Japanese knotweed, the scourge of a number of home sellers and a well-known deal-breaker, may not be as harmful as previously thought.
A new report by the University of Leeds and engineering firm Aecom suggests it is relatively harmless with no evidence that it can grow through concrete, the Telegraph has reported.
Researchers studied 68 homes where knotweed was in situ. Dr Mark Fennell of Aecom said: “We found nothing to suggest that Japanese knotweed causes significant damage to buildings – even when it is growing in close proximity, and certainly no more damage than other species that are not subject to such strict lending policies.”
Some lenders will not lend on properties where there is knotweed within seven metres of the property. Others require there to be an approved specialist treatment plan, but the reality is that some purchasers are so frightened by the prospect of knotweed that the home is effectively blighted.
Estate agents routinely mention any presence of knotweed in property details, as omitting to do so could be a breach of Consumer Protection Regulations.
The Telegraph says that the report should help change people’s opinions of knotweed, but that will take time. Lenders are unlikely to change their requirements overnight.
Confusingly, the research follows hot on the heels of a court case where two home owners took on Network Rail over the spread of Japanese knotweed to their homes – and won.
Stephen Williams and Robin Waistell, of Maesteg, Wales, were each awarded £15,000 last year, but Network Rail appealed.
However, last week the Court of Appeal ruled that the men could keep the compensation.
Japanese knotweed was described as a “pernicious weed” and a “natural hazard” that landowners must keep under control or pay the price.
Network Rail said the ruling could trigger an avalanche of similar claims.
Great news if true, but I am sure I have seen videos and pictures of Japanese Knotweed growing through buildings, paving slabs and tarmac? Best do some further digging (if you will excuse the slight pun)!
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The trouble is that it is on the insurers and therefore mortgage lenders hate/tick box…and therefore becomes an issue. I have heard surveyors saying that railways are the worst route for the spreading of knotweed…there fore we need to demolish all towns and cities that have a line running through them to deal with this triffid of a building murderer 🙂 Did you know that Kew gardens actually have a cultivated knotweed exhibit in one of their lawns….it was an exotic import from those ancient botanists…maybe they should pull the glass house down too!
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I’m not sure which apocalyptic cause I would prefer, triffids, zombies or nuclear war…
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Who the hell is AECOM, I suppose you can get anyone to say anything if you pay them enough !
There have been innumerable publications and reports of the danger and seriousness of Japanese Knotweed and the
Environment Agency describe it as “indisputably the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant”. !
I think I’ll stick with the Environment Agency and all the numerous reports I’ve read over the years. Thanks.
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