The Scottish Parliament is to be asked to review tough new laws aimed at tackling “hedge rage” problems between neighbours.
Fife Council’s executive committee has made the call a year on from the implementation of the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, which defined what a high hedge is and set out steps to resolve disputes.
In a report to the committee, Fife Council’s head of economy, planning and employability services, Robin Presswood, updated councillors on the processes approved by Fife Council on May 6 last year.
The committee was told Fife had processed 14 applications over the year, including two appeals for the same property. Across Scotland, 65 appeals had been lodged.
Giving a broad overview, Mr Presswood said: “It hasn’t been as bad as anticipated. There’s been a steady trickle of 14 over the year. There have been no significant challenges for us other than minor tweaks and polishes.
“Broadly, it has been a positive experience, a learning experience.”
Dunfermline South SNP councillor Brian Goodall asked if there is financial assistance available to householders who may want to pursue action but are not able to afford the application fee of £385.
Mr Presswood said there is no evidence of cost being an issue. Given that the minimum fee for a planning application is £401, he said costs are comparable.
But Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay Conservative councillor David Dempsey called for improved guidance to be made public. He said: “From the point of view of the council, this report is fine. But from the point of view of the public, this whole business is not that satisfactory.
“I realise the legislation has been set down and we are stuck with it but high hedges are a form of anti-social behaviour. If someone has a noise complaint or planning application row, we don’t expect to charge them £385 to make a complaint. There’s something not right in all this.”
Liberal Democrat Tay Bridgehead councillor Tim Brett said he is also concerned about fees. He suggested the Scottish Parliament should review this.
Labour Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor Gavin Yates agreed. He said: “This bit of legislation has been kicking about for 20 years. It needs some work, in my opinion.
“It was supposed to be cost-neutral to the council but the applications that have gone through have netted the council around £4,000. No way is that all we’ve spent when officers’ time is taken into consideration.”
Council leader David Ross said the council would formally approach the Scottish Parliament and ask for a review.