Does a beech hedge count as an 'evegreen hedge' under the Antisocial behaviour Law that you mention?
By Hollywood
United Kingdom 
The beech hedge was planted some 10 years ago by neighbours along our southern boundary and 3-4 ft in front of our living room windows. We were assured it would not get high. 2 sets of neighbours later and these people do not cut it regularly. It is over 12 ft in places and significantly shades the garden. they say they will cut it but only to about 6 ft rising to 7 or 8 . [ they want to keep the top of the hedge horizontal although the ground drops away.] I have offered to cut it for them for nothing and have asked if we can buy the strip in front of our windows but they have refused.
What can we do?
30 Sep, 2009
Answers
sadly its not evergreen nor does it get a plant 'asbo' . our boundary beech hedge was full height of trees and we finally got it brought down to 15ft. we cut it twice a year. we regularly cut the sides back to the boundary edge and that cetartainky keeps it 'reduced'. 6ft isnt too bad for a boundray hedge though. sorry not to be able to offer more help but all you can do is keep asking polietly for it to be reduced further.
30 Sep, 2009
Oh dear Hollywood, I feel for you but doubt there is much you can do... Talking nicely to the neighbours who own the hedge is your best bet. Obviously your house has been built far to near the boundary!
30 Sep, 2009
Unfortunately, we have no 'right to light' in the law. On a positive note, beech does make a lovely hedge - about the nicest there is in my opinion - and it won't suffer at all for being cut back hard. It is also not particularly fast growing compared with the alternatives. Maybe ask your neighbours when they intend to cut the hedge so that you can come and help out. Try to keep in their good books - there is nothing to be gained by falling out with them over it.
30 Sep, 2009
I don't think there's much you can do in this situation - Andrearichter's the one who could tell you what the law says on this, but alternatively, you could enquire at your local council to see what the bye laws say, at least, and ask them whether any new laws passed apply to this situation. Not sure what department at the council it'll be though.
30 Sep, 2009