Tough new high hedge laws should be reviewed by the Scottish Parliament, according to Fife Council.
The local authority’s head of economy, planning and employability services, Robin Presswood, has written to local government Minister Alex Neil to query appeal decisions and the cost of operating the scheme.
The move comes after Fife Council’s executive committee called for a review 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.
Mr Presswood has asked the minister whether the Scottish Government intends to review the act and its implementation.
Fife councillors are concerned there is no single format for application assessment across Scotland.
Mr Presswood has queried whether 12 months’ experience of the system will lead to a national framework.
He also highlighted the fee regime, which requires local authorities to run the scheme at no cost to them, meaning fees vary considerably from council to council.
Fife Council’s executive committee has asked if the Scottish Government would consider imposing a national fee structure which might also offer a concession to those on low incomes.
Taybridgehead Fife councillor Tim Brett, who raised concerns about fees at the committee, said: “I am pleased that this issue has been taken up with the Scottish Government as it would be useful to review the way in which these new regulations are working.
“Having made this suggestion it will be interesting to see the response from Alex Neil MSP.
“I remain concerned at the high cost of £385 to make an application under the legislation, but it is encouraging that whilst there only 14 applications in the first year of operation in Fife, there were 37 informal discussions with other individuals who may have been considering this.
“It is clearly best for neighbours to try and resolve these issues without having to resort to the new legislation.”