More complaints received by Northern Ireland councils regarding high hedges than any other UK council
More complaints were received by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council regarding high hedges in 2025, more than any other UK council, it has emerged.
New data from FOI’s by the The Property Buying Company shows that 100 complaints were received by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in 2025.
More than 1,091 complaints were sent to councils across the UK regarding high hedges in 2025, according to The Property Buying Company who sent freedom of information requests to 379 councils across the UK.
The data shows that at least £92,851 has been charged by councils to investigate high hedges in 2025.
In a statement Property Expert shares what to do if your neighbour’s hedges are too high.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s highest complaints record, is closely followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, who received 95 complaints made regarding high hedges.
Here is a list of the top offenders –
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council – 100
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – 95
- Mid Ulster District Council – 50
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council – 47
- Hillingdon Borough Council – 38
- Sutton Borough Council – 38
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council – 34
- South Derbyshire District Council – 32
- Hounslow Borough Council – 29
- Northumberland County Council – 21
Jonny Christie, Co-Founder of The Property Buying Company, has shared what you can do if you believe your neighbour's hedge is too high.
“To make a complaint, the height of the high hedge should be having an adverse effect on the enjoyment of your own home, garden or yard. This includes, but is not limited to, being more than 2 metres tall and creating a barrier to light or access.
“Councils can order the owner of the high hedge to take action, such as pruning, to correct the problem and stop it from occurring again.
“It’s important to take all reasonable steps to try to settle the dispute without contacting the council first, as the council can reject your request if this has not taken place first. Gov.uk provides advice on how you can settle your hedge differences without involving your local authority.
“Before you send your written complaint and fee to the council, set out your case, including: the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue; the problems you are facing in your home, garden or yard due to the tall hedge; why the problem is serious and how it is adversely affecting the enjoyment of the property.
“This will help the council to weigh up your case and decide whether any action is necessary.”