Hedgerow regulations
The 1997 Hedgerow Regulations came into force on 1 June 1997 and
require that the Council is notified of the intention to remove an
agricultural hedgerow.
After receipt of the notification the Council has six weeks to
survey the hedge and determine whether or not it is an important
hedge as determined by the criteria laid down in the legislation.
If the hedgerow is recognised as an important hedgerow the Council
can place a hedgerow retention notice on it.
This will prevent the removal of the hedgerow, and ensure its
retention. Removal of an agricultural hedgerow without the consent
of the Council or in defiance of a Hedgerow retention notice is a
criminal offence.
You may download the
hedgerow removal application form which should be filled in and
sent back to the Planning Policy Section.
National guidance to filling in the form, and a local validation checklist are also
available.
A printed copy of this form along with more information about
removal of agricultural hedges can be requested, free of charge,
from the Customer Contact Centre or the Planning Policy of
Economic Development section. Tel: 01228
817193