How High Can a Hedge Be in Front Garden UK

How High Can a Hedge Be in a Front Garden in the UK?

In the UK, the height of hedges in front gardens is generally subject to local planning rules, but there are some common guidelines homeowners can follow to avoid disputes or legal issues. Understanding these regulations helps you maintain a neat garden boundary while keeping good neighbourly relations.

Standard Height Limits

Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, you do not need planning permission to maintain a hedge up to 2 metres (approximately 6.5 feet) high if it is in a front garden or along a boundary adjoining a highway (which includes footpaths).

If your hedge is adjacent to a highway, including a footpath or bridleway, the height should not exceed 1 metre (about 3.3 feet) without permission. This lower limit is to ensure visibility and road safety for drivers and pedestrians.

When Is Planning Permission Required?

If you wish to plant or maintain a hedge taller than these limits, you may need to apply for planning permission or get approval through a formal process such as a hedgerow removal notice.

Local councils can have specific rules or conservation area restrictions that affect hedge heights, so it’s wise to check with them before making changes.

Neighbour Disputes and the Law

If your hedge causes a nuisance, blocks light or view, neighbours can raise concerns. The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 allows councils to intervene in cases of problematic hedges, sometimes requiring the owner to reduce height.

Civil disputes over hedge height can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or, as a last resort, legal action.

Practical Tips

Keep your hedge trimmed regularly to maintain an attractive boundary and prevent it from becoming overgrown. Consider choosing plants that suit the height restrictions if you want a dense, manageable hedge.

Final Thoughts

Generally, hedges in front gardens can be up to 2 metres high without needing permission, except where they border highways or footpaths, where the limit is 1 metre. Always check local regulations and consult neighbours to ensure your hedge complies with rules and maintains good relations.