Hedge maintenance
The maintenance of a hedge is the responsibility of the landowner. If a hedge encroaches on a highway and causes a hazard or an obstruction, the landowner is expected to cut the hedge back outside of the bird nesting season which is 1 March - 31 July. If a landowner fails in this duty and this inconveniences highways users, the Council will serve notice to the hedge owner to ensure the hazard/obstruction is removed.
Whilst it is recognised that trees are an important part of our natural life support system, it should be noted that any tree that overhangs the public highway must not obstruct the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians. Any tree that overhangs the carriageway must have a clearance of at least 16’ 6” to allow for the unobstructed passage of high vehicles and failure to maintain this ‘safe’ height may need to a claim or prosecution being made.
If the public highway is being encroached upon, and it is not known who owns the land, the Council will investigate. This may take some time, as an inspector will need to visit the site and issue a notice. Hedge removal requires authorisation as 'important' hedgerows are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations of 1997. To be 'important' the hedgerow must be at least 30 years old and meet other criteria. The authority will then assess the site and can grant or refuse permission. In addition to this, some trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) which may require certain conditions to be in place before any work is carried out to the tree. Further information can be found on the Councils web site under the heading Tree Preservation OrdersContact Details
Email: clarence@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 23 23 23 - From landlines within Wiltshire: or 01225 77 72 34 From
Mobiles and from outside Wiltshire.
Fax: 01225 713488
Postal Address:
Customer Services
Wiltshire Council
County
Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
Last updated: 17 December 2009