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Overhanging vegetation encroaching onto footpaths / paths / highways – owner’s responsibility

HomeNews & Events/Overhanging vegetation encroaching onto footpaths / paths / highways – owner’s responsibility

We are very fortunate within the village of Hollingbourne to have such beautiful trees, hedges and parks, and residents who take much pride in their gardens.

However, sometimes the trees and hedges grow more than our expectations, and can start to encroach the footpaths, paths and roadways.  Overhanging branches can restrict pedestrians from walking safely, or force some vehicles to drive in the middle of the road to avoid hitting the trees.

Vegetation upon KCC land, is the responsibility of the KCC and can be reported via the link  Report a Fault 

If you are unsure whether the fault is on KCC or private land, it can also be reported upon the KCC website, who will do the investigating for you.

If you were reporting an overgrown hedge, for instance, you would look for this category on the website:

KCCreport a fault overgrown hedge

In the case of the vegetation growing from private land, the responsibility for its maintenance belongs to the land owner.  

If the boundary of your property borders the footway, then please be aware that:

  • the full width of the footway/pavement must be available for use by pedestrians.  This is especially important if they are trying to pass with buggies or wheelchairs. 
  • Also, there must be a minimum height clearance over the footway / pavement of 2.1metres/7 feet for any vegetation.

If the boundary of your property borders the carriageway, then please be aware that:

  • If you have vegetation that overhangs into the road, there must be a minimum height clearance of 5 metres /16 feet to accommodate buses and HGVs that may use the road.
  • If your property is rural, then vegetation should be 0.45 metres/1.5 feet behind the edge of the road and all signs need to be kept clear of foliage.

Also, we would ask that you pay special attention to your trees, hedges and vegetation if your property is on or near a junction, and/or inside the bend of the road, to maintain maximum visibility for road users and certain vehicles driving through the village.  It is necessary that the overgrowing plant life is cut back by the owners.

Thank you for all of your help in this matter.  Please contact the Parish Council if you should struggle to help in carrying out maintenance in these matters, and they can help you find the right assistance.

For advice from the KCC about this matter please click on the link Overhanging vegetation – Kent County Council