“Until now, under common law, gardens have not generally benefited from rights to light which means it has been difficult to complain about over-sized hedges,” says Malcolm Poynter, partner at solicitors, Charles Lucas & Marshall.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act means you now have the right to complain to your local council if your neighbour’s hedge is affecting the use and enjoyment of your property – provided the hedge is at least two metres high and has two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs.

“High hedges can often cause friction between neighbours and it is good news that the law has been changed to help deal with the problem, added Malcolm Poynter.

“Boundary disputes are one of the most common causes of neighbours falling out and it is best to try to resolve issues amicably before resorting to the law.”