Huge Leylandii hedge

I wish her all the luck as it does look unacceptable.

However as Shiney says, there are a lot of get outs in that paper, which when all said and done is only a consultation paper (page 4)...................

"The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the consultant authors and do not
necessarily represent the views or proposed policies of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister."

Then on page seven..............

"The Note may be used to help resolve cases arising under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.
However the advice given here is not mandatory, and is only one of the factors a local authority will
need to take into account. A discussion of the other factors which may be addressed is given in an
ODPM guidance document ‘High hedges complaints: prevention and cure’."

In her shoes I would now write to them giving them 14 days to come up with an acceptable solution (including time-frame) and then find a suitable solicitor. Too much of a minefield for amateurs I reckon, especially if the clock is ticking.

 

I'm wondering if the client's insurance company might have something to say about a huge fire risk being so close to the insured property? Lelandii don't half burn hot, even when green, the leaves are full of a kerosine like oil.

 

The only issue there would be that the Insurance Company might increase the premium to allow for the "new" risk.
I can't see them backing any action against the owners of the trees.

 

You make a good point! One minute it smoulders, then whoosh it goes up! I reckon they would have one thing to say - "we need more money to insure you"!

 

An answer to the worlds sustainable fuel needs?

 

Good point lads. Pretty sure some of the Nordic countries make bio fuel out of em already.

 

just a quick update ....

just received a call from my client .... she received a call from the company ... she has the option to have the hedge pruned to just above the wooden fence, or totally removed

she told them that she wants it totally removed ... They will start clearing the Leylandii tommorow ... They have also said that if there are any birds nesting, they will have to leave the leylandii that have the nests, and will remove them at a later date ... they have inspected from the ground and never saw any nests, but they will have a closer look tommorow morning when they start work

so, all systems go ... client is very happy

 

Terrific news, your client must be thrilled.

 

so am I ... this is a total garden refurbishment, so it will keep me busy for a while ...

just have to find the time to do it as I'm pretty fully booked at the moment and am slightly behind as I have taken a day off today .... have a bad cold and headache ... and the weather looks grim .... feels like I've been run over by a bus

 

hedge is now cleared so all systems go .... have already added weed&feed to the lawn ....

huge difference now ... loads of light and plants will grow now

 

Wow, just look at all that extra light!

Your client must be chuffed

 

she is chuffed, as the company were very polite and sorted it fast with no probs .... the hedge was removed last week sat in pouring rain ...

garden will look good as she has a nice budget and wants a jungly effect (large leaves, palms, etc) .... so I am looking forward to this job

lawn needs lots of work though as it is 50% moss .... the weed/feed will sort the moss, but I will still need to areate, scarify and overseed (lawn looks ok in the pics, but it's very bad)