Neighbour Disputes (Vegetation) Bill 2017

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A neighbour who is affected by hedges, trees or other vegetation causing a nuisance — including blocking sunlight — could ask the local authority to step in. The process would start only after asking the neighbour to fix the problem and giving them at least 30 days; the local authority could then try mediation, and if that failed, an adjudication officer could order specific work to reduce or remove the nuisance. There would also be a right to appeal to the District Court, and court enforcement if a works order is ignored.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to address neighbour disputes concerning vegetation that causes a nuisance including the obstruction of sunlight; to provide for mediation of neighbour disputes and formal adjudication if necessary by adjudication officers appointed by local authorities; to provide for the appeal and enforcement of decisions made by adjudication officers; and to provide for related matters

Last updated 2 May 2025