The so-called ‘Spite-Hedges’ are becoming an increasingly tall feature of the Sydney. I’ve found that these tall hedges manage to block out the sun and the view. Right now, there’s nothing I can do about it. There apparently are no regulations when it comes to governing the height of hedges. There are governing rules for the height of building, for the height of walls, but nothing for the height of hedges. Luckily, when I visited a friend staying at a Luxury Sydney Hotel, he introduced me to some high ranking people in government.
They actually told me that they are currently reviewing this absurd anomaly. In 1998 the Law Reform Commission recommended that severe loss of sunlight or a view should be grounds for action under the Trees Act (Disputes Between Neighbors). Unfortunately, they told me, it seems that recommendation was ignored. But, they also told me not to give up hope because the Attorney General is currently reviewing this matter and accepting submissions until the end of February.
After my synchronistic meeting, it found one submission already lodged to the Attorney General was by a woman saying she designed and built her storey home about 15 years ago keeping in mind that she will receive the maximum winter sun. She put a large window in facing the north. But, that her northern neighbors have planted Leylandii trees forming a dense hedge which are currently higher than her the two storey unit and has completely blocked the winter sun. I managed to find a few more submission with similar complaints.
From what I read, it seems that many people grow hedges to spite their neighbors, often as revenge because they objected to a development application. They have purposely planted hedges that can grow as high as 30 meters. I do hope my neighbors will not be revengeful when they find out that I will submit to the AG about their ridiculously high hedges. Don’t get me wrong, the hedges are very beautiful, some are even artistically trimmed, but there needs to be a limit on their height.
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