Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd

Advice for Developers with Japanese Knotweed Problems If you have or are buying land for development which is or has been subject to infestation by Japanese Knotweed, it is essential that you are aware of the risks posed by this invasive plant to avoid problems with resale or forward sales of units or houses being built within the recognised zone of influence i.e. development within 7 metres for built structures. Numerous options are available to you as recommended within the adopted code of practice. The cost of remediation should not be underestimated within appraisal. The guaranteed solution is to excavate infested soils and transport to a licensed landfill disposal point but this involves removal of large volumes of soil which has a severe financial implication including the taxation imposed by the Government who are committed to reducing carbon footprint. It is immediate but it is the most expensive option and often has a negative impact on land value. To mitigate these prohibitive costs there are alternative options available which are not exclusive to but include: 1) Cell burial 2) Screen out to reduce volume 3) Integrated movement and treat 4) Root barrier systems 5) Insitu treatment All of these options can be less expensive but all of them carry an element of risk. To mitigate against the impact of Japanese Knotweed the induction of an expert invasive weed specialist is essential. The PCA Invasive Weed Group is an independent trade body recognised by the RICS and the Council of Mortgage Lenders whereby member companies are vetted, audited and assessed and who can offer to you the option of 10 year insured guarantees. The most cost effective treatment programme is insitu treatment but it does have time constraints as follows: As a fully accredited business we can offer you the option of insured guarantees in support of our guarantee. We use the word option as we do not sell insurance and the insurance costs are net costs as it is against the law for Invasive Weed Group members to profit from insurance. We can offer a treatment programme which usually is a two year treatment followed by a two year monitoring period. If at the end of this period we are satisfied that no regrowth has occurred. It is unlikely that regrowth will take place in future years as the Japanese Knotweed will have been killed to such depth that the plant will have insufficient energy store to support growth to the surface. At this point IVM will issue a completion certificate and guarantee. What Happens Next? If the land is being developed, for example new home construction, excavation and ground disturbance will take place there is therefore a risk of disturbing Japanese Knotweed at depth and bringing to the surface which may cause possible regrowth. The process of excavation will invalidate the initial insured guarantee and IVM guarantee but! The problem is recognised by the PCA and our insurers Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd who permit the contractor to repeat the process by way of a policy with the owner of the new home whereby it is monitored for a further 2 years and the insurance policy is issued in the owner’s name as beneficiary. If growth does occur, treatment will be conducted followed by a further 2 year monitoring. The insured guarantee is assignable to successors in title without additional charge and will satisfy the large majority of lenders. Guide to Japanese Knotweed If you would like a free copy of our Guide to Japanese Knotweed email michael@i-v-m.co.uk to request one. Find us on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter @IVMLtd image 1 And Now the Good News! Detailed discussion between the PCA, the RICS and the mortgage lenders resulted in a 10 year insured guarantee option being available but only to accredited PCA members and removes one of the obstacles to obtain funding as well as assisting in future sales. The insured guarantees became available in November 2012. Key Benefits It removes an obstacle in obtaining a mortgage. Assists future sales. In simple terms it insures the contractor guarantee for 10 years. Mortgage lenders will take into consideration a range of factors as you know when offering mortgage approval. It should definitely assist if Japanese Knotweed is the only issue. image 2 Why Choose IVM? IVM offer tailor made eradication programs for Japanese knotweed, Giant Knotweed, Hybrid Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. All treatments undertaken by IVM are guaranteed. Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd (IVM) offer guaranteed eradication of Japanese Knotweed (JK) using the advanced IVM 'FAST' System, this system uses the latest application techniques and scientific research to ensure complete eradication of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Knotweed and Hybrid Knotweed. The company directors have 31 years combined experience in Japanese Knotweed Treatment & Invasive Vegetation Management between them. The company has a wealth of experience in the scientific treatment of invasive plants, and can tailor a treatment program to suit any construction program. We pride ourselves on their Health and Safety and Environmental awareness, with all operatives trained to high standards and being members of NRoSO, BASIS, Amenity Assured and the PCA.