Veterans charity ordered to cut 30ft hedge after neighbour complained

•  Ryan Taylor from Dunfermline, Fife, claims thick foliage was blocking his light
•  Property owners Veterans Housing Scotland disputed the hedge was a problem
•  But the Scottish Government has granted an appeal for the hedge to be cut 

A veterans charity has been ordered to cut back a 30ft high hedge at a property it rents out to former soldiers after a neighbour complained the thick foliage was making his life a misery.

Ryan Taylor said trees owned by Veterans Housing Scotland (VHS) blocked sunlight from the rear of his home in Cherrybank in Dunfermline, Fife and kept his garden in darkness.

The charity owns other properties in the street and surrounding area, which it rents out to former soldiers who are disabled.

Taylor turned to Fife Council under high hedge legislation in a bid to force VHS to take action.

But council officials refused and ruled there was no ‘detrimental’ impact on his home.

He appealed the decision to the Scottish Government and a reporter has ordered the hedge to be cut down by a third to 20ft.

‘Misery’: Ryan Taylor complained to Fife Council and ultimately the Scottish Government about cutting back a 30ft hedge on his neighbour’s property that he claimed kept his garden in shade

The property in Dunfermline, Fife, is owned by Veterans Housing Scotland (VHS), which rents out homes to former soldiers who are disabled

In his appeal, Taylor insisted they were forming a canopy and keeping his property in the shade.

He said: ‘I don’t share the view of the council that spacing between trees allows adequate lighting, as date of site visit was 28/11/2023 when trees and other hedges and shrubbery are dormant having shed leaves and foliage etc.

‘Whereas in summertime when other hedges and bushes are in full bloom fills any gaps, in addition the canopy of the trees at height, come together forming a high arch, thus reducing further light and sunlight with more shading.’

VHS property manager, Lindsay Dunbar-Shaw pleaded for the trees to remain and claimed they offered residents privacy.

In a letter to the government, she said: ‘When the homeowners purchased these properties, it is reasonable to assume that they were aware of the presence of these trees.

‘As they have been a prominent feature for such a significant time, it is unlikely that their existence came as a surprise upon purchase.

‘I would like to emphasise that our veterans take great pride in maintaining the trees on their side of the property.

‘Their keenness ensures that the trees remain well-groomed and do not pose any hazard or inconvenience to the surrounding area.

‘Importantly, these trees serve a crucial purpose beyond mere aesthetics. They provide a sense of privacy and security to our veterans, who have bravely served our country.’

Dunbar-Shaw added: ‘I am open to further discussion to find a solution that satisfies both parties’ concerns while honouring the needs of our veteran community.’

Refusing to grant a high hedge notice, Fife Council said: ‘Taking all the evidence into consideration it is deemed that there is no detrimental effect from any hedge to the rear gardens that would be sufficient to adversely affect the enjoyment of the domestic property which the occupant of that property could reasonably expect to have, and consequently it is recommended a high hedge notice should not be issued.’

Cut by a third: A government appeal has ordered the VHS to lop 10ft off the 30ft hedge

But on 3 May, an appeal decision was published ordering the trees be lopped by 10ft.

Government reporter Sarah Foster said: ‘My perception is that the hedge is therefore an overbearing and dominant feature that would affect the appellant’s reasonable enjoyment of this amenity space regardless of whether or not it causes any undue loss of light to the garden as a whole.’

The VHS charity traces it roots to the First World War and aims to provide homes for people with disabling and life-changing injuries.

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