Japanese Knotweed and other non-native invasive species are becoming an increasingly common problem. Japanese Knotweed can cause damage to property, blight sales and impact on valuations. It is expensive and difficult to get rid of and if not properly treated will just re-appear. Failure to dispose of it correctly can be a criminal offence and increasingly landowners are facing claims from neighbours who are be impacted by it.
We have recently been advising landowners of their liabilities, local authorities as to their responsibilities, neighbours who are impacted by Japanese Knotweed including claims against adjoining owners and potential purchasers of property impacted. With increasing awareness this is not an issue that is going to go away.