So, what is the impact of Japanese Knotweed on social housing? Japanese Knotweed has been a topic of concern for housing associations across the UK for a number of years. It was brought to the UK in the 19th century and it’s fast-growing nature and ease of cultivation made it a popular plant. However, over time its destructive nature was realised.
It is the legal responsibility of the housing association to adhere to laws and regulations regarding the management and control of Japanese Knotweed. Infact, Japanese Knotweed is classified as a controlled plant under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. While it is not illegal to have Japanese Knotweed on social housing, there are strict regulations in place to prevent its spread.
Therefore, housing associations must take proactive measures to ensure any Japanese Knotweed on their land is controlled and managed appropriately. As failure to do so can lead to prosecution and potential claims from any affected neighbouring properties.
If the tenant spots Japanese Knotweed they also have a responsibility to notify the Housing Association.
A major concern around Japanese Knotweed on social housing properties is the impact that knotweed can have on the value of a property. Infact the presence of Japanese knotweed within 7 meters of the property can result in mortgage lenders refusing to lend as well as a depreciation the property by an average of 10%.
It is essential for housing associations to seek advice from specialists, such as ourselves when dealing with Japanese Knotweed. With over 20 years of professional experience Japanese Knotweed Expert are able to provide a tailored management plan in line with legal requirements and best practices.
We have a 100% success rate in remediating Japanese Knotweed. Japanese Knotweed Expert have worked with a number of housing associations in the eradication of Japanese Knotweed. These are the most common management strategies that we provide to reduce the impact of Japanese Knotweed on social housing:
1. Herbicide Treatment – This is the most common and preferred treatment for Japanese Knotweed. We treat the invasive weed by spraying and/or injecting it with a systemic translocating herbicide which is significantly stronger than herbicides available to the public. This will be applied as per your treatment plan with multiple applications over several seasons.
2. Excavation – This is usually carried out in the event that there is not enough time to treat with herbicide treatments. We excavate the Japanese Knotweed and remove the affected soil, ensuring the complete elimination.
Both of these methods will lead to a successful treatment and thus removal of Japanese Knotweed from housing developments.
Are you worried about the impact of Japanese Knotweed on social housing? Here, at Japanese Knotweed Expert, our surveyors are PCA Certified. For more information, get in touch by calling us on 01782 479 444 or by emailing us at [email protected].
All of our management plans come with a 10-year insurance backed guarantee, in line with industry standard.
Have you found Japanese knotweed on your property? Not sure if you are able to make a claim? Who is legally responsible?
If you need help identifying Japanese knotweed, you first must know that it will look different depending on the current season.
See what treatment options are available for residential properties.
If you think that your neighbour has Japanese knotweed, and may potential spread to your garden, here is a step-by-step guide for tips on what to do next.
If you can't find an answer to your question, call and speak to a member of our team.
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