North Warwickshire Borough Council has been successful in Court in securing a guilty conviction against someone who had not complied with a Notice to reduce the height of hedge in his garden.
The case had been brought after officers had found that the hedge was too high, and the Council served a Notice on him directing him to reduce its height and keep it as such. The hedge owner was given fair opportunity to take voluntary action to comply with the requirements of the notice.
Following complaints from neighbours about an overgrown hedge, North Warwickshire Borough Council took decisive action, demonstrating its strong commitment to responding to residents' concerns.
Responding to residents' concerns promptly is a top priority for North Warwickshire Borough Council, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and well-managed community.
The Council strives to ensure that issues raised by the public are addressed efficiently and effectively. Despite multiple requests for compliance and no engagement from the property owner, the Council was left with no choice but to pursue prosecution to enforce the High Hedge Remedial Notice.
The Council commenced these Court proceedings and on the 2nd of July they were convicted and ordered to comply with the notice by the end of October (after bird nesting season) and ordered to pay costs of £5362 to cover council costs and legal fees.
High Hedge legislation ensures that unmaintained hedges which can affect a neighbour’s enjoyment of their home and/or its garden can be protected. This is covered by the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 legislation. Therefore, if a hedge is considered too high and causing issues with your property you can complain to the Council.
You must however try to remedy the situation with your neighbour first, only when this has been exhausted you can submit a complaint to the Council, providing evidence of the discussions you have had.
There is a cost involved of £350 (subject to review) and the Council will assess whether the hedge is causing an adverse problem. If a remedial notice is served you must comply with this, or you will face prosecution.
Councillor Mark Simpson, the Chairman of the Council's Planning and Development Board, said,
"This is a warning to all owners who allow their boundary hedgerows to grow too high, such that they effect neighbouring residential amenity. The Council will follow these cases through to the Courts, if there is continued resistance to not complying with the Council's Notices to have them reduced in height"