High hedges

High hedges can lead to neighbour disputes. The High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, was introduced with the aim of resolving these disputes.

If a neighbour’s hedge is taller than two metres and is affecting light to your home or garden, we can help. If you’ve tried to resolve the issue directly and haven’t been able to agree, you can apply to us for a high hedge notice. This is a formal process to deal with ongoing problems caused by high hedges.

Updated guidance on high hedges can be found online at High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 – Revised Guidance to Local Authorities 2019

What counts as a high hedge?

The act defines a high hedge as:

(a) is formed wholly or mainly by a row of 2 or more trees or shrubs,

(b) rises to a height of more than 2 metres above ground level, and

(c) forms a barrier to light.

Before you apply

You must try to resolve the issue with your neighbour first. The high hedge process is a last resort and is only available once reasonable steps to reach an agreement have failed.

Reasonable steps include:

• raising the issue with your neighbour and discussing it with them
• making at least two attempts to resolve the matter before applying
• if you are unable to communicate directly, trying mediation. We offer a free mediation service

If these steps do not resolve the issue and the hedge meets the legal definition of a high hedge, you may then apply for a high hedge notice.

You should keep copies of any letters, emails or other correspondence you have sent to your neighbour, along with evidence of when they were delivered. If you apply, you will be required to provide this information as evidence of the steps you have taken.

We may reject an application if we consider that you have not taken all reasonable steps to resolve the matter with your neighbour.

How to apply

You can apply online using the high hedges application form on the ePlanning Scotland website. The application fee is £600.

What happens next

Once we receive your application:

• we will carry out a site visit
• we will let you know whether it falls within the scope of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013
• if the hedge does not meet the legal definition of a high hedge, we will return your fee up to £500, and no further action will be taken
• if it does qualify, we will give the hedge owner at least 28 days to comment

After assessing the site, the evidence and any comments received, we will write to you with our decision.

Our role

We act as an independent and impartial decision‑maker. We consider the circumstances of both you and the hedge owner before deciding whether the hedge is adversely affecting your property.

If we decide action is needed, we may issue a high hedge notice requiring the hedge owner to carry out work to reduce the impact.