A homeowner has reported that their new neighbours demanded they cut down their front hedge immediately after moving in, claiming it is too high and legally must be reduced. The dispute arose after the neighbours paved over their front garden to accommodate three cars and argued that the hedge obstructs their view of the road when pulling out.
The Neighbour's Demand
On Reddit, the homeowner explained: 'My new next door neighbours, on my left side, have recently added a new driveway. They are complaining that my front hedge is blocking their view of the road when they are pulling off the drive, and that legally it is too high and needs cutting back/down.' The homeowner added: 'I really don't want to lose my hedge, but have found conflicting advice online. Can someone help me out please? England.'
Legal Framework for Hedges and Fences
Official rules in England state that rear garden fences can be up to 2 metres high without planning permission, while front garden fences next to a highway are limited to 1 metre. However, Reddit users pointed out that these rules apply to fences, not hedges. One user commented: 'Hedges at the front don't have height limits that's fences. There is an expectation it shouldn't be over 2M but AFAIK that relates to blocking light and reasonable enjoyment of their garden. I believe they can complain to the council about visibility but they're unlikely to get involved in this level of access dispute.'
The Homeowner's Situation
The homeowner revealed that as soon as the neighbours moved in, they cleared the front garden and created space for three cars. The homeowner said: 'I honestly don't mind trimming it, it needs it, just not got round to it and don't want to upset any birds at this time of year, but they seem to want it removing, or cutting down so low it wont be worth having if they need to see while seated.' The dropped kerb was already in place before either party moved in, but the neighbours removed the front wall to fit three cars and now drive over the kerb without an extended dropped kerb.
Key Issues Raised by Reddit Users
- Dropped Kerb: One user noted: 'Do the neighbours have a dropped kerb? If not, they're committing an offence each time they use the drive.'
- Council Approval: Another user explained: 'Assuming they had a new dropped kerb for their new drive, the neighbours must have their drive assessed by the council who would risk assess it before granting permission. Your hedge will have been taken into account.'
- Trimming Advice: Users suggested trimming the hedge outside bird breeding season as a good neighbourly gesture, but noted that if the neighbours have a problem with the driveway approval, they should take it up with the council.
Any dispute would ultimately need to be assessed by the local authority, but there is no hard and fast law specifically governing front garden hedges. Homeowners are advised to seek local council guidance if a neighbour complains about visibility.
