Farm 'looks like the Somme' after neighbour destroys hedge

The dispute began in January 2019 when Roger Hillier removed a 250 metre long ancient hedgerow which bordered the two properties overnight.

Its destruction has created a ditch which has caused flooding and damage to the edge of neighbour John Mills’ property.

Mr Mills claims his fence is beginning to fall into the ditch. (Image: John Mills)

Mr Mills, a rare breed sheep and pig farmer, said: “We’ve got what I can only describe as the Kennet and Avon canal running alongside our fence line because he has dug out the ditch.

“It’s like a World War One trench that he’s dug… it’s like the Somme. Because of how he’s dug it our fence is now falling into the ditch."

The hedgerow was on Mr Hillier’s property but was protected by Section 97 of the Environment Act 1995. Under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 it is illegal to remove protected hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority.

The council say permission was given for work to be done on Mr Hillier's drains. (Image: John Mills)

Mr Mills said his neighbour’s actions are damaging both the natural environment and the plans for his business.

He added: “We can’t sort that boundary out with a canal running alongside our fence line. He is preventing us from moving forward with our plantation.

“The hedgerow houses wildlife like bats and bird nests. We haven’t seen any barn owls or tawny owls since the hedge was ripped out… it’s devastating to the landscape and the local environment”.

Mr Hillier has been issued with a replanting order by the council, but this has been extended to the end of November, 2022, and Mr Mills says the replanting has still not been done.

Mr Mills says replanting has still not been completed (Image: John Mills)

Cabinet member for development management Nick Botterill maintained the work was carried out to replace outdated drainage pipes and that consent was provided for this project, provided Mr Hillier replanted the hedgerow.

He said: “We are aware that Mr Hillier removed the hedging in question to replace very old drainage pipes which run along the hedge line that were put there in the 1950s to alleviate flooding problems within the field.

“Mr Hiller contacted the council’s drainage department to obtain consent to replace the pipes and he was informed that the drainage work had to be completed and the hedge replanted by the end of November 2022.

“An officer will be revisiting the site shortly to assess the situation and take photographs. Consideration will then be given to the expediency of taking any further action if necessary”.

Mr Mills refuted the suggestion that permission was given for Mr Hillier to remove the hedgerow and insisted that it was not necessary as the pipes were installed without damage to the hedgerow.

He also claims that in November 2021 Mr Hillier caused significant damage to the side of the A342, which runs past the properties, by digging up a storm drain.

Mr Hillier dug up a storm drain over a year ago (Image: Newsquest)

This is reportedly causing the road surface to flood and water to run down the road into the village of Rowde.

Mr Mills added: “A year later the dangerous hole is unchanged… the council put a few signs and traffic cones out to warn motorists. It is outrageous.”

Cllr Botterill said: “The drainage work to the front of Mr Hilliers property has been stopped and we are awaiting a CCTV report to assess the impact of the works carried out on the drainage system.”

Mr Hillier was contacted for comment but declined to respond.