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
Chief Planning Officer Waverley Court 4 East Market Street Edinburgh EH8 8BGFees
Submit the appropriate fee with your application: £350 for a basic high hedge application, plus £100 per property to be assessed if there are many applicants and if the hedge has more than 6 owners.
There will be no fee for an application by someone registered disabled and in the case of hardship, at discretion of the head of service.
You must cover the cost where more reports are required, such as a wildlife survey.
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.