Workshop on High Hedges - Ivy Legal

Join us for a virtual workshop on High Hedges.  A Practical Workshop for Local Planning Authority Officers

• Delivery: Live online via Microsoft Teams
• Duration: Three hours, including a short break
• Format: Interactive training with worked examples, a notice drafting exercise and opportunities for questions throughout.

Content:

Introduction and definitions: The legal framework; what constitutes a high hedge; qualifying complaints; assessing the effect on reasonable enjoyment of a property; the officer’s role in investigating and determining complaints.

Calculating the action hedge height: Applying the Hedge Height and Light Loss guidance; gathering measurements; assessing effects on gardens and windows; dealing with changes in ground level. A worked calculation exercise.

Remedial notices: Translating the assessment into clear, workable requirements; compliance periods; staged cuts; allowing a growing margin; initial reduction and ongoing maintenance. A practical exercise identifying and correcting drafting pitfalls.

Appeals: Appeal rights and procedure; preparing the authority’s evidence and explaining its decision; responding to challenges to calculations and notice requirements.

Questions and discussion:  Practical difficulties and key learning points.

Learning outcomes: Officers will gain confidence in assessing high hedge complaints, calculating action hedge heights, drafting remedial notices and preparing for appeals.

The calculation session would use the Government’s published Hedge Height and Light Loss guidance.

Cost:  £150 plus VAT per delegate

Group discounts are offered for multiple delegates from a single local authority.

Presented by Izindi Visagie