Japanese Knotweed – down the root by Pritpal Chahal

It is a common question that is raised with a seller when they are selling their property; is the property affected by Japanese Knotweed? Most sellers will reply ‘No’ to this question without giving it a thought to thoroughly inspect within the boundaries of their property.

The facts

• Japanese Knotweed is a non-native invasive species of plant. This means that if the land beneath a building is affected by the plant, the plant can grow through the structure of the building causing significant damage.
• You could be fined up to £5,000 and sent to prison for up to 2 years if you allow contaminated soil or plant material to spread into the wild or prosecuted or given a community protection notice for causing a nuisance for allowing the plant to spread onto someone else’s property.
• It is difficult to remove Japanese Knotweed and can be treated in various ways. In brief you can:
  • Spray it with chemicals (this usually take 3 years and there are procedures which must be followed)
  • Bury it
  • Burn it

Please note: if your property is affected by Japanese Knotweed and you wish to treat the land to remove the plant, please ensure that you have thoroughly researched all avenues of its removal and are able to comply with all relevant Regulations and obtain the relevant Authorities consents. You are strongly advised to seek professional advice.

Our advice

Whether you are a buyer or a seller of a property, you are strongly advised to ensure that you have thoroughly checked within boundaries as to the existence of the plant.

If you require further information, please contact the Environment Agency.

References:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-japanese-knotweed-from-spreading

Contact Pritpal Chahal of Askews Legal LLP

Solicitors in Coventry

Askews Legal LLP – Solicitors Coventry.