HC Deb 22 November 2001 vol 375 c393W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what action the Government proposes to take in response to the final report of the Building Research Establishment and Tree Advice Trust on evergreen hedges; and if he will make a statement; [16413]

(2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the final report of the Building Research Establishment and Tree Advice Trust about evergreen hedges. [16414]

Ms Keeble

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) and Tree Advice Trust were commissioned by my Department to develop an objective method for assessing whether high evergreen hedges block too much daylight and sunlight to adjoining properties, and to provide guidance on hedge heights to alleviate these problems.

We expect to publish the final report of their work shortly and will ensure that copies are then placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

We will also be considering what is the best way of presenting this information to the public, so that people are encouraged to apply the formula to their problem hedge and to use the results to try to settle matters with their neighbours amicably.