Lifestyleproperty newsThe people moved in, paved over their front garden for three cars, then claimed they couldn't see over the road and the law meant the hedge must be chopped07:11, 27 May 2026A homeowner has said their neighbour has demanded they cut down their front hedge - immediately after moving in. The homeowner said the new residents had told them it was too high - and legally they had to cut it.‌It’s because they claim it is blocking their view of the road when they pull out. On Reddit the person said: “My new next door neighbours, on my left side, have recently added a new driveway. They are complaining that my front hedge is blocking their view of the road when they are pulling off the drive, and that legally it is too high and needs cutting back/down.‌"I really don’t want to lose my hedge, but have found conflicting advice online. Can someone help me out please? England.”‌Official rules are that In England, rear garden fences can be up to 2 metres high without planning permission; front garden fences next to a highway are limited to 1 metre. However, people replying on Reddit said this didn’t apply to hedges.One person said: “Hedges at the front don’t have height limits that’s fences. There is an expectation it shouldn’t be over 2M but AFAIK that relates to blocking light and reasonable enjoyment of their garden. I believe they can complain to the council about visibility but they’re unlikely to get involved in this level of access dispute. Also how is it blocking their view - is it something you can work with or they want to basically see through your front garden?”‌READ MORE: 'My neighbour's son mowed down my marigolds when I refused to repair a fence that I didn't damage'READ MORE: BBC property lawyer debunks fence ownership myth with £7 fixThe homeowner said that as soon as the people moved in they cleared out the front garden and created space for three cars. They said: “I honestly don’t mind trimming it, it needs it, just not got round to it and don’t want to upset any birds at this time of year, but they seem to want it removing, or cutting down so low it wont be worth having if they need to see while seated."The dropped curb was put in before they, or even I moved in, but like you say, all that was already there. The dropped curb is right next to my holly tree on the left, enough for one car. What these guys have done is remove all the front wall of their property, so now they can fit 3 cars on, and all drive off facing forward. They haven't had the dropped curb extended, though; they drive over the curb.”Another replied: “Do the neighbours have a dropped kerb? If not, they’re committing an offence each time they use the drive. Regarding the hedge, so long as it’s not obstructing the pavement, it’s not as big an issue as they’re making it out to be.”Article continues belowThe key is not having a dropped kerb in terms of the neighbours, a user said: “Assuming they had a new dropped kerb for their new drive, the neighbours must have their drive assessed by the council who would risk assess it before granting permission."Your hedge will have been taken into account. it needs a trim, be a good neighbour and give it a trim (outside bird breeding season). if they have a problem with the driveway approval risk assessment, they need to take it up with the council (which would be counter to their interests). if they didn’t get it approved in the first place then they will shut up.”Any dispute would have to be assessed by the local authority but there is not a hard and fast law on front garden hedges.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Neighbours from hellRedditproperty news