Japanese Knotweed

I was discussing surveying matters with a friend a few days ago and thinking about the results of surveys. If a surveyor finds a major problem with a property, the chances are that finding the problem wasn’t really chance; it the result of years of training.

There is of course the temptation to dance a jig to celebrate the find. However, the owner of the property is unlikely to be dancing when they are told of the problem.

Over the last week I have visited a number of properties and two of them have either had Japanese Knotweed growing in the adjacent garden or in a field close by. Of course Knotweed is easier to see it is in flower.

For those who don’t know, Japanese Knotweed is highly invasive and there have been cases where Knotweed has come up inside houses and damaged them so badly that they are no longer saleable.

The full details of the dangers and legal implications are covered in SAVA Technical Bulletin April 2015 and I will gladly send copies to anyone who wants one.

The new Invasive Alien Species Regulation 2014 obliges land owners to manage invasive alien species such as Japanese Knotweed.

Part 4 of the new Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has also introduced community protection notices, which could be issued by local authorities or the police to force landowners to deal with Japanese knotweed. It allows fines of up to £20,000 to be imposed on companies that fail to tackle the problem. Individuals would also be forced to comply, or face a fine of up to £2,500.

Andrew R Williams & Associates Ltd

www.andrewrwilliams.co.uk

info@andrewrwilliams.co.uk

Widnes Warrington Chester Manchester Liverpool