Japanese knotweed has long been the worst enemy to those looking to buy and sell property in the UK, with its mere presence being enough to stop a sale dead in its tracks.
However, that could all be set to change in the near future, thanks to a pending parliamentary investigation in the works.
Parliament has urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to commission a new and potentially ground-breaking study on international approaches to Japanese knotweed.
“Overly Cautious”?
The news comes following a thorough examination of the latest Japanese knotweed research by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.
According to the examination conducted by the Committee, lenders overseas do not necessarily treat knotweed with the same degree of caution as they do domestically in the UK.
As a result of the study, the Committee voiced its concern that the UK approach was overly cautious and therefore unnecessarily damaging to homeowners and those looking to sell properties with Japanese knotweed.
Potential Impact
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has pitched the concept with the intent of using the results for further discussion and a subsequent more detailed report down the line.
Should the overall outcome confirm that the typical UK lender’s stance on Japanese knotweed is indeed “overly cautious”, it could potentially have a considerable impact on the property market as a result.
Suggestion Pending
Despite the prospective influence, such a study could have on the housing market and people’s attitudes to Japanese knotweed in general, it’s worth noting that the study has yet to be confirmed.
As of press time, the status of such an investigation is merely in the recommendation stage, with the Committee simply putting the concept forward to Defra as a suggestion.
As a result, ignoring Japanese knotweed and deeming it a non-issue as things stand is a not only a premature approach, it can also prove to be a short-sighted, risky and costly decision.
Knotweed Removal
Regardless of whether Japanese knotweed is ultimately deemed to be a serious issue or not, removal and treatment is undoubtedly the safest and smartest way to keep your property protected.
Horror stories of overrun gardens and infested landscapes are far from tall tales and we’ve seen first-hand just how devastating a Japanese knotweed infestation can be if left untreated.
At Taylor Weed Control, we have over 15 years of experience in the weed removal game and are fully equipped with the knowledge, expertise and tools of the trade necessary to rid your property of its unwanted garden guest, once and for all.
For more information on Japanese knotweed treatment or the variety of Japanese knotweed removal services at Taylor Weed Control, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2039 7554 or get in touch online for a FREE Japanese knotweed survey.
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