The Department of the Environment is currently seeking views on the draft High Hedges Bill.  Minister of the Environment, Edwin Poots MLA has brought forward the Bill as there is currently no legislation in the region which covers the height or maintenance of a hedge.  Under the proposed legislation a person may complain to their local council that the height of a hedge is adversely affecting the reasonable enjoyment of their domestic property (after having taken reasonable steps to resolve the problem with the hedge owner). 

A hedge would have to meet the following criteria before a complaint could be made – it must: 

• be formed wholly or predominantly by evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs;
• consist of a line of two or more trees or shrubs;
• measure more than two metres from ground level (measured on the hedge owner’s side);
• act as a barrier to light or access;
• affect residential property; and
• be growing on land owned by someone other than the person making the complaint. 

 For further information on the consultation please click here.  The consultation runs until 1 March 2010.