High Hedges

Last November in this column, I mentioned that I attended the first Parliamentary Working Group set up to write legislation for the control of high hedges between neighbouring residential properties.  I am pleased to report that progress has been made.

 My parliamentary and party colleague, Mark McDonald MSP, lodged a Private Member’s Bill last month, which seeks to “create a right to prevent high hedges from interfering with neighbouring property, and to provide a formal mechanism for enforcement of that right in a case of dispute.”

 A number of my constituents have contacted me regarding the issue of high hedges, which can leave them unable to enjoy their gardens and can block light to their homes.  All too often, relationships between neighbours break down when parties are unable to reach an agreeable solution.

 Legislation on high hedges was part of an SNP manifesto pledge.  The next step is for a parliamentary committee to decide whether a further consultation needs to be taken, or whether the matter can go straight to legislation.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.