Statement

WEIR WELCOMES MINISTERIAL STATEMENT ON HIGH HEDGES LEGISLATION

Posted on: February 15, 2010

"I welcome the statement today in the Assembly  by Environment Minister Edwin Poots confirming the consultation period on proposed legislation to combat the problem of high hedges. This consultation, which will run until 1st March, will facilitate teh introduction of legislation on the subject, which it is hoped will be in place for June. For most people in North Down who have considerate neighbours, high hedges is not an issue, for too many people it can be the bane of their lives, with neighbouring high hedges cutting out sunlight, views and their general enjoyment of their property. Learning from the implementation of similar legislation in England and Wales, this legislation will enable Councils to intervene in neighbourhood disputes, which have not been able after efforts to be resolved between neighbours, to examine the situation, and if it is felt that the hedge in the circumstances is excessive, then the Council can compel the owner to take action, and in the absence of abiding by the ruling to enforce any requirement through court.
 
This is important legislation which will have significant beneficial impact on many people in North Down, and will more importantly act as a deterent to bad behavior. It is important to realise that the regulations will be responsible, so for example no hedge will be ordered to be cut below the level of 2m, and also that it should not be a financial burden on ratepayers on the innocent. Therefore while there is a fee to register a complaint, Councils will have the power to vary or waive that fee according to the circumstances of the case eg where the complainant would be financially disadvantaged, and also to recover costs against those who have created a nuisnace in the first place. It is important that this doesn't become a charter of grievance, and provision will be made to financially discourage vexatious or malicious complaints. This is a welcome step forward to protect people in neighbourhoods, and perhaps in the creation of a more considerate society."