Hedges

High Hedge Complaints

Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 gives powers to local authorities to deal with complaints about high hedges, but we can only be involved if you have tried all possible ways to sort the problem out first with your neighbour. More information is available at Gov.UK. There is practical advice about how to approach your neighbour about this on the Over the Garden Hedge page on the gov.uk website. Keep a record of what you have done to resolve the matter, as complainants will be expected to provide evidence that they have tried to resolve the matter in this way before complaining to us.

The fee for making a complaint to Dover District Council is currently £600 and we will contact you to arrange payment once we are satisfied that the complaint is valid. We may determine that your complaint is not valid for one of the following reasons:

• It is not a hedge as defined
• It is not evergreen or mostly evergreen
• It is less than 2 metres high
• It is not a barrier to light of access
• Your complaint is vexatious or frivolous

Please download and complete our high hedge complaint form to start the process. Instructions on how the complaint can be submitted can be found at the end of the form.

Removal of a Protected Hedgerow

If you plan to remove part or all of a protected hedgerow, you must notify the Local Planning Authority by submitting a Hedgerow Removal Notice. Removal without permission is a criminal offence and may result in an unlimited fine and a requirement to replace the hedgerow. Certain works are permitted without prior notification, but exemptions are complex and depend on site-specific factors.

For further information, visit the Planning Portal