Hedgerows

Under the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations the Council has powers to control the removal of hedgerows and to consider hedgerows in dealing with development propsals. This system operates by an application being made and the Council is permitted 28 days to establish whether the hedgerow concerned is 'important' as defined by the legislation (relating to the species present in the part to be removed and the age of the hedgerow). The Council employs specialist ecologists to advise on this.

If a hedgerow is found to be important, the Council can serve a 'hedgerow retention notice' prohibiting its removal. This is a legal document and it is an offence to disregard such a Notice. If, however, it is found not to meet the criteria of 'important', or the 28 day period passes without a notification being made, the removal of the hedge may proceed. You may download hedgerow notification forms and guidance notes to assist completion of the forms can be downloaded also.