A HOMEOWNER has successfully recovered a substantial £15,000 for Japanese Knotweed encroachment from Network Rail owned land.

The homeowner from Stockton-On-Tees reached out to the Liverpool-based solicitor's Angelus Law, who specialise in Japanese Knotweed claims, were instructed by the homeowner who lives in Cotswold Crescent after he had been complaining to Network Rail for three years. After no response, the homeowner sought legal advice.

He had noticed the plant growing in his back garden at his property in Stockton-On-Tees, County Durham.  The plant which is renowned for causing structural damages and creating issues, causing interference with draining pipes and growing into small cracks or joints where it can expand and break them,

The plant is most commonly found near railway lines where it was traditionally used to support embankments. If the plant has encroached onto an individual’s land, then it is possible that they will be able to pursue the owner of the land where the plant has escaped from for damages.  Japanese Knotweed can cause major diminution of value to properties and can greatly affect an owner’s enjoyment of the property.   

In this particular case, the Japanese Knotweed had caused a diminution in the property value, damaged the homeowner’s enjoyment of the property and required treatment to eradication by an expert.  

Angelus Law entered settlement negotiations and recovered £15,000 for the homeowner in damages as well as an agreement that Network Rail would treat the Japanese Knotweed on their own land.

Angelus Law ensured that the appropriate expert opinion was obtained in relation to the required treatment of the Japanese Knotweed and the diminution in value caused to the property as a result of the Japanese Knotweed.  

Max Cosstick from Angelus Law, said: “We understand just how important an asset our client’s homes are to them.  We understand the importance of getting the right expert evidence in Japanese Knotweed cases and know how to present our client’s case to ensure they have the opportunity to recover as much as possible for the nuisance caused to them.”