High Hedge Consultancy

Technical resolution for light loss and neighbour disputes. We provide specialist High Hedge Consultancy to address issues of obstruction and amenity loss under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

At Arbor Cultural Ltd, we provide a definitive High Hedge Consultancy service for property owners and local authorities across Surrey, London, and the South East. High hedges, particularly those formed of fast-growing Cupressocyparis leylandii, are a frequent source of friction between neighbours, often resulting in significant loss of light to windows and gardens. This technical issue is strictly governed by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 (ASBA), which was established to provide a legal remedy for residents whose reasonable enjoyment of their property is being blighted by evergreen barriers. We provide the forensic arboricultural evidence required to quantify light loss and recommend legally defensible management heights to help you Finish the Build or restore your property's amenity.

What Defines a "High Hedge"?

Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act, a "high hedge" is legally defined as a barrier to light or access that meets the following criteria: it must be formed wholly or predominantly by a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs; it must rise to a height of more than two metres above ground level; and it must form a barrier that is unbroken. Individual trees within a hedge line may be excluded from certain calculations, but the overall impact of the evergreen barrier is what triggers the legislation. Our High Hedge Consultancy identifies these nuances, ensuring that your case is built on accurate legal definitions before formal action is taken.

Technical Light Loss Calculations

The core of any high hedge dispute is the "Action Identifying Height." We utilize the government’s standard guidance—"Hedge Height and Light Loss"—to mathematically assess the impact on both the property (internal light) and the garden (external amenity). We calculate the orientation of the hedge, the distance from the affected windows, and the size of the garden to determine the maximum height the hedge should be maintained at. By applying these scientific recommendations, we provide a clear management plan that balances the privacy of the hedge owner with the light requirements of the complainant.

Our Expert Assessment Process

We pride ourselves on providing the diagnostic certainty required to resolve complex neighbour disputes. Our 3-step process ensures total compliance with UK planning and antisocial behaviour laws:

1. Site Survey & Measurement: We visit the site in Surrey or London to measure hedge height, length, distance from buildings, and garden area dimensions.
2. Light Loss Modeling: We apply the geometric formulae required to determine the "Action Identifying Height" for both internal rooms and garden areas.
3. The Defensible Report: You receive a comprehensive High Hedge Consultancy report, formatted for submission to the Local Authority or for use in private legal mediation.

The Independent Advantage

Arbor Cultural Ltd is a diagnostic-only consultancy. We do not carry out hedge cutting or tree surgery. This independence is vital in high hedge cases; it ensures that our recommendations are based solely on the mathematical requirements of the legislation and the health of the trees. Our reports carry significant weight with council officers and the Planning Inspectorate (for appeals) because they are free from the conflict of interest often found with tree surgery companies. Trust the technical experts in West Molesey and Crawley to restore your property's light and value.