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Anywhere from "looks like private land" to "stop the double decker buses looking in"
Edit: those are the 3rd party requirements.
I just want a nice border in really low quality clay soil
Grumpy_Git-
The neighbours are rather cheeky to demand a hedge I have to say, so if you even want to do something agree with the missus on what suits YOU TWO and take it from there.
"stop the double decker buses looking in" LOL so a 4 meter hedge then? That's not even allowed here without permission (max 2 meters)
Clay is actually very good for roses and Camellia and many other shrubs. Our whole area has heavy clay, dig in a bit of compost and it's all good. Geraniums/elephant ears and many plants here grow happily under hedges, along with primroses.
It might be worth finding out though why the beech died, if it is very waterlogged it will limit the plant choice.
I am not sure though you can please the neighbours with such vague requirements..is there mediation with the council where you live? As you might create something beautiful and they may still be on your back...
JWestland
Is there a height expectation?
Some Camellia and other shrubs grow pretty high. Perhaps there's a way to get some height and still have plants you like?