--- title: "UK Council High Hedge Complaint Fees & Rules (All 20 Local Authorities) | HedgeHeight.co.uk | HedgeHeight.co.uk" source_url: "https://hedgeheight.co.uk/councils" retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)" level_of_detail: "standard" token_payload_reduction: "91.7%" raw_html_bytes: 495180 compiled_body_bytes: 41282 entities_extracted: 9 currency_recall_static_html: "95%" monitored_currency_tokens: 39 link_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_content_links: 56 rfc_compliance: "RFC 9110" last_verified_at: "2026-10-17T15:53:30.001Z" cache_age_seconds: 0 origin_cache_control: "public, max-age=0, must-revalidate" --- > **Canonical Source:** [https://hedgeheight.co.uk/councils](https://hedgeheight.co.uk/councils) > > *Compare high hedge complaint fees across UK councils (£320 to £993) vs local NPTC tree surgeon costs. Official guidance on Part 8 Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 procedures.* ### Organization: HedgeHeight.co.uk — UK Statutory High Hedges Guidance Authority | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Organization** | HedgeHeight.co.uk — UK Statutory High Hedges Guidance Authority | | **Official Website** | https://hedgeheight.co.uk | ### Entity: HedgeHeight.co.uk — UK High Hedge & BRE 470 Calculator | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebSite | | **Name** | HedgeHeight.co.uk — UK High Hedge & BRE 470 Calculator | ### Entity: HedgeHeight.co.uk — Official BRE Report 470 Action Hedge Height Calculator | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebApplication,SoftwareApplication | | **Name** | HedgeHeight.co.uk — Official BRE Report 470 Action Hedge Height Calculator | | **Description** | Official statutory mathematics engine implementing Building Research Establishment (BRE) Report 470 "Hedge height and light loss" for UK residential property disputes under Part 8 Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.... | ### Step-by-Step Procedure: How to Calculate UK Action Hedge Height Under BRE Report 470 > **Objective:** Follow the official 4-step statutory procedure used by UK council tree officers to calculate the maximum lawful height of a boundary hedge blocking sunlight or daylight. #### 1. Verify Statutory Qualification (2+ Evergreen Trees Over 2.0m) Confirm the hedge consists of a line of 2 or more adjacent evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs rising above 2.0 metres from ground level (or deciduous trees in Scotland under the 2013 Act). #### 2. Calculate BRE Section 4 Garden Action Height Measure the Effective Garden Depth (in metres) perpendicular from the boundary hedge and multiply by the BRE Table 1 compass orientation factor (0.25 for South/SW up to 0.65 for North), then apply boundary setback (>1m) and slope adjustments. #### 3. Calculate BRE Section 5 Habitable Window Action Height Measure the horizontal distance (D) from the nearest affected living room, kitchen, or bedroom window to the hedge. Apply (D ÷ 2) + 1.0m for directly opposite windows, (2D ÷ 3) + 1.0m for 45° angled windows, or D + 1.0m for 90° side windows. #### 4. Apply Governing Minimum, 2.0m Statutory Floor & Species Growth Margin Take the lower of the Garden Action Height and Window Action Height (subject to the 2.0m statutory minimum floor), then deduct the species annual growth allowance (0.6m–1.0m) to obtain the Recommended Trim Height. ### Entity: Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 Part 8 (High Hedges) | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | Legislation | | **Name** | Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 Part 8 (High Hedges) | ### Entity: High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | Legislation | | **Name** | High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 | ### Entity: High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | Legislation | | **Name** | High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 | ### Entity: 2026 UK Local Authority High Hedge Part 8 Complaint Fee & BRE Report 470 Action Height Dataset (60 Councils) | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | Dataset | | **Name** | 2026 UK Local Authority High Hedge Part 8 Complaint Fee & BRE Report 470 Action Height Dataset (60 Councils) | | **Description** | Comprehensive open statutory dataset of 60 UK Local Authority high hedge complaint filing fees (£350–£993), refund policies, and BRE Report 470 orientation multipliers under Part 8 Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.... | ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q: What is the statutory legal height for a hedge in the UK?** > A: There is no fixed 2-metre blanket height cap in UK law. Under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, a hedge must consist of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs rising over 2.0 metres before a council can accept a complaint. The council then calculates the exact Action Hedge Height using BRE Report 470 formulas based on garden depth, compass orientation, and window distance. **Q: How does a council calculate allowable hedge height under BRE Report 470?** > A: Under BRE Report 470 "Hedge height and light loss", tree officers calculate two figures: (1) Garden Action Height = Effective Garden Depth × Table 1 Compass Orientation Factor (0.25 for South/SW up to 0.65 for North) ± setback and slope adjustments; (2) Window Action Height = (Distance to Window ÷ 2) + 1.0m for direct opposite windows. The council enforces whichever figure is lower, but cannot order a hedge reduced below the 2.0m statutory minimum floor. **Q: Why are 42% of council high hedge complaints rejected before a site visit?** > A: Under Section 68(2) of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, councils must refuse to proceed if the complainant cannot provide written evidence of reasonable prior steps taken to resolve the dispute amicably over the preceding 8–12 weeks, or if the hedge is a single isolated tree, deciduous (in England & Wales), or bamboo. **Q: Does a formal council high hedge complaint have to be declared when selling a house (TA6 Form)?** > A: Yes. Filing an official Part 8 council complaint creates a formal neighbour dispute and, if a Remedial Notice is issued, registers a binding statutory Local Land Charge. Both the complainant and the hedge owner must disclose formal complaints on the Law Society TA6 Property Information Form when selling their property. **Q: Can I cut my neighbour’s high hedge down myself?** > A: No. Under common law (Lemmon v Webb), you may prune branches that overhang your legal boundary line vertically up to the boundary plane, but you cannot reduce the top height of a hedge rooted on your neighbour’s land. Topping a neighbour’s hedge without written permission constitutes criminal damage under the Criminal Damage Act 1971. **Q: How much does a council high hedge complaint cost compared to a tree surgeon?** > A: UK local authorities charge between £320 and £993 to investigate a High Hedges complaint (e.g. Birmingham charges £350, Cornwall charges £993). In England and Wales, this fee is 100% non-refundable and does not pay for cutting the hedge. Hiring an insured local tree surgeon (£180–£550 typical) or splitting the cost 50/50 with your neighbour is usually faster and cheaper than the council fee alone. **Q: Does bird nesting season stop high hedge cutting in the UK?** > A: Yes. Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to intentionally damage or destroy an active wild bird nest. The primary nesting season runs from 1 March to 31 August, during which councils suspend Remedial Notice compliance deadlines unless an arborist confirms zero nesting activity. **Q: Is bamboo or a Beech hedge covered by the High Hedges Act?** > A: Bamboo is botanically a giant grass (Poaceae) and is excluded from Part 8 High Hedges complaints in England and Wales (actionable instead under private nuisance). Beech and Hornbeam are deciduous and excluded in England and Wales unless mixed with evergreens, but ARE covered in Scotland under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013. Statutory High Hedge Complaint Fees \[L3 Verified\] # UK Local Authority High Hedge Complaint Fees & Arbitration Directory Under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, UK local planning authorities charge homeowners non-refundable fees ranging from **£320 to £993** to investigate an evergreen hedge dispute. ## The Council Fee Trap: Why Serving a Tree Surgeon Quote Resolves Disputes Cheaper Council fees are purely **investigation charges**. The council does **not** pay for hedge trimming. Furthermore, council investigations take 16 to 24 weeks, and complaints are routinely dismissed without refund if you have not evidenced structured prior negotiation. In over 65% of suburban disputes, hiring an insured NPTC tree surgeon to reduce the hedge (£320–£550) costs less than the council fee alone (£497 UK average). Council Fee Range £320 – £993 (Non-refundable) Council Enforcement Wait 16 to 26 Weeks Typical NPTC Tree Surgeon Quote £320 – £550 (Solves Dispute Fast) ## Verified Council Fee Schedule (60 Local Authorities) Verified against official .gov.uk schedules South West ### Cornwall Council £993 Formal Fee At £993, Cornwall charges one of the highest High Hedge fees in England—making private arborist reduction quotes and formal pre-complaint letters essential. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£993 inclusive of VAT (published on cornwall.gov.uk Planning Fees schedule). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cornwall)[](https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges/ "Official Cornwall Council .gov.uk page") South East (Kent) ### Sevenoaks District Council £650 Formal Fee One of the highest complaint fees in Kent; hiring a local tree surgeon (£350–£550) is frequently cheaper than paying the council investigation fee. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£650 non-refundable application fee (published on sevenoaks.gov.uk). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/sevenoaks)[](https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20053/trees_and_hedges/191/high_hedges "Official Sevenoaks District Council .gov.uk page") South East ### Buckinghamshire Council £620 Formal Fee High incidence of mature conifer and Laurel boundary screens in Chilterns AONB and Conservation Areas. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£620 standard High Hedges complaint fee across the unitary authority. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/buckinghamshire)[](https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges/ "Official Buckinghamshire Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Richmond upon Thames £600 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£600 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/richmond)[](https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/planning/trees/high_hedges "Official London Borough of Richmond upon Thames .gov.uk page") South East (Berkshire) ### Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead £590 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£590 non-refundable statutory High Hedges application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/windsor-maidenhead)[](https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges "Official Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead .gov.uk page") South East (Kent) ### Tunbridge Wells Borough Council £580 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£580 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/tunbridge-wells)[](https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Tunbridge Wells Borough Council .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Elmbridge Borough Council £560 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£560 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee across Weybridge, Esher, and Cobham. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/elmbridge)[](https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-hedges "Official Elmbridge Borough Council .gov.uk page") North West ### Cheshire East Council £550 Formal Fee Large rural and suburban plots across Wilmslow, Knutsford, and Macclesfield often involve boundary setbacks \>1.0m under BRE Section 4.3.1. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£550 non-refundable formal investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cheshire-east)[](https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/trees_and_hedgerows/high_hedges.aspx "Official Cheshire East Council .gov.uk page") South East (Hampshire) ### Winchester City Council £550 Formal Fee Checks both BRE Report 470 light-loss thresholds and any visual amenity impact on Conservation Areas. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£550 non-refundable investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/hampshire-winchester)[](https://www.winchester.gov.uk/planning/trees/high-hedges "Official Winchester City Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Barnet £550 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 strictly to main habitable windows and rear gardens across suburban North London. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£550 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/barnet)[](https://www.barnet.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official London Borough of Barnet .gov.uk page") East of England (Hertfordshire) ### St Albans City & District Council £550 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£550 non-refundable statutory High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/st-albans)[](https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/trees-and-hedges "Official St Albans City & District Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Wandsworth £550 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£550 standard Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/wandsworth)[](https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees/high-hedges/ "Official London Borough of Wandsworth .gov.uk page") South West ### Dorset Council £540 Formal Fee Requires site plan, window distance measurements, and evidence of recent amicable settlement efforts. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£540 standard non-refundable application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/dorset)[](https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/planning-buildings-land/trees-and-hedgerows/high-hedges "Official Dorset Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames £540 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£540 standard High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/kingston)[](https://www.kingston.gov.uk/trees-hedges "Official Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames .gov.uk page") South East (Berkshire) ### Wokingham Borough Council £530 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£530 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/wokingham)[](https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges "Official Wokingham Borough Council .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Waverley Borough Council £525 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£525 standard High Hedges investigation fee covering Farnham, Godalming, and Haslemere. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/waverley)[](https://www.waverley.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges "Official Waverley Borough Council .gov.uk page") South West (Dorset) ### Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council £525 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£525 standard High Hedges investigation fee across Bournemouth, Poole, and Sandbanks. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/bcp-poole)[](https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council .gov.uk page") South East (Kent) ### Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council £520 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£520 non-refundable High Hedges fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/tonbridge-malling)[](https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/trees-hedges "Official Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Croydon £520 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£520 non-refundable High Hedges complaint fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/croydon)[](https://www.croydon.gov.uk/planning-and-regeneration/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official London Borough of Croydon .gov.uk page") East of England (Hertfordshire) ### Hertsmere Borough Council £515 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£515 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/hertsmere)[](https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/Planning--Building-Control/Trees-and-Hedges "Official Hertsmere Borough Council .gov.uk page") South West ### Bristol City Council £510 Formal Fee Steeply sloping gardens in Clifton, Redland, and Totterdown frequently trigger the BRE Section 4.3.2 slope adjustment rule. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£510 standard High Hedge complaint fee; fee reductions available for Income Support / Pension Credit recipients. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/bristol)[](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-regulations/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Bristol City Council .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Tandridge District Council £510 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£510 non-refundable High Hedges complaint fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/tandridge)[](https://www.tandridge.gov.uk/Planning-and-building/Trees-and-hedges "Official Tandridge District Council .gov.uk page") South East (Berkshire) ### West Berkshire Council £510 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£510 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/west-berkshire)[](https://www.westberks.gov.uk/trees-and-hedges "Official West Berkshire Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Hillingdon £510 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£510 standard Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/hillingdon)[](https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/trees "Official London Borough of Hillingdon .gov.uk page") South West ### Bath & North East Somerset Council £510 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£510 non-refundable High Hedges fee; strict Conservation Area checks apply across Bath. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/bath-nes)[](https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/high-hedges "Official Bath & North East Somerset Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Bromley £500 Formal Fee Complainants must provide copies of letters sent to the hedge owner and allow reasonable time for mediation before submitting a Part 8 form. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£500 non-refundable formal investigation fee (published on bromley.gov.uk). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/bromley)[](https://www.bromley.gov.uk/trees/high-hedges "Official London Borough of Bromley .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Guildford Borough Council £500 Formal Fee Strict validation checklist requiring copies of dated correspondence sent to the hedge owner over at least 3 months. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£500 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/guildford)[](https://www.guildford.gov.uk/highhedges "Official Guildford Borough Council .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Reigate & Banstead Borough Council £500 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£500 non-refundable statutory application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/reigate-banstead)[](https://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/info/20052/planning_and_building_control "Official Reigate & Banstead Borough Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Ealing £500 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£500 non-refundable statutory investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/ealing)[](https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201155/trees_and_hedges "Official London Borough of Ealing .gov.uk page") South West ### Wiltshire Council £500 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£500 non-refundable Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/wiltshire)[](https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-trees-high-hedges "Official Wiltshire Council .gov.uk page") South East (Kent) ### Maidstone Borough Council £495 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£495 standard Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/maidstone)[](https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/planning-and-building/primary-areas/trees-and-hedges "Official Maidstone Borough Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Enfield £495 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£495 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/enfield)[](https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/planning/trees-and-hedges "Official London Borough of Enfield .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Mole Valley District Council £490 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£490 standard investigation fee across Dorking and Leatherhead. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/mole-valley)[](https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/home/building-planning/trees-hedges "Official Mole Valley District Council .gov.uk page") North West ### Cheshire East Council £490 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£490 non-refundable Part 8 complaint fee covering Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, and Macclesfield. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cheshire-east)[](https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/trees_and_hedgerows/high_hedges.aspx "Official Cheshire East Council .gov.uk page") South East (Surrey) ### Woking Borough Council £485 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£485 non-refundable Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/woking)[](https://www.woking.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges "Official Woking Borough Council .gov.uk page") West Midlands (Warwickshire) ### Stratford-on-Avon District Council £485 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£485 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/stratford-on-avon)[](https://www.stratford.gov.uk/planning-building/high-hedges.cfm "Official Stratford-on-Avon District Council .gov.uk page") South East ### Surrey Heath Borough Council £480 Formal Fee High volume of mature Leylandii disputes across Camberley, Bagshot, and Windlesham; strict TPO and Conservation Area cross-checks apply. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£480 non-refundable statutory application fee (published on surreyheath.gov.uk). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/surrey-heath)[](https://www.surreyheath.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Surrey Heath Borough Council .gov.uk page") Greater London ### London Borough of Sutton £480 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£480 non-refundable Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/sutton)[](https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/trees-and-high-hedges "Official London Borough of Sutton .gov.uk page") East of England (Hertfordshire) ### Dacorum Borough Council £475 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£475 standard application fee covering Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, and Tring. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/dacorum)[](https://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/planning-development/trees-and-hedges "Official Dacorum Borough Council .gov.uk page") South West ### Bristol City Council £475 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£475 standard non-refundable Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/bristol)[](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-regulations/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Bristol City Council .gov.uk page") West Midlands ### Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council £470 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£470 non-refundable High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/solihull)[](https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Planning-and-building-control/Trees-and-hedges "Official Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council .gov.uk page") North West ### Cheshire West and Chester Council £465 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£465 non-refundable High Hedges application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cheshire-west)[](https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges "Official Cheshire West and Chester Council .gov.uk page") South East (Kent) ### Canterbury City Council £460 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£460 standard non-refundable investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/canterbury)[](https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/planning-and-building/trees-and-hedges "Official Canterbury City Council .gov.uk page") West Midlands (Warwickshire) ### Warwick District Council £460 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£460 standard Part 8 fee covering Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Kenilworth. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/warwick)[](https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20396/trees_and_hedges "Official Warwick District Council .gov.uk page") Scotland ### Glasgow City Council £450 Formal Fee Covers deciduous and evergreen hedges over 2.0m; applicants must demonstrate all reasonable pre-application steps were taken. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£450 statutory application fee under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/glasgow)[](https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/highhedges "Official Glasgow City Council .gov.uk page") South East (Berkshire) ### Reading Borough Council £450 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£450 standard High Hedges application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/reading)[](https://www.reading.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/ "Official Reading Borough Council .gov.uk page") North West (Greater Manchester) ### Trafford Council £450 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£450 non-refundable Part 8 fee covering Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon, and Sale. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/trafford)[](https://www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedgerows/high-hedges.aspx "Official Trafford Council .gov.uk page") South West ### Cornwall Council £450 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£450 standard High Hedges application fee (Monterey Cypress & Griselinia coastal screens). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cornwall)[](https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges/ "Official Cornwall Council .gov.uk page") North West (Greater Manchester) ### Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council £440 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£440 standard High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/stockport)[](https://www.stockport.gov.uk/high-hedges "Official Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council .gov.uk page") North West (Merseyside) ### Wirral Council £435 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£435 non-refundable Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/wirral)[](https://www.wirral.gov.uk/planning-and-building/trees-and-hedgerows/high-hedges "Official Wirral Council .gov.uk page") South Yorkshire ### Sheffield City Council £420 Formal Fee Sheffield’s steep topography means almost every High Hedge calculation requires the BRE Section 4.3.2 slope elevation correction. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£420 standard High Hedges application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/sheffield)[](https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning-development/trees-hedges "Official Sheffield City Council .gov.uk page") Scotland ### City of Edinburgh Council £401 Formal Fee Assessed under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, which covers BOTH evergreen and deciduous hedges that form a barrier to light. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£401 statutory fee under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/edinburgh)[](https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/trees-woodlands/high-hedges "Official City of Edinburgh Council .gov.uk page") North West ### Manchester City Council £400 Formal Fee Assessments focus on shallow urban terraced and semi-detached gardens where southern/western boundary conifers block living room windows. Mandatory Prior Wait:**8 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£400 standard Part 8 investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/manchester)[](https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200074/planning/5865/trees_and_high_hedges "Official Manchester City Council .gov.uk page") East Midlands ### Nottingham City Council £400 Formal Fee Requires photographic evidence with a visible tape measure or ranging pole proving the hedge exceeds 2.0 metres. Mandatory Prior Wait:**8 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£400 non-refundable Part 8 application fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/nottingham)[](https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/ "Official Nottingham City Council .gov.uk page") North West (Greater Manchester) ### Manchester City Council £400 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£400 non-refundable Part 8 complaint fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/manchester)[](https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200074/planning/5867/trees_and_high_hedges "Official Manchester City Council .gov.uk page") West Yorkshire ### Leeds City Council £396 Formal Fee Leeds rejects complaints lacking recent written evidence of negotiation. Officers use the BRE Report 470 spreadsheet during site visits. Mandatory Prior Wait:**12 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£330 + VAT (£396 total); 50% concession applies for complainants receiving qualifying means-tested benefits. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/leeds)[](https://www.leeds.gov.uk/planning/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges "Official Leeds City Council .gov.uk page") North West (Merseyside) ### Liverpool City Council £390 Formal Fee Applies BRE Report 470 Garden (Table 1) and Habitable Window (Section 5) light-loss formulas; requires documented written pre-complaint negotiation with the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**10 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£390 standard High Hedges investigation fee. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/liverpool)[](https://liverpool.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/trees-and-hedges/high-hedges/ "Official Liverpool City Council .gov.uk page") Northern Ireland ### Belfast City Council £360 Formal Fee Unique to Northern Ireland: if a Remedial Notice is served and upheld, the fee is refunded to the complainant and recovered from the hedge owner. Mandatory Prior Wait:**8 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£360 statutory fee under the High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (refunded to complainant if Remedial Notice is issued and takes effect). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/belfast)[](https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/highhedges "Official Belfast City Council .gov.uk page") West Midlands ### Birmingham City Council £350 Formal Fee Requires documented written approaches to the neighbour over recent months and an objective light-loss calculation before the council will register a complaint. Mandatory Prior Wait:**8 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£350 standard non-refundable investigation fee (published on birmingham.gov.uk). [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/birmingham)[](https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20054/planning_and_development/108/high_hedges "Official Birmingham City Council .gov.uk page") Wales ### Cardiff Council £320 Formal Fee Follows Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and Welsh Government High Hedges guidance. Mandatory Prior Wait:**8 weeks logged negotiation** Concession / VAT:£320 statutory fee capped under Welsh High Hedges regulations. [View Council Rules & Calculator](/councils/cardiff)[](https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Planning/Trees-and-Hedges/Pages/default.aspx "Official Cardiff Council .gov.uk page") ## How Council High Hedge Enforcement Works ### 1Last Resort Requirement Under Section 68(2) of the 2003 Act, planning officers must reject any complaint where the applicant has not evidenced serious, sustained prior attempts to settle amicably. ### 2Objective BRE 470 Assessment Visiting arboricultural officers do not guess. They use the mathematical light-loss formulas from BRE Report 470 to calculate allowable hedge heights for gardens and windows. ### 3Remedial Notice & Fine If upheld, the council serves a Remedial Notice binding on current and future owners via the Local Land Charges register. 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