Hedges

In conformity with the Cutting of Hedges Ordinances and the Parochial Administration Ordinance 2013, the Constables and Douzaines of the several parishes of the Island hereby give notice to the occupiers of land bordering public roads, or, if the land is unoccupied, to the owners thereof, that they are required during the first fifteen days of June and the last fifteen days of September, to cut and trim the hedges thereof:

(a) up to a height of 12 ft. from the road surface where that road is ordinarily used by vehicular traffic – N.B. this includes the road AND footpath.

and

(b) up to a height of 8 ft. from the road surface where that road is not ordinarily used by vehicular traffic

IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER remove from such public roads and hedges all material cut from such hedges.

For the purpose of this notice, hedges shall be deemed to include trees and branches of trees, and all kinds of growth overhanging a public road at a height less than that specified above.

Any persons defaulting in the above requirements could be liable to a Civil Penalty of £50.00 with an additional fine of £5.00 per day in which the failure continues.

It is the responsibility of the hedge owner, according to the Law, to ensure that all hedge cuttings are cleared up the same day.

Streams

By law must be cleaned by 15 June and 30 September. Most of the streams in the Island are inspected twice a year – after 15 June and 30 September.  Property owners must therefore ensure streams are free from over-grown vegetation, growth in the stream and anything that prohibits the free flow of water.

From 1 September 2015 the Constables have had the right to issue Warning Notices to persons infringing the Law and if the infringement is not remedied to levy a civil penalty of £50.00.

Parochial Appeals Tribunal

The Parochial Appeals Tribunal is an independent body that determines appeals against some Parish level decisions relating to breaches of the hedge cutting and watercourse clearing obligations, as well as decisions not to grant Bornements. For more information please click on the following link https://www.gov.gg/PAT