kt wrote:
i don't mind him being able to look in as i'm sure we aren't that
interesting (!) and he seems like a nice old guy but unfortunately a
low hedge down the side means any passers by can see in to our garden
(as they're passing his) as we're raised up. there is definitely
history with previous owners as gardeners cut down a tree of ours as a
condition of sale.

all in all from the opinions you have given we'll gently suggest that
that the hedge on the side (towards the front where people can see) can
be higher and the hedge towards the rear (where only he can see) can be
lower ! a grand solution hopefully

That does, indeed, sound perfect. But why, I wonder does he want to be
able to do that? I would like to suggest that you are VERY careful
indeed as to what you agree. Please don't find yourself locked into
something which, over a few years, could become a burden to you. To
be very blunt, when your neighbour dies and new people buy his house,
you do not want to find you've entered into some kind of unspoken and
unwritten but neighbourly precedent. Clearly, you're concerned for
your neighbour's feelings - I would suggest that you check he is at
LEAST as concerned for yours.
You haven't said WHY he is so concerned to keep the hedge low. Has he
told you that there is a practical reason that relates to his garden?
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon