High hedges

The High Hedges Act (Scotland) 2013 came into force on 1 April 2014. It helps when neighbours cannot resolve problems with high hedges. It provides an independent assessment of a high hedge that may interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of domestic property.

Before applying for a high hedge notice you must take all reasonable steps to resolve the matter yourself with the hedge owner and read our high hedges frequently asked questions.

Apply for a high hedge notice 

Download our high hedge notice application form (PDF) complete and send to planningtrees@edinburgh.gov.uk including all supporting documents. Or you can print the form, complete and post it with all supporting documents to

Fees

Submit the correct fee with your application:

• £350 for a basic high hedge application
• £100 per additional property if there are multiple applicants
• £100 per additional property if the hedge has more than 6 owners

You will not need to pay a fee if you are:

• registered as disabled
• applying on grounds of hardship, subject to approval by the head of service

You may need to pay for additional reports, such as a wildlife survey, if required.

How to pay

Pay by bank transfer:

• Account name: The City of Edinburgh Council
• Sort code: 83-06-08
• Account number: 00740589

Take a screenshot of your payment and include it with your application.

Refunds

100% refund will be given when:

• it is clear that the application is incomplete or does not relate to a hedge, or you withdraw the application before the application is registered
• we dismiss the application under section 5 for failure to follow pre-application requirements
• a high hedge notice is served on a Council owned hedge

We will refund you 50% if you withdraw the application within 28 days of the application being registered.

There is no refund if you withdraw the application after 28 days.