Page 16 - Garden News

Letter of the la

Sometimes it’s unclear what’s legally wrong and right when it comes
to garden rules. Here are seven of the more common regulations

OVERGROWN HEDGES
It goes without saying that you’re
responsible for looking after your own
1 hedges, and making sure they’re not a
nuisance to anyone else. Always do some
research on what hedges are the best for
your plot before you go and make a planting
error! Chat to your neighbour reasonably
if the hedge on their land is too high, and
offer some gardening help if they need it.
If the hedge is stopping you enjoying your
garden, blocks your view or blocks out light
getting to your house or garden, you can
contact your local council, but only if your
neighbour isn’t taking your concerns into Make sure your
account. A mostly evergreen hedge over 2m planting won’t affect
Words: Karen Murphy (6½ft) tall constitutes a ‘high hedge’, and Shuerstock
neighbouring properties
can be considered in complaints.

Alamy GARDEN BONFIRES
Contrary to popular opinion,
it’s not illegal to have a
2 garden bonfire, but if your
bonfire becomes a nuisance to
others, that’s where the problems
start. If your bonfire emits lots
of smoke, fumes or gasses that
endanger passersby or traffic,
you may be fined. Wait for a clear
day with no wind to reduce any
neighbourly disputes! Keep most
of your garden green waste for the
compost heap, but thick prunings,
logs and nuisance weeds are good
A home bonfire bonfire staples. Never burn plastic,
isn’t illegal but rubber or anything non-plant
can be a nuisance related. And be aware of your
garden wildlife, too!
CHICKEN KEEPING
Chicken keeping is quite
straightforward, but you must Always check that any
3 consider their health and garden buildings don’t
welfare at all times, and provide a need planning permission
reasonably-sized dwelling for them.
Make sure your chickens aren’t a PLANNING PERMISSION
nuisance to neighbours, for example, When it comes to building
roaming freely and eating their greenhouses and sheds there are
plants! Check that you’re allowed to 4 not usually any restrictions, but
keep chickens too, as some house there are a few pointers to note in some
deeds or council legislation states cases. Will it obstruct views, be over 4m
you may not be allowed to. If you (13ft) high, built in a front garden or be
intend to keep more than 50, you built in a conservation area? If so, consult
must register them with DEFRA your council. A garden wall that’s more
– fewer than that and you aren’t Your chickens’ welfare than 2m (6½ft) high may have to be
is the main priority
restricted and can happily sell or registered with planning permission, too.
give away healthy eggs. Alamy

16 Garden News /January 27 2018