Hedge law is success (From Gazette Series)

Hedge law is success

NEW laws to resolve rows over the height of hedges have been a success across the district.

Under Section 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which came into force on June 1, local authorities have legal powers to resolve disputes by controlling the height of problem hedges.

At a full meeting of Stroud District Council at Ebley Mill last Thursday, it was revealed that the council had sent out 45 information packs on the Act and had become involved in 16 cases - all of which have been resolved locally.

Just one case has been taken further and is being pursued as an official complaint under the terms of the Act.

To reduce the number of people taking the official route, the council has set up a scheme, which encourages communication between the neighbouring parties with an anti-social behaviour co-ordinator visiting the parties to offer guidance and advice on how to solve the situation.

At the meeting councillors agreed to lower the full complaints fee from £550 to £300, and lower the reduced rate complaints fee to £50, to be reviewed after three months.

"High hedges can cause a lot of problems to neighbouring properties," said Cllr David Wride, the council's cabinet member for community cohesion.

"One of the things we are very keen to do is to resolve the problem before anyone goes down the official route.

"Even though our fee of £300 for dealing with official complaints is the lowest of the Gloucestershire rural districts, it's better for everyone if we can deal with the problem before it gets to that stage.

"I must commend the excellent work of council staff in assisting residents to resolve high hedge issues - thereby saving them money. We will continue to take a proactive role in this. Our stated aim is to make the Stroud District a better place to live, work and visit for everyone."

North Nibley pensioner John Machin is the first people to take advantage of the new high hedge laws after deciding his neighbours 12ft Leylandii hedge is far too high.

Mr Machin has made an official complaint to Stroud District Council, who now have the power to cut it down to size.