Glasgow neighbours' long-standing row over hedge sees Scottish Government step in

A long-standing row between neighbours over the height of a hedge in Glasgow has been resolved after the Scottish Government intervened.

Jim and Hilary Gossman submitted an application to Glasgow City Council under high hedge laws in relation to the boundary shrub within their rear garden.

The Gossmans felt the hedge, owned by fellow Jordanhill residents Keith and Isobel Black, had a significant negative impact on daylight coming through to their property and garden.

The two parties had attempted to resolve the issue – with a warning sign appearing outside the properties claiming the hedge should not be trimmed.

However, a high hedge notice was issued by the Council after the Scottish Government Reporter was appointed.

An inspection of the site was carried out in January and it was ruled the Blacks’ beech tree must be reduced to no more than three metres in height and maintained at such a height.

If not, it would be required to be removed.

The Blacks appealed to the Government which amended the ruling after claiming an order to cut all of the trees to three metres was “excessive”.

The Blacks told the Government: “We do not believe our privacy has been considered or taken into account in this assessment and we feel that the order to cut all of these trees to 3m is excessive.

“Some of these trees are quite far back from their property. Our property and garden are situated so much lower than the surrounding properties that overlook us.

“The trees at the boundary fence between our two properties offer us some privacy from their kitchen and hall windows which look directly into the back of our house and garden.

“There are also squirrels that nest and live their lives in our trees and there are birds that build their nests every year.”

Responding to the appeal the Gossmans said: “Our back garden and side of our home is devoid of natural light.

“The fact is, they have allowed their hedges, trees and undergrowth to grow out of control and they refuse to maintain it.”

A decision was reached by Government reporter Malcolm Mahony on January 31.

Mr Mahony said: “Reducing the height of this tree, or removing it, would allow light to enter the rear garden, making an appreciable difference.”

Glasgow City Council’s notice states: “The council considers that this shadowing affects the garden area and windows of the property and diminishes the reasonable enjoyment of the applicant’s property.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers appointed a reporter to consider an appeal against the decision of Glasgow City Council to issue a high hedge notice at the site in question.

“After careful consideration of all the information submitted by the parties and an accompanied inspection of the site, the reporter issued a revised high hedge notice on January 31, 2025.”