Have your say on the problem of high hedges

The Department of the Environment is currently seeking views on the draft High Hedges Bill, and members of the public are being invited to have their say before March 1.

“The public now have an opportunity to make their views known on this proposed draft High Hedges Bill and I would encourage as many as possible to respond. This is a complex problem which has to balance the degree of privacy that everyone seeks around their home and garden with the impact upon surrounding dwellings when some of these species are allowed to grow to heights which make them a nuisance,” Mr Robinson commented.

“If, and when, the new councils emerge, amongst the powers which may be delegated to them could be those which enable them to find a solution to this problem. In England and Wales councils already have the ability to seek outcomes which not only address these issues, but also help them to reduce disputes between neighbours who find themselves faced with this high hedge dilemma,” the UUP man added.

The consultation paper can be viewed online at www.doeni.gov.uk. Hard copies are also available by contacting the High Hedges Team on 028 9025 4734.