The Parish Council has recieved a number of complaints regarding overgrown boundary hedges overhanging or obstructing access to footpaths. We would ask all our residents to consider others and keep your boundary hedges in good order. Below are the rules regarding boundary hedges. Local council in our case is Durham County Council as the Parish Council does not have the powers to take action as they do.
In the UK, the highways authority can ask you to cut back hedges that are obstructing the road. They can also enter your property without permission to do the work themselves.
How to report overgrown hedges
Report overgrown hedges to your local council or National Highways
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- The council will decide if the hedge is affecting your enjoyment of your property
- If so, they will decide what action should be taken
What the law says
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- Hedges should be cut back to the property boundary line
- There should be at least 2.2m (7′ 2”) of clearance above a pavement to allow pedestrians to pass
What happens if you don’t comply
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- The highways authority can ask you to cut back the hedges
- If you refuse, they can enter your property without your permission to do the work themselves
- They may charge you for this
Who is responsible for hedges
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- Most hedges are the responsibility of the person who owns the land next to the road