Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Landowners warned over knotweed risk
Harmful plant costs us £4.5m a year
A COMPANY is urging landowners to deal with Japanese knotweed.
The harmful plant grows up to 3m tall in summer and has spread unabated since its introduction to Europe in the mid 19th century.
It can grow through foundations of homes, cement and tarmac and costs the Assembly around £4.75million a year.
Arthur Cox property adviser Chris Milligan said: “The threat of Japanese knotweed is something landowners should be aware of.”
Two UK homeowners successfully took claims against Network Rail for allowing it to thrive.
Network Rail challenged the ruling at a hearing in June, but it was upheld by the Court of Appeal earlier this month.
Mr Milligan said while the safe removal of the weed represents a significant financial outlay, ignoring the issue is not viable.
He added: “The recent decision by the Court of Appeal of England and Wales serves as a stark reminder the problem cannot, and should not, be ignored.
“If a landowner is aware knotweed is present on their property it is vital positive steps are taken to demonstrate management or mitigation of the risk.
“Claimants may be able to obtain mandatory injunctions where the amenity value of land is diminished, even if there has not yet been physical damage.
“This could leave landowners with knotweed growing on their lands exposed to expensive litigation and costly liabilities for remediation.”
Cahal Carvill, of the
Arthur Cox environmental group, said: “It is recommended landowners commission a site survey to identify effective measures and document a plan for management of knotweed. Those seeking to remove it should proceed with caution as there are a number of factors to consider.
“Upon its removal knotweed becomes waste and should be dealt with under the Controlled Waste and Duty of Care Regulations.”