News In Focus

MSPs call for views on High Hedges Bill

9 October 2012

Views on the proposals contained in the High Hedges (Scotland) Bill have been invited by a committee of MSPs. 

Holyrood's Local Government and Regeneration Committee has called for evidence prior to preparing its stage 1 report on the bill, introduced in the Parliament last week by Mark McDonald MSP.

The bill would enable someone claiming that their enjoyment of their property is being interfered with by a high hedge on neighbouring land to apply to the local authority for a control order. The council would have power to enter on the land and carry out work ordered if the owner failed to respond.

The call for evidence asks for submissions on the scope of the bill, including the proposed definition of a high hedge, and the enforcement powers, among other matters.

Committee convener Kevin Stewart MSP said: “What our committee wants to know is whether the proposals in the bill are likely to work in practice. We want to hear from those with experience in this area so that we can give a considered view to the wider Parliament on whether or not this bill should progress.”

Responses should be sent, wherever possible, electronically and in MS Word format, to highhedgesbill.lgrc@scottish.parliament.uk, by 6pm on Thursday 29 November 2012.