Legal action over 5ft hedge

[feelingonhedge]

I rent a council property, been a tenant almost 11 years with no issues until now. New housing officer has been, says our 5ft front hedge is too high and it needs cutting down to 4ft.
I’ve refused as 1, it’s always been this height since the day we moved in and 2, cutting it any shorter would likely kill it off. I gave my reasons, and she’s said in that case she’s taking legal action to repossess the house
AIBU to tell her to go ahead and see how far she gets? Or should I cut the hedge anyway to keep the peace? If the hedge does die, will she (or the council) have to pay to replace it as I’m simply taking orders?

I can picture her face now-“Sorry I’m not cutting the hedge, the neighbours like to have sex under it and they’ll lose their privacy.” Loved that thread!
I just tried to call the main office but surprise surprise, no answer. All these years and I don’t think they’ve ever picked up my calls but left a message so will dig deeper when I hear back from them and will update

Calls are all very well, but do ask them to clarify/confirm in writing (emails count for this, doesn't have to be a letter)

Yes. Write to her manager and ask her to confirm what she told you. Ask for a reply within 14days of the date of your email. Feel quite cross on your behalf.

What a load of shit. So sorry I don’t know any law about this but that cannot be right. There are so many tennents that create so many issues for their neighbours and are nightmares in other ways, why on earth would you have a go at someone for having a hedge that is within limits.

I hope you’re able to sort this out without creating to much hassle.

Bet they wouldn't be as quick to evict an anti social tenant who is causing havoc for everyone nearby them.

Contact your local Councillor and find out the rules and regs.

Or you could just, cut the hedge 🤔

Just checked and our local councils tenancy agreement states

Maybe the HO needs a tape measure?

God what an arsehole threatening your home over a hedge. Honestly these people think they're doing you such a charity 'allowing' you to be housed and they think they can treat you like shit.
Saying that I wouldn't fight her, I'd just cut the hedge.

Agree, put everything in email and take pics etc. Ask for the clauses/ bylaws that specify the 'rule' she is referring to etc, and that other neighbours are also being treated the same way. CC anyone and everyone!

I can't see a judge evicting you for this but equally I wouldn't want it to get that far.

I read a similar thread a few weeks ago where eviction was threatened for something ridicuous with gardenng and the housing officer was nit-picking and making threats on a weekly basis. I don't know if the was a hidden aganda or if it was a typical nasty jobsworths you unfortunately can get in positions like this. Its is astonishing that they think they could get away with it these days, but idiots just cant help themselves.

Hope she just pulls her head in and buggers off.