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17/10/2003
Bill aims to trim back high hedge disputes
Measures to tackle the misery caused by high hedges were announced today as the government proposed an amendment to the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill.
This new addition to the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill will give local authorities the power to intervene in high hedge disputes which neighbours are unable to resolve.
Yvette Cooper, minister for regeneration at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said: "High hedges can block out the light from neighbours' homes and gardens and make their lives a real misery. This is anti-social behaviour, just as much as graffiti and noisy neighbours, and it isn't fair on those who have to suffer as a result."
Existing common law rights do little to prevent the problems high hedges cause. Although they entitle people to cut overhanging branches back to the property boundary line, they do nothing about hedge height.
At present local authorities are powerless to act on high hedge disputes, but under the legislation they could issue formal notices instructing the reduction of a hedge's height and its long-term maintenance.
Yvette Cooper added: "It is far better that disputes between neighbours are resolved amicably. But this is not always possible and it is unfair that some people should continue to suffer.
"That is why this legislation will give local authorities the power to step in. This is great news for high hedge victims all over England and Wales and will hopefully help bring an end to their suffering."
(gmcg)`
This new addition to the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill will give local authorities the power to intervene in high hedge disputes which neighbours are unable to resolve.
Yvette Cooper, minister for regeneration at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, said: "High hedges can block out the light from neighbours' homes and gardens and make their lives a real misery. This is anti-social behaviour, just as much as graffiti and noisy neighbours, and it isn't fair on those who have to suffer as a result."
Existing common law rights do little to prevent the problems high hedges cause. Although they entitle people to cut overhanging branches back to the property boundary line, they do nothing about hedge height.
At present local authorities are powerless to act on high hedge disputes, but under the legislation they could issue formal notices instructing the reduction of a hedge's height and its long-term maintenance.
Yvette Cooper added: "It is far better that disputes between neighbours are resolved amicably. But this is not always possible and it is unfair that some people should continue to suffer.
"That is why this legislation will give local authorities the power to step in. This is great news for high hedge victims all over England and Wales and will hopefully help bring an end to their suffering."
(gmcg)`
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
