Japanese Knotweed

A couple have just won what is described as a 'landmark' case.

The RHS website reminds us that Japanese knotweed is: 'A weed that spreads rapidly. In winter the plant dies back to ground level but by early summer the bamboo-like stems emerge from rhizomes deep underground to shoot to over 2.1m (7ft), suppressing all other plant growth. Eradication requires determination as it is very hard to remove by hand or eradicate with chemicals.'

We have reported on this plant before in these newsletters. The plant is considered to be sufficiently invasive and potentially damaging to property that a seller has to disclose the presence of the plant to a potential buyer on the Property Information Form when a property is being sold.

A couple have just won what is described as a 'landmark' case. They claimed that their home lost £50,000 in value due to their neighbour allowing Japanese knotweed to spread from her property to theirs.

The neighbour has been ordered to employ contractors over the next five years to remove the plant and to pay court costs.

The case is a reminder of the huge damage that this plant can potentially cause. 

Homeowners are reminded of the importance of identifying the plant and eradicating it properly and of the need to make full disclosure when they are selling a house.

If you would like to discuss this or any other property related issue, contact us.