Are we about to see an increase in Japanese Knotweed claims?
Partner and Head of the Residential Property Team, Stephen Wilson looks in to the recent case of Davies v Bridgend County Borough Council.
In the recent case of Davies v Bridgend County Borough Council, the Court of Appeal ruled that compensation be granted for the reduction in the value of a property caused by Japanese Knotweed, despite the weed already being treated.
This is a landmark ruling, as it addresses the loss from the reduction in property value arising from the stigma of the spread of Japanese Knotweed and the ongoing nuisance it can cause rather than limiting damages to purely financial losses.
In pursuing Bridgend County Borough Council, Mr. Davies was able to recoup £4,900.00 in damages due to the previous presence of the weed preventing landscaping or building in the garden.
So what does this mean for homeowners?
Before this decision, if the value of property suffered as a result of the previous existence of Japanese Knotweed (i.e. post treatment), a homeowner would have no remedy. Now claims can be made for the reduction in value caused by a continued nuisance that remains after the treatment of the weed.
As a result, this ruling could well open the door for other homeowners invaded by the weed.
For further information, do feel free to contact our Property Teams at Leathes Prior by emailing info@leathesprior.co.uk.
Autumn Budget 2025: Agricultural Property Relief & Business Property Relief Changes
It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is expected to come into force tomorrow (18 December 2025)
After an extended period of back-and-forth amendments between Parliament and the House of Lords, on 16 December 2025, the ERB finally received approval from the House of Lords, with the formality of Royal Assent due to take place tomorrow (18 December 2025). Head of LP Employment, Dan Chapman, explains...
Autumn Budget 2025: Agricultural Property Relief & Business Property Relief Changes
It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is expected to come into force tomorrow (18 December 2025)
After an extended period of back-and-forth amendments between Parliament and the House of Lords, on 16 December 2025, the ERB finally received approval from the House of Lords, with the formality of Royal Assent due to take place tomorrow (18 December 2025). Head of LP Employment, Dan Chapman, explains...
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Leathes Prior’s Milan Pandit appointed President of the Norfolk & Norwich Law Society
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Not only is a Will one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected, but it also limits the likelihood of a claim/dispute following your death. To ensure your loved ones and the causes you care about benefit from your estate, a Will is essential to ensuring this happens. Find out more in this article.
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The highly anticipated Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to increase the time limits in which employees can bring an employment tribunal claim. Gareth Stevens & Rose Woolterton explain what this means for employers & employees.
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Leathes Prior winners in nine categories in the prestigious Legal 500 Future Laywer Survey
We are thrilled to announce that the firm has placed once again in the Legal 500 Future Lawyer survey as No.1 in the UK for our Social Life; a ranking we have held in the survey for seven years out of the past nine years.
Jess’s Rule – New Guidelines for GPs
A new initiative is being rolled out across GP practices across England in the hope of preventing serious illnesses being missed by GPs where patients present with the same, or deteriorating, symptoms on multiple occasions. Kimberley Nelson in our Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team discusses new guidelines for GPs.
Leathes Prior are excited to announce that four Trainee Solicitors qualify at the firm
Leathes Prior is excited to announce that four of our amazing trainees, Eleanor Chapman, Maggie Berry, Alex Robinson, and Georgia Sartin, have successfully completed their training contracts and are now qualifying as Solicitors at the firm.
