Back
Get in Touch Menu

Knot again! Another knotweed liability case

30 September 2019

We are all aware of the potential liabilities that the dreaded Japanese knotweed may bring. This can range from civil liability to a neighbour, or even criminal liability if reasonable measures are not taken to control the invasive plant.

Recently, on behalf of several neighbouring owners, Bristol City Council prosecuted a residential property company under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime And Policing Act 2004, to force the company to address the detrimental effect of the knotweed.

The company was fined £18,000 by the court, plus costs, and was given 28 days in which to address the issue, as well as provide an action plan from a specialist company to tackle the problem.

Yet again, the Bristol City Council case demonstrates how it is vital for landowners to take a proactive approach to noticing and addressing knotweed, including having a strategy in place to halt its growth.

Generally, the best way to do this is to obtain specialist treatment from a professional, who will be able to give you an insurance-backed guarantee.

As always, if you need commercial and pragmatic legal advice, we’re here to help so please get in touch.

Contact us

Disclaimer: All legal information is correct at the time of publication but please be aware that laws may change over time. This article contains general legal information but should not be relied upon as legal advice. Please seek professional legal advice about your specific situation - contact us; we’d be delighted to help.
Contact
Alasdair Garbutt LLB (Hons)
Partner
Alasdair Garbutt
View profile
Related services
Share this article
Group 24 Created with Sketch.
Resources to help

Related articles

What could a ban on Upward Only Rent Reviews mean for commercial leasing?

Real estate

The government has introduced a bill proposing a ban on Upward Only Rent Reviews (UORRs) in new commercial leases. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, announced on 10 July…

Alasdair Garbutt LLB (Hons)
Partner

The key considerations when closing a charity

Real estate

While it may be a difficult decision to make, our charity and real estate expert outlines some important factors to consider when closing a charity. Closing a charity is rarely…

Charlotte Cowdell BA (Hons), LLB
Senior associate, solicitor

Pioneering tattoo charity MTA shares client experience

Corporate

After launching Paradise Tattoo Studio from a small, single room in Cheltenham, tattoo artist Tanya Buxton was keen to explore how tattooing could help and empower people, both physically and…

Willans
Solicitors
Contact us