The Northern Ireland High Hedges Act 2012

To some they are a pest. To others they are objects of beauty.

Nothing divides people, both physically and emotionally like fast-growing hedges – Leylandii in particular can reach 100ft in height, blocking out light, restricting views and even damaging nearby gardens.

Neighbourly disputes over high hedges appeared frequently in the media a few years ago. Sometimes there were tales of violence; and in a few cases of people being killed.

So, in 2012, the Northern Ireland Assembly promised to give those aggrieved by aggressive greenery a chance to act.

The High Hedges Act comes into effect on 31 March. The act provides a mechanism for people suffering from the loss of light due to a neighbour’s high hedge to ask their local council to investigate the matter.

It allows councils to charge a maximum up-front fee of £360 to pursue a complaint if an initial effort to resolve the matter informally is not successful.

People who wish to make a complaint about a neighbour’s high hedge face having to pay their local council an up-front fee of up to £360.

The cost will be transferred to the hedge owner if the complaint is upheld by council investigators, and remedial action is required.

The hedge owner will also be responsible for the cost of any action to rectify the problem.

Belfast City Council propose charging a fee of £350, while Derry City Council propose £360 to pursue a complaint.

Most other councils across Northern Ireland are expected to charge the maximum £360 fee.

Most councils have still to formally set the level of fee they will charge, but Belfast City Council have set a “preferred fee” of £350. This fee is due to be ratified by the council before the end of the month.

Further infomation can be found on nidirect’s Department of Enviroment website.

Alternatively, you can contact the team at treescapes ni for more information.

The staff at treescapes ni are in a position to offer impartial advice on the Northern Ireland High Hedges Act 2012, and services all areas of Belfast and Northern Ireland.