Hedge Height & Loss of Light
Height of hedges and loss of light
Q: How do I calculate light to a conservatory?
A: Where a property or house has an attached conservatory, to calculate the action hedge height, the opening between the conservatory & house is to be used for such a calculation. Glazing on conservatories allows an all-round light in.
Q: Regarding the BRE light loss guidelines, can you tell me if a conservatory is to be included as part of my house/garden?
A: For the calculation terms in hedge height and light loss - the effect of a hedge on a window's light, conservatories are not considered.
Q: My garden is odd shaped. How do I calculate the area?
A: For awkward shaped gardens, place over a scaled plan with grid to split it into smaller building chunks. This will hopefully give a reference to what extent of the area overlayed with the grid comes within the garden.
When considering 'diffuse light' this comes from lots of directions.
Q: I have a window where the light is affected by a high hedge which is growing right in front of it. When that hedge is close in particular, how much of a section of this hedge has to be cut? Would it be the hedge section which is right in front or do I need to consider a 'splayed' approach?
A: When considering 'diffuse light' this comes from lots of directions. Guidelines from BRE have been created which assume the total length of hedges is cut to the same height.
Losing a View
Loss of View(s)
Q: I have lost an important view because of a high hedge. Is this a valid reason to make a complaint?
A: Advice detailed in 'High Hedges Complaints: Prevention and Cure' seems to contradict itself.
Basically the information, when dissected, is that a loss of view is indeed a valid cause and reason to make a complaint, but as the only reason for making a complaint (e.g. not connected with any other high hedge resulting problems) is not likely to be solely enough to give cause for a Council to issue a remedial notice.
For further advice, we suggest you contact your Local Authority or Council for clarification and more information.
...loss of view is indeed a valid cause and reason to make a complaint.
Extending Legislation
Other trees and hedges - extending the legislation
Q: Please tell me why I can't use a complaint to my Council about deciduous trees and hedges that give direct cause to problems and issues?
A: Legislation was restricted to hedges that are evergreen because the government received information and evidence that main problems are associated with thick, tall foliage 'walls' (either as close planting of trees or a hedge).
Public consultation gave indication for new, effective legislation to manage hedges that are evergreen.
Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 2003 is the sole legislation which covers issues, problems and concerns with evergreen hedges.
Q: Can I progress a complaint to my council about a single tree? It is causing the same problems as other high hedges do?
A: A Local Council has no authority to become involved in a situation where a person considers a neighbour's tree is spoiling their property's enjoyment. The Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 2003 is the sole legislation which covers issues, problems and concerns with evergreen hedges.