Hedges and High Hedges

Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 gives powers to local authorities to deal with complaints about high hedges, but we can only be involved if you have tried all possible ways to sort the problem out first with your neighbour. More information is available at Gov.UK. There is practical advice about how to approach your neighbour about this on the Over the Garden Hedge page on the gov.uk website. Keep a record of what you have done to resolve the matter, as complainants will be expected to provide evidence that they have tried to resolve the matter in this way before complaining to us.

The fee for making a complaint to Dover District Council is currently £450 and must be paid when sending in a complaint. Your fee will be returned if we determine that it is not a valid complaint for one of the following reasons:

• It is not a hedge as defined
• It is not evergreen or mostly evergreen
• It is less than 2 metres high
• It is not a barrier to light of access
• Your complaint is vexatious or frivolous

Please download and complete our high hedge complaint form to start the process. Instructions on how the complaint can be submitted can be found at the end of the form.