Keywords
Citation
(2011), "Japanese knotweed in Scotland", Structural Survey, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2011.11029aab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Japanese knotweed in Scotland
Article Type: Newsbriefs From: Structural Survey, Volume 29, Issue 1
Keywords: Japanese knotweed, Buildings, Mortgages, Insurance
RICS Scotland has encouraging all chartered surveyors, home owners and developers to be on the alert for Japanese knotweed. For many chartered surveyors and property owners/developers alike, the words “Japanese knotweed” can cause a cold sweat. The plant is renowned for its invasive properties, being difficult to eradicate and, most importantly, that mortgage lenders and insurance companies will not cover a property known to have knotweed. The Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) makes it a criminal offence to spread Japanese knotweed and any excavated soil that is taken off site must be disposed of at a licensed landfill site. Placing cuttings or roots in normal rubbish bins or indeed compost heaps, breaches the Environmental Act (1990), which could lead to an unlimited fine.