HIGH hedges were due to come under the spotlight during a debate at West Devon Borough Council as the Times went to press this week. New government legislation regarding high hedges is due to come into force next month. This week, the borough?s strategies and resources committee was asked to agree a proposed fee of £350, which will be charged to residents for the investigation of complaints under the new legislation. The new law gives local authorities power to deal with complaints about high hedges which are having an adverse effect on a neighbour?s reasonable enjoyment of their property. A high hedge is defined as a hedge formed by a line of evergreens exceeding two metres in height, which creates a barrier to light or access. Formal complaint must be made to the council as a last resort ? the complainant must demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to resolve the problem before making a complaint to the council. The complaint must be made to the local authority for the area in which the hedge is situated ? in West Devon this will include land within Dartmoor National Park ? and must be accompanied by a fee. David Chapman, borough landscape officer, said: ?Having contacted other authorities in Devon, it is recommended that the council charges a fee of £350 for investigating a complaint, and that this fee is reviewed after six months.? Following a complaint, the council can investigate and ultimately, may issue a remedial notice specifying action to be taken.