Buckinghamshire Handymen

Guide

Fences, hedges and boundaries with neighbours

Short answer

You can usually put up a fence up to 2 metres high without planning permission, or 1 metre beside a road. You can trim branches that overhang your side, but only up to the boundary. For an evergreen hedge over 2 metres, try to agree with your neighbour first. Then you can complain to the council, for a fee.

Updated · 2 min read · 7 sources

Who owns the boundary

Often no record shows who owns a fence, wall or hedge. GOV.UK says most title plans do not show exact boundaries, and that there is usually no record of who owns the fence between two homes.

Look at your deeds and the seller’s property forms, and talk to your neighbour. For a real dispute about where the line is, GOV.UK says to get legal advice.

Fence heights

Boundary heights you can build to without applying, under the 2015 Order:

  • Facing a road with traffic, or its pavement: 1 metre.
  • Any other boundary: 2 metres.
  • Listed homes and their grounds are left out.
  • Article 4 directions and planning conditions can switch the right off.

Overhanging branches

You can trim branches or roots that cross onto your land, but only up to the boundary. GOV.UK says your neighbour could take you to court if you cut further.

In a conservation area, or if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order, you may need council permission first.

High hedges

A high hedge, in law, is a line of 2 or more mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, over 2 metres tall. It must affect the reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden. The rules are in Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

You must try to settle it with your neighbour first. Buckinghamshire Council suggests mediation through Alternatives to Conflict, and returns a complaint if you cannot show you tried.

Complaining to the council

Buckinghamshire Council publishes a standard fee of £997.50 to investigate a high hedge complaint. Milton Keynes City Council handles complaints in its own area, so check its fee.

The council can order the owner to reduce the hedge. GOV.UK says it cannot order removal, or a cut below 2 metres above the ground.

Getting the work done

A handyman can replace fence panels and trim a hedge on your side. For a tall hedge or a large tree, a tree surgeon may suit the job better.

Agree with your neighbour before work on a shared fence, and give access dates in writing.

Questions

Can I cut my neighbour’s hedge back?

You can trim the parts that cross onto your land, up to the boundary. In a conservation area, or if a tree is protected, ask the council first.

How much does a high hedge complaint cost in Buckinghamshire?

Buckinghamshire Council publishes a standard fee of £997.50, and says complex cases can cost more. Milton Keynes City Council sets its own fee.

Can the council make my neighbour remove a hedge?

No. The council can order the hedge to be reduced, but not removed, and not cut lower than 2 metres above the ground.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: Your property boundaries
  2. legislation.gov.uk: GPDO 2015, Schedule 2, Part 2, Class A
  3. Planning Portal: Fences, gates and garden walls, planning permission
  4. GOV.UK: Resolving neighbour disputes, high hedges, trees and boundaries
  5. GOV.UK: High hedges, complaining to the council
  6. legislation.gov.uk: Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 (high hedges)
  7. Buckinghamshire Council: Complain about a high hedge