HEDGES AND HEDGEROWS
Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997, it is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without permission. To get permission to remove a hedgerow, you must apply to the Planning Department. If the Authority decide to prohibit removal of an important hedgerow, it must let you know within 6 weeks.
If you remove a hedgerow without permission (whether it is important or not) you may face an unlimited fine. You may also have to replace the hedgerow.
A guidance leaflet entitled The Hedgerow Regulations – Your Questions Answered is available from the Planning Department.
To download the relevant forms to request consent to remove a hedgerow, visit our forms area on this website and look for 'Hedgerow removal notice' under the miscellaneous section.