Hedge

[jennyjoan]

I live in a cul-de-sac but there are over-growing hedges growing in other neighbours gardens - am talking maybe 10-11 feet maybe more.

Now these are not obscuring my view down the street but would really like to know how far they are allowed to grow. Thanks

[Buenchico]

They can grow outwards as far as the neighbours (who've got the hedges intruding onto their land) are prepared to let them.

However if a neighbour's hedge (or other vegetation) is growing across your land you're entitled to cut it back as far as the boundary without fear of legal redress. (You're supposed to return the cuttings to your neighbour, to avoid being accused of theft, but many people wouldn't bother).

With regard to the height of hedges, you can complain to your local council if a hedge exceeds 2 metres in height and is affecting your enjoyment of your garden or property. However you have to pay a fee for doing so. (If the council then accepts your complaint as valid, they can order that the height of the hedge be reduced).
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9411/highhedgescomplaining.pdf

[jennyjoan]

thanks buen for your answer- one of the neighbours keeps a tidy hedge but jut looking at it now roughly I would say 2 metres and a bit more and quick- but not blocking my height.

The other hedge easily is reaching above her first storey of her house and extremely unkempt. I would be too nervous in reporting but my God if it is getting higher and higher they would need to pay people to cut the hedge to be cut down and I know they wouldnt pay money for the like of that since altogether between children and gchildren there 11 of them.

[Buenchico]

If the council ruled that the height of the hedge must be reduced, your neighbour would be committing a criminal offence if they failed to do so. (They could be fined up to £1000). Further, the council would be empowered to enter your neighbour's garden, cut the hedge and them send your neighbour the bill (pursuing them through the civil courts if they failed to pay up).