As outlined in the Over the Garden Hedge Leaflet and High Hedge Complaint Form Guidance, available at the side of this page, it is necessary to try to resolve the matter yourself in the first instance.

Formal mediation to try and resolve the problem may be required, The Winchester Mediation Service may be able to help you with this.  Please note that under no circumstances can the council get involved in any mediation or attempts to negotiate a solution between the parties.

Reporting to the Enforcement Team should be considered a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. Complaints will be refused if the steps outlined in the Over the Garden Hedge leaflet have not been taken or the problem caused by the hedge is not covered under the High Hedge Act. Complaints can be made using the form available at the side of this page.

Before any investigations commence, complaints will be vetted to ensure all avenues have been undertaken and that the complaint is valid. Valid complaints must include evidence of mediation and communications between yourselves and the owners as well as a timeline of this correspondence.

If the complaint is deemed to be valid, the fee of £575.00 will then be requested before the matter is investigated, if not already provided with the form. However, if the complaint is deemed not to be valid we will retain an administration fee of half the value.

If you have any questions or would like to request further information regarding the service, please contact the Enforcement Team: enf@winchester.gov.uk.