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Hedges: garden boundaries, height and planning rules
Garden hedges follow different rules from gates, fences and walls. There is no general planning rule requiring every hedge to be kept below 2 metres. Planting or growing a living hedge is usually outside the Class A rules for constructed enclosures, but high hedge complaints, protected trees, countryside hedgerows and highway safety can all matter.
Need help with permitted development?
Permitted development can avoid a full planning application, but only if the right applies and every relevant limit and condition is met. Planning Geek can check the planning history, Article 4 directions and other restrictions, and help with a lawful development certificate or prior approval where needed.
A hedge is not a fence for the Class A height limits
The ordinary 1 metre and 2 metre limits for new constructed enclosures should not be applied as a universal limit on living hedges. Equally, replacing a tall hedge with a fence does not allow the new fence to inherit the hedge’s height. The fence must qualify under Part 2 Class A or have another lawful planning basis.
Check any condition requiring landscaping to be planted, retained or replaced. Removing a hedge required by a planning permission can breach that condition even where ordinary garden hedge removal would not require a planning application.
When can a high hedge complaint be made?
Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 provides a separate complaint process. Broadly, the hedge must be a barrier to light or access formed wholly or predominantly by a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, rising more than 2 metres above ground level. Gaps and their effect on the hedge as a barrier are relevant.
The complaint concerns the hedge’s height adversely affecting reasonable enjoyment of a domestic property on other land. A single tree is not covered by this procedure, and problems caused by roots are excluded. A hedge over 2 metres is not automatically unlawful or automatically required to be reduced to 2 metres.
Try reasonable steps to resolve the issue before complaining to the council. Keep a factual record of the hedge, its effects and the attempts to reach agreement. The council can charge a fee and, where justified, issue a remedial notice. Read the government guide to high hedge complaints and Part 8 of the 2003 Act.
Removing a countryside hedgerow
The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 can protect qualifying countryside hedgerows and require a removal notice to the local planning authority. They do not generally apply to a hedge within, or marking the boundary of, a private dwelling’s garden. The land’s actual status matters, particularly at the edge of a garden where agricultural land is involved.
Do not assume that a short section can always be removed to make an access. Check whether the regulations apply and follow the relevant procedure before work. The government guidance on countryside hedgerow removal explains the scope and exceptions.
Trimming, protected trees and wildlife
A hedge may contain trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order or subject to conservation area tree controls. Check before substantial cutting or removal. Active wild bird nests are protected while being built or used; there is no single calendar date that makes all hedge cutting lawful. Other protected species may also require assessment.
For work near a road or footpath, keep visibility and passage in mind. Highway authorities have separate powers concerning obstructive or dangerous vegetation. Planning permission is not a defence to creating a highway obstruction.
Ownership and boundary disputes
A hedge is not necessarily jointly owned simply because it stands close to a boundary. Title documents, agreements and other evidence may matter. Land Registry title plans normally show general boundaries and should not be treated as a precise surveyed hedge line.
Obtain the owner’s agreement before work on their land or hedge. Do not assume that a right to trim an overhang authorises entry, removal of the whole hedge or damaging work. Ownership, trespass and private rights are legal matters distinct from planning control.
Planning Geek can advise on planning conditions and the planning implications of replacing a boundary. An arboriculturist, ecologist or solicitor may be needed for tree health, protected species or a private boundary dispute.
Explore GPDO Part 2
Part 2 overview: minor operations
- Class A: gates, fences and wallsNew enclosures, height limits and changes to existing boundaries
- Class B: access to a highwayAccess required for qualifying permitted development on an unclassified road
- Class C: exterior paintingColour changes, advertising exceptions and heritage controls
- Class D: wall mounted charging outletsElectric vehicle outlets in lawful off-street parking
- Class E: charging upstands and equipmentFreestanding chargers and qualifying non-domestic equipment housing
- Class F: security CCTVBuilding-mounted cameras with size, height and spacing limits
- Class G: moveable pub and restaurant structuresOne qualifying structure, subject to footprint, height and location limits
Back to Part 1: development within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse
Updated: 24th September 2026