Marc Davies was awarded £4,900 from Bridgend council in a landmark judgment on Japanese knotweed

A recent legal victory secured damages for a homeowner affected by Japanese knotweed, even after it had been treated.

 

It established that loss of property value due to its stigma can be recovered in addition to treatment costs.

 

Japanese knotweed can grow 3-4 metres and spread 7 metres horizontally underground in 10 weeks and can take five years to treat. 

 

It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and Network Rail has found itself as defendant in numerous cases.

 

Last month, another case saw a house seller ordered to pay £32,000 in damages plus legal costs for misrepresenting whether there was Japanese knotweed at the property. 

 

Surveyors have also been sued for professional negligence for failing to identify its presence.

 

The ruling is expected to inspire more claims related to the hazardous plant.