Storey and Finlay welcome for high hedge consultation

Speaking after DUP colleague Edwin Poots, Minister for the Environment launched the public consultation Mr Storey said: “This proposed legislation is designed to help people adversely affected by high hedges bordering their domestic property. This issue of high hedges and disoutes around them have sparked much public debate down the years.

“The loss of light as a result of such a situation does have an impact on property and a person’s enjoyment of it.

“I therefore welcome this public consultation which will run until 1st March 2010. I would encourage people to respond to the public consultation and write to the Dept of Environment regarding it.”

Cllr John Finlay continued "This consultation will facilitate the introduction of legislation on the subject, which it is hoped will be in place for June.

“For most people in Ballymoney Council area who have considerate neighbours, high hedges is not an issue, for too many people it can be the bane of their lives, with neighbouring high hedges cutting out sunlight, views and their general enjoyment of their property. Learning from the implementation of similar legislation in England and Wales, this legislation will enable Councils to intervene in neighbourhood disputes, which have not been able after efforts to be resolved between neighbours, to examine the situation, and if it is felt that the hedge in the circumstances is excessive, then the Council can compel the owner to take action, and in the absence of abiding by the ruling to enforce any requirement through court.

“This is important legislation which will have significant beneficial impact on many people in Ballymoney council area and will more importantly act as a deterent to bad behavior. It is important to realise that the regulations will be responsible, so for example no hedge will be ordered to be cut below the level of 2m, and also that it should not be a financial burden on ratepayers on the innocent. Therefore while there is a fee to register a complaint, Councils will have the power to vary or waive that fee according to the circumstances of the case eg where the complainant would be financially disadvantaged, and also to recover costs against those who have created a nuisnace in the first place. It is important that this doesn't become a charter of grievance, and provision will be made to financially discourage vexatious or malicious complaints. This is a welcome step forward to protect people in neighbourhoods, and perhaps in the creation of a more considerate society."