Homeowner Addressing Hedge Height Concerns in Edinburgh Objective: To resolve neighborhood disputes regarding hedge height while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the property. Background: An 82-year-old resident of Edinburgh faces challenges with her garden hedge, which has been reported by neighbors to obstruct sunlight, impacting their enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Action Plan: 1. Assessment of the Hedge: - Evaluate the current height and overall health of the hedge. - Determine the...
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In a surprising development, an elderly resident of the affluent Barnton neighborhood in Edinburgh has been ordered to reduce the height of her hedge, which reaches 40 feet. This dispute involves five neighbors who claim the hedge obstructs sunlight, negatively affecting their quality of life.
Anne-Marie McQueen, an 82-year-old pensioner, resides in a property valued at approximately £1.5 million. Her home features a combination of cherry laurel and cypress leylandii trees, which have become the center of contention among her neighbors.
They argue that the hedge diminishes natural light and limits their enjoyment of outdoor spaces.
Neighborly grievances escalate
The situation escalated when Douglas Tait, Margaret Claymore, Dean Guy, Victor Jack, and Doreen Morgan formally approached the City of Edinburgh Council.
Frustrated by the growing trees, they invoked high hedge legislation in hopes of resolving the issue. Initially, the council approved trimming only a portion of the hedge, prompting the neighbors to appeal the decision to the government.
Appeal and ruling
A government reporter reviewed the case and upheld the council’s ruling, but with modifications. The reporter mandated that the first section of the hedge, designated as H1, must not exceed 15 feet. The second section, referred to as H2, was deemed to have a negligible impact on the neighbors and was allowed to remain untouched.
In a letter to the government, Margaret Claymore expressed concerns about the hedge’s detrimental effect on her property’s amenity space. She described how her rear garden is essential for family gatherings, barbecues, and relaxation during warmer months. Claymore argued that the hedge casts deep shadows, significantly reduces sunlight, and creates a confining atmosphere that detracts from their outdoor experience.
Impact on daily life
The frustration among the neighbors is evident as they share their daily challenges. Dean Guy noted that after a long workday, he and his wife have only a brief opportunity to enjoy their garden. By the time they return home, the sun has already begun to set, leaving them little time to bask in its warmth.
Victor Jack shared his exasperation, stating that the lack of natural light forces them to rely on artificial lighting, increasing their utility bills. He lamented, “The obstruction of light caused by H1 and H2 has made it necessary for us to turn on lights both upstairs and downstairs, which significantly affects our expenses.”
Defense of the hedge
In defense of her hedge, Mrs. McQueen argues that the trees are vital for maintaining her family’s privacy. In a letter to the council, she explained that the original laurel hedge has been part of her home for nearly a century. She planted the leylandii hedge to restore privacy after some neighbors reduced the height of their own hedges.
She contends that removing the hedges entirely would expose her and her neighbors, compromising their sense of security. Additionally, she pointed out that many neighboring properties have made alterations, such as extending their homes or adding garden sheds, which she believes contribute to the light issues.
Final decision
After a thorough evaluation, government reporter Paul Haggin concluded that while the council’s notice regarding the H1 area was justified, no action was warranted for the H2 trees. His site visit revealed that light could still penetrate through H2’s branches, which he described as not being overwhelming.
Anne-Marie McQueen, an 82-year-old pensioner, resides in a property valued at approximately £1.5 million. Her home features a combination of cherry laurel and cypress leylandii trees, which have become the center of contention among her neighbors. They argue that the hedge diminishes natural light and limits their enjoyment of outdoor spaces.0
