Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 April 2001. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 23 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what the terms of reference given to the Building Research Establishment and Tree Advice Trust are to develop an objective way of assessing the obstruction of light by hedges; when the report will be completed; and when it will be published. - Inc ref to draft guidelines issued by BRE, copies in Library (Dep 01/843).

Answer: Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the terms of reference given to the Building Research Establishment and Tree Advice Trust are to develop an objective way of assessing the obstruction of light by hedges; when the report will be completed; and when it will be published. [158469] Mr. Robert Ainsworth: The Building Research Establishment (BRE) and Tree Advice Trust have been asked to produce guidance on the impact of evergreen hedges on daylight and sunlight to buildings, and loss of sunlight to gardens; and to devise a method for calculating what height a hedge needs to be in order to alleviate any obstruction of light. Draft guidelines, including the proposed procedure for calculating hedge height, have recently been issued by BRE for limited consultation. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. These guidelines will be tested against a sample of problem hedges, and will be refined-- as necessary--in the light of the results of these field tests and the consultation. The final report on this project is due to be submitted to my Department at the end of July 2001.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 158469; 367 c69W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Anti-social behaviour Hedges and ditches Nuisance Lighting Building Research Establishment Tree Advice Trust
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk