Can someone tell me the new law on the heights of trees/hedges especially leyland cypress?
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It is covered by the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003. Basically it only applies to evergreen hedges once they exceed 6ft. AFTER you have tried to resolve your dispute with the neighbours IF you can prove to the satisfaction of your local council that your enjoyment of your house is adversely affected the local authority can try to mediate and then in a worst case take action themselves. You will have to pay the council a fee for their intervention and they may not agree with you. The owner of the trees can be summoned to court and also forced to pay the council if they do not trim them down. The important thing is, in general, you do not have a 'right to light' and just because the trees are over 6ft does not automatically make them anti-social.
2 metres max.
where?
This issue is covered by High Hedges Regulations which were introduced as part of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003. An application for judgement can be made where there are at least two evergreen or semi evergree trees or bushes over 2 metres (6ft 6in) high which, in the opinion of the complainant, are adversely affecting that persons enjoyment of their home and/or garden. The Act is only concerned witht the height of a hedge and cannot help in cases of tree roots causing damage to property (subsidence etc which would require a private civil action via a solicitor). There is provision to submit an application to the Councils Planning Department for a determination. However, you should bear in mind that the applicant has to demonstrate that he/she has attempted to resolve the matter amicably so some steps have to be taken beforehand, i.e. a written request. The Council will then give a decision which can be contested by either party by way of an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. If the application/appeal is approved in favour of the complainant the neighbour will be issued with a notice giving a stated period of time to reduce the height of the trees. Failure to comply is a criminal offence carrying a substantial maximum fine.
6 feet maximum probably, same as fences. Unless it's not on a boundary then they can grow as high as you like!
Should not be any higher that a normal fence (6ft) if along side a neighbour fence (land).
If not overhanging neighbours property then 8ft.
Get your saw out mate.
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