Highlighting a public consultation on a draft High Hedges Bill, Environment Minister Edwin Poots outlined the extent of the widespread problem.
The Minister said: “The availability of low-cost and often very fast-growing hedges, which have sometimes not been well-maintained, has increasingly led to disputes between neighbours about hedges and, of course, a lot of ill feeling can arise if these issues are allowed to fester.
“This is an issue which I cannot ignore – loss of light due to a neighbouring high hedge has a significant impact on the reasonable enjoyment of a person’s property and needs to be dealt with urgently.”
The Minister continued: “I am encouraged by the fact that my Department has already received numerous consultation responses from members of the public who welcome the proposals and are supportive of the draft Bill.
“This issue has generated remarkable public debate over many years and therefore I urge everyone with an interest in this subject to write to my Department with their views as soon as possible. All responses will be considered very carefully before the Bill is finalised.”
Public consultation in Northern Ireland on the draft High Hedges Bill will run until 1 March 2010.
Notes to editors:
- The consultation document can be accessed on the DOE website. Hard copies or copies in alternative formats are available on request by telephoning 028 9025 4734.
- In England and Wales, high hedges legislation is contained in Part 8 of the Anti Social behaviour Act 2003. The provision gives local authorities powers to deal with complaints about high hedges which are having an adverse effect on a neighbour’s enjoyment of his property.
- All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
