Portfolio Assessment

Richard Newis June 2, 2020 Case Studies, News

Given the increase in claims of Japanese knotweed (knotweed) encroachment and commercial investors, especially institution investors, are deterred from purchasing properties affected by knotweed, it is prudent for property portfolio holders to understand the risk presented by non-native invasive species (INNS).  Richard Newis of AJK has undertaken pre-acquisition due diligence reporting on behalf of some of the UK’s largest property portfolio holders and reviewed the risk to existing assets, from single sites, through to significant property portfolios such as Translink and Ulster Bus in Northern Ireland.

Knotweed Encroachment

Richard Newis June 2, 2020 Case Studies, News

In recent years there has been a significant increase in claims for Japanese knotweed (knotweed) encroachment onto domestic properties and Richard Newis of AJK has provided expert witnesses reports to court, typically on behalf of defendants.  In the majority of cases we have encountered the claims of encroachment has been based on tenuous evidence, such as a recent project in West Wales.  The contractor advising the claimant had asserted that knotweed had encroached from the defendants land and based on this assertion the claimant employed the services of a solicitor to pursue a claim of over £40,000.  On undertaking a desk study of the impacted area and surveying both properties, it became apparent to AJK that the contractor’s assertions were based on little evidence and we provided our client with a comprehensive report to defend the claim.  Two weeks later our client was advised by the claimant’s solicitors that the claim would no longer be pursued.  If you are defending a claim of knotweed encroachment or misrepresentation during a property sale, which you believe to be incorrect, please feel free to contact AJK for advice.

Commercial Development – Norfolk

Richard Newis January 18, 2019 Case Studies

Sector: Commercial Development

Key Services: Survey, Tender Exercise & Project Management

Actions:

• Undertook a survey of the site for the extent of Japanese knotweed.
• Reviewed existing geo-environmental reporting and identified the risk of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM).
• Submitted a Japanese Knotweed Management Plan to discharge planning conditions.
• Procured and supervised contractor in the excavation of knotweed & coincidental NORM.

Results:

• Works undertaken on time and within budget.
• Works approved by both the Local Planning Authority and Radiological Protection Supervisor

Housing Development – Wrexham

Richard Newis February 14, 2017 Case Studies

Sector: Housing

Key Services: Survey & Contract Management

 Actions:

• Conducted a survey of the site for invasive species.
• Prepared alternative strategies to those presented by a specialist contractor.
• Tendered the client’s preferred strategy to six specialist contractors.
• Successfully negotiated planning approval of preferred strategy.

Results:

• Saving of over £100k to the Client.
• Works undertaken on programme and within budget.
• Local planning authority approval.

Site Acquisition – Bristol

Richard Newis May 18, 2015 Case Studies

• Conducted a survey of the site for invasive species.
• Identified additional risks to managing the identified Japanese Knotweed i.e. land contamination.
• Reviewed Client’s aspirations for the site if purchased from the vendor.
• Provided a fully costed Risk Overview Report on the site for managing the Japanese Knotweed identified.

• Client understood the required works to manage the Japanese Knotweed prior to purchasing the site.
• Client understood the commercial risk (£200k – £300k) prior to agreeing the purchase price for the site.