable height.

The Council will investigate all complaints impartially following the legislation and associated guidance. If a formal complaint is received, the Environmental Health Service Unit will write to you to arrange a site inspection.

Further guidance for hedge owners:

High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 – Guidance For Hedge Owners

High Hedges Act – Frequently asked Questions

The High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 Q&A Briefing

Further information please contact: