Highway Section 154

[Maydup]

I live in the countryside down a tiny lane. Our boundary is wild hawthorn, blackthorn, apple tree and elderberry. All close together and full height. Last weekend I had a bit of a tidy up out there as some brambles we wandering about and one or two branches were a bit thick.

This morning I have a letter from the council giving me 14 days to trim the trees and bushes as they are encroaching on the lane. Well its not that bad, and I feel sure it must have been before I had a tidy up.

They said they had carried out an inspection. Is that likely or has someone complained do we think?

Main question is how do I know if my tidy up is enough or do I need tree surgeons in? Honestly, nothing is encroaching on the lane, and before my tidy up, it was just couple of over zealous brambles.

[Mamyalynne]

If you are confident that there is nothing too overhanging the lane to cause problems then your guess that the letter was written before your tidy up sounds right.

[Maydup]

Its funny Mamya, no one comes out here much, although there is a very small school nearby which makes the letter feel so out of the blue. Its unnerved me a bit to get a letter from the council. I'm surprised they even remember we exist!

I wonder if any can tell me what happens next?

Do they come back and check and then let me know whether or not my trees comply?

[ummmm]

Write/email back saying you've tidied it up. It's down to them to inspect it after. You won't get into any trouble.

[rockyracoon]

I'd write back and put a photo in the envelope. Ask them if they think the tidy up that you've done is acceptable.

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, I agree with getting in touch and if they want more doing they should send someone to advise you.

[ubasses]

Even if the letter has only just been received the chance is they carried out their inspection before your tidy up. I would go with ummmm's suggestion. Yes, they will be back to inspect if they are doing their job properly.
I live in a small village and it does usually take a complaint to get the Council out to inspect in the first place.

[Buenchico]

I've had loads of those letters (because I never cut my hedge unless I'm forced to). A quick trim of my hedge usually suffices to keep them happy for a while. However they seem to have given up sending me letters, as last year they sent out a three man team to spend two full days cutting back my shrubs and hedges without either prior notification or any charge!

I suggest reading what Section 154 actually says and trying to work out which bit of it actually applies to your hedge. (e.g. is it perhaps blocking the view of drivers as they turn out of your lane?)
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/66/section/154
If you can't, ask the council for an explanation.

[Maydup]

Thanks all. I've had a further tidy up this afternoon ... you might have heard the huffing and puffing! ... and I don't think I can do any more. Mr May got on the step ladder and lobbed anything that might have had a mind to overhang the highway. If they want any more off they'll just have to send a team of professionals. Reassuring that they did that for you Chris and didn't land you with a bill. I'll tell Norfolk how much more obliging they are in Suffolk!

[thugulike]

You are not allowed to cut back a hedge until 1 September anyway

[ummmm]

Why?

[tamborine]

Hedges should not be cut from March to August, as birds are nesting.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/gardening/planting/hedges/the_law.aspx

[ummmm]

Makes sense.