Powers of entry
Section 18 – Power to enter neighbouring land
44.Subsection (1) gives local authorities the power to enter neighbouring land for the purpose of obtaining information required to consider an application for a high hedge notice, or required to consider the withdrawal or variation of a notice or for determining whether a high hedge notice has been complied with.
45.The Scottish Ministers and any person appointed to determine an appeal under section 15 have a similar power under subsection (2) for the purpose of obtaining information required in relation to an appeal.
46.The power to enter land includes a power to enter buildings (including houses) by virtue of the definition of “land” in the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, which includes buildings and other structures. This power may be used for entry where the building is occupied as a residence only if there is no other reasonably practicable means of access to the high hedge.