Japanese Knotweed Management Plans
“Once you find Japanese knotweed on a site, it is essential that you set up some form of Japanese knotweed management plan (KMP).”
(EA Knotweed Code of Practice 2006)
The Environment Agency are extremely keen to see Japanese Knotweed Management Plans become the norm on development sites and mention them extensively in their Code of Practice. In their first page summary they make the following recommendation:
“Designating a clerk of works to oversee the Japanese knotweed management plan is a good way of ensuring that contractors treat Japanese knotweed in an appropriate manner.”
This is good advice. Once Japanese Knotweed is disturbed by either plant machinery or personnel on site it becomes much more difficult to eradicate. To establish a plan prior to any site works being conducted will ensure each contractor employed on the project will understand their responsibilities in this regard. As a result, Japanese Knotweed treatment will be straightforward, properly scheduled and unlikely to escalate in cost.
A KMP also provides a valuable record of any Japanese Knotweed works conducted on site and should be given to any future owners of the site for their records. It can also be presented as evidence in the eventuality of any future dispute, as it will prove that the plant was properly considered and dealt with.
We can draw up a KMP and can also act as the designated clerk of works to administer the Plan throughout the development project. We will also provide our clients with Toolbox Talks to induct Site Managers and site personnel in Japanese Knotweed identification and best practice if required.
KMP’s for Residential Properties
Mortgage companies are becoming increasingly wary of providing mortgages for the purchase or sale of residential properties that have Japanese Knotweed growing within the property boundaries (or even on neighbouring land). We can provide a bound document incorporating a full site survey and a management plan of how the Japanese Knotweed should be treated (including knotweed on adjacent land if appropriate). This document, along with a commitment to implement the management plan, should allay the fears of the mortgage providers.