latest update in case law - Japanese Knotweed

moneyistooshorttomention

It's chargeable to get the full gist of this - but....

https://www.propertylawuk.net/cgi-bin/pluk.py/article?PageRequest=monthlyupdatenuisance.html

re any JK that has come through from someone else's property infringing on one's "quiet enjoyment" of property if a neighbouring property allows this to come through onto one's own property.

Davesnave

It will be interesting to see what, if any effect this case has, even if we can't see it all now.

Meanwhile, there was a sobering article in this month's Country Gardener, reminding us that having laws is one thing, and getting them to work for us is another:

https://issuu.com/countrygardener/docs/devon_country_gardener_june_2017

P22.

moneyistooshorttomention

As you say Dave indeed - and, living in the part of the country I do, you can imagine the extra frustrations re the local authorities..:(:silenced:

EachPenny

Davesnave wrote: »

Meanwhile, there was a sobering article in this month's Country Gardener, reminding us that having laws is one thing, and getting them to work for us is another

Interesting article and a good example of how modern local government works. Unfortunately with stretched budgets many local authorities won't exercise enforcement powers unless of course they are enforcement powers which generate cash.

Making sure people are being good neighbours and citizens - dealing with 'things' in the garden, overflowing bins, hedges and trees overgrowing footways is low priority because it takes a lot of work and generates little or no income. Issuing parking and moving traffic penalties, and litter fines, on the other hand is top priority because if it is done correctly it generates oodles of cash. Not that I'm condoning those latter behaviours of course!

moneyistooshorttomention

This is what we're up against indeed - but imagine the frustration of watching non-existent money spent on other things because there is a law that says it must be if someone complains that it isn't. But then watching the same local authorities complaining there is no money for a necessity.

So - you get the message that local authorities will find the money for something if a few particularly vocal people threaten to "have the law on them" if they don't and/or local councillors personally want it themselves.

mysterymurdoch

I think you should stop worrying about JKW - it seems to be a bit of an obsession of yours! It's easily controllable, easy to contain and doesn't raze buildings to the ground despite what the Daily Fail tells you.

EachPenny

mysterymurdoch wrote: »

I think you should stop worrying about JKW - it seems to be a bit of an obsession of yours!

mysterymurdoch wrote: »

It's easily controllable, easy to contain...

Are we talking about the same JKW then? The fact it is so difficult to control and contain is what makes it the invasive weed property developers, local authorities, Network Rail, C&RT, riparian owners and others are most concerned about. If it could just be cut down like Giant Hogweed then most people would just be saying "What an attractive shrub, can I have a cutting please?".

mysterymurdoch wrote: »

...and doesn't raze buildings to the ground despite what the Daily Fail tells you.

People coming across JKW in an engineering environment are usually gobsmacked at the destructive power this plant has. I've dealt with it myself and have seen those effects first hand. Yes, it is unlikely that whole terraces of houses will crumble with no warning - but in a domestic setting once it is established nearby then you only have a limited amount of time before you will have a major financial problem on your hands.

cajef

EachPenny wrote: »

. I've dealt with it myself and have seen those effects first hand.
but in a domestic setting once it is established nearby then you only have a limited amount of time before you will have a major financial problem on your hands.

Cannot agree, more scaremongering, I have first hand experience of JKW in a domestic situation and providing it is treated properly and regularly using the correct available over the counter chemicals it can be eradicated.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5531656

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=71364894&postcount=13

Davesnave

cajef wrote: »

Cannot agree, more scaremongering, I have first hand experience of JKW in a domestic situation and providing it is treated properly and regularly using the correct available over the counter chemicals it can be eradicated.

Of course it can, but once a mortgage lender gets wind of it, you're in a different ball-game, especially in a domestic situation where several neighbours with less interest in control may have it.

They won't be interested in your DIY approach.

daveyjp

Davesnave wrote: »

Of course it can, but once a mortgage lender gets wind of it, you're in a different ball-game, especially in a domestic situation where several neighbours with less interest in control may have it.

They won't be interested in your DIY approach.

Too many people making money out of it and mortgage lenders who don't have a clue so take advice from those making money out of it!

As an example a 5 year 'insurance backed' treatment plan offered for £10-15k to secure a mortgage, when in reality it was treated for about £500 last year and this year may require one visit for which the contractor will charge no more than £100.

EachPenny

cajef wrote: »

Cannot agree, more scaremongering, I have first hand experience of JKW in a domestic situation and providing it is treated properly and regularly using the correct available over the counter chemicals it can be eradicated.

Yes, in three to four years the treated growth can be beaten into dormancy, but not necessarily eradicated. Even if you can treat the whole area of growth and make it dormant, you may still not have won the battle yet.

The issue, especially in urban areas, is being able to treat the whole area of growth. You can treat your garden, but what if the neighbours don't want to bother? You can treat everything in your garden, but you will achieve little if it simply ducks under the fence again and repeats the process.

There was a time where people would say things like "Cannot agree, more scaremongering" about asbestos - but I would much rather find asbestos on my property than JKW. Asbestos tends to stay where it is put, doesn't normally get bigger, and usually can be left alone without any concern. If you decide to get rid of it, it takes a few hours or days and it has gone, no trace left. JKW is the opposite in every respect.