A Hedge
A good hedge can enhance a property by serving as a garden boundary, weather and dust filter, and attractive landscape feature. Affordable to establish and durable with regular maintenance, it provides privacy, security, and supports wildlife. However, selecting fast-growing plants for quick results may cause issues, including disputes with neighbours if the hedge becomes overgrown, blocking light.
Using the category buttons above, our pages are presented in a simple question and answer format, aiming to clarify issues without being a legal statement. Fife Council provides impartial advice where relevant.
These pages will outline:
- Informal ways to address hedge problems,
- Fife Council's responsibilities under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, and
- What is and isn’t covered by the legislation.
The role of Fife Council
Fife Council acts as an impartial third party and intervenes only when a high hedge application is submitted, identifying a hedge that blocks light or reduces the reasonable enjoyment of a residential property or garden.
- For hedges on Fife Council land, the relevant service will be informed of the complaint.
- For private land disputes, Fife Councils decisions are based on whether the hedge forms a light barrier and affects property enjoyment, considering all representations and relevant factors.
Fife Council will take account of all representations and relevant factors, including the hedge owner's amenity and that of the wider neighbourhood. Each case will be assessed on its own particular merits and whether or not the hedge meets the criteria of the Act.
If the application is valid, Fife Council will:
- Acknowledge receipt and notify all owners/occupiers of the land with the hedge, providing details of the High Hedge Act and a 28-day window for representations.
- Share received representations with the applicant.
- An appointed officer will conduct a site visit to assess the hedge’s impact, focusing on fact-finding, not mediation.
At the end of the representation period, Fife Council decides if the hedge adversely affects reasonable property enjoyment and, if so, what remedial action is needed. If the hedge meets the criteria, a binding High Hedge Notice will require the owner to address the issue, such as reducing and maintaining the hedge height.
