A woman in Gourock, Inverclyde, who claimed that her neighbor’s tall trees obstructed her view of the Firth of Clyde from her garden terrace, has been unsuccessful in her attempt to have the trees cut down. Margaret Glancy, who retired to her forever home in the area, stated that the 32ft trees belonging to Eileen Docherty blocked light, hindered plant growth, and impeded her ability to dry clothes.

Glancy sought assistance from Inverclyde Council under high hedge regulations to have the trees reduced in height. However, the council rejected her request, leading her to appeal to the Scottish Government, which ultimately upheld the council’s decision.

In her appeal, Glancy emphasized that the tree canopy affected her property’s enjoyment, which she had purchased in 2018 for its picturesque view over the River Clyde. She expressed a desire for some of her view to be restored without infringing on anyone’s privacy. Glancy requested management of the tree offshoots rather than the removal of mature trees, highlighting the distressing and costly process she had undergone.

On the other hand, Docherty informed the government that Glancy’s concerns had been ongoing, with previous owners and neighbors also receiving requests to trim foliage. The council supported Docherty’s position, stating that the hedge did not significantly impact the property’s light exposure beyond reasonable expectations.

Government reporter Simon Bonsall ultimately ruled in favor of allowing the trees to remain, noting that the hedge did not substantially block light to Glancy’s house or garden. While Glancy sought a less obscured view to the northwest, it was determined that the hedge did not fully obstruct the outlook from all angles or throughout the year.