Japanese Knotweed & Community Protection Notices

Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd - March 2017 Newsletter Community Protection Notices New Home Office guidance now enables local councils and the police to issue Community Protection Notices against "indviduals who are acting unreasonably and who persistently or continually act in a way that has a determental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality" which includes Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weeds. This new Home Office guidance is designed to enforce control and to protect property owners from infestation spread from adjoining land i.e. more specific legislation. The guidance explains how Council officers or police can use community protection notices to “stop or prevent” people allowing growth of Japanese Knotweed if it is causing problems. It is important to understand that the public sector are not exempt from this guidance and local government and public sector land has the same obligations as private. Individuals who ignore control orders will have committed a criminal offence and can be fined up to £2,500.00, organisations could be fined up to £20,000.00. We hope that this will lead to improved collaboration between neighbours, local authorities and miscellaneous land owners where cross boundary issues have historically been difficult to resolve. Composite treatment programmes between all parties is the sensible way forward. What would we recommend? The first and obvious questions is “Do we need to control or do we prefer to eradicate?” Assuming the answer is to eradicate then as with most things seek professional advice but choose wisely. If you choose control then compare the cost of continuous control without defined outcome with the induction of professional expertise and peace of mind for at least 10 years. There is no singular solution to the problem, it is always dependent upon individual circumstances, usually dictated by other constraints from an infestation in a domestic garden through to a redevelopment programme which requires more immediate actions for the sale of land or a redevelopment proposal with a strict timetable for construction implementations. In the last twelve months we have dealt with a small single stand in a front garden through to a large infestation on a multi million superstore retail development. Experts within the Japanese Knotweed industry such as ourselves will be compliant with adopted code of practice and can offer options for eradication. What you need to be looking for should include: Expert site assessment. A follow up report and proposal in the form of a Japanese Knotweed management plan. The plan should include consideration of the options and an explanation as to how the recommended action was arrived at. The plan should include or be accompanied by costs or a programme of costs. If relevant to circumstances you should be offered an appropriate warranty for the work and the option of an insured guarantee. If you accept the Japanese Knotweed management plan and associated costs you should be offered a contract to agree the works with the Japanese Knotweed specialist. 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 removed by sender. image 1 Japanese Knotweed & Mortgages Invasive Vegetation Management & Treatment Ltd (IVM) can offer a 10 year insured guarantee on any Japanese Knotweed eradication. This guarantee is as a result of direct consultation with the RICS. Mortgage lenders will expect the presence of Japanese Knotweed to be noted on a residential valuation report. RICS red book guidance requires the valuer to indicate the presence of invasive vegetation. The RICS decided to consult with invasive weed experts and invited input from Japanese Knotweed companies throughout the UK. This resulted in a published information paper early in 2012. To offer this insurance you have to be audited, scrutinised and prove that your business has expertise, good financial standing, are using appropriately qualified staff, first class customer service and comply with all statutory regulations. When accredited you are also automatically part of the Government endorsed Trustmark Scheme. Now the good news! Detailed discussion with both the RICS and CML’s have convinced the insurance underwriters that companies accredited to such high standards were of minimal risk and a ten year insured guarantee would be available providing and in support of a 10 year guarantee by the contracting company. It removes one of the obstacles to obtain funding as well as assisting in future sales. Image removed by sender. 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.