Most hedges provide a suitable garden boundary but they can have an adverse effect on the enjoyment of neighbouring property when they are not properly maintained or are allowed to grow too tall. Difficulties can also arise when trees and hedging which are not suitable for a particular location are planted. Some hedge species grow at a rapid rate and so can have adverse effects for those living in their shadow. In other cases the person planting the hedge is unaware of the size it may reach when mature.
Currently, there is no legislation in Guernsey which specifically addresses the potential adverse effects that a high hedge may create for neighbours, including the loss of light into a neighbouring property.
The Environment Department, in conjunction with Deputy Al Brouard, prepared proposals which were open to consultation that closed in February 2015. After this, it sought States approval to introduce new legislation to deal with the issue of high hedges.
States approval was granted to the policy principles regarding the introduction of High Hedges legislation in connection with a high hedge that may be causing amenity problems in terms of loss of light. The proposals must now be assessed for drafting prioritisation and once this has been carried out the legislation will be drafted by the Law Officers of the Crown and be approved by the States of Guernsey with a Royal Sanction by the Privy Council on behalf of the Queen. Once this process is complete it can be enacted. States approval was granted in 2015 to the policy principles regarding the introduction of High Hedges legislation in connection with a high hedge that may be causing amenity problems in terms of loss of light. The proposals must now be assessed for drafting prioritisation and once this has been carried out the legislation will be drafted by the Law Officers of the Crown and be approved by the States of Guernsey with a Royal Sanction by the Privy Council on behalf of the Queen. Once this process is complete it can be enacted.
Updated: November 2016
