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.
Changes to qualifying period: Time to rethink probation periods?
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period is reducing from two years to six months. But the reality is that the new law will apply to all employees who have already accumulated at least six months of continuous employment by this date. This means that now is the right time for employers to be reviewing their employment contracts and rethinking strategies on probationary periods.
Proposals for reform of cohabitation rights on the death of a cohabitating partner
Georgia Sartin, a Solicitor in our Property and Contentious Probate Team explores the government’s recent open consultation ‘a fairer end to relationships’ published on 5 June 2026, , in respect of the proposals for reform for cohabitants in the intestacy framework and 1975 Act claims.
Changes to qualifying period: Time to rethink probation periods?
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period is reducing from two years to six months. But the reality is that the new law will apply to all employees who have already accumulated at least six months of continuous employment by this date. This means that now is the right time for employers to be reviewing their employment contracts and rethinking strategies on probationary periods.
Proposals for reform of cohabitation rights on the death of a cohabitating partner
Georgia Sartin, a Solicitor in our Property and Contentious Probate Team explores the government’s recent open consultation ‘a fairer end to relationships’ published on 5 June 2026, , in respect of the proposals for reform for cohabitants in the intestacy framework and 1975 Act claims.
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Who is accountable for maternity safety? The case for a maternity commissioner following the birth trauma inquiry.
The safety of maternity services in England has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, now, a national campaign has been launched for the appointment of a dedicated Maternity Commissioner.
What is the difference between a share sale and an asset sale?
When running a business, company founders and shareholders will inevitably, at one stage or another, want to consider potential succession options, the most prominent being an exit by way of trade sale. Hugo Persad, Trainee Solicitor in our Corporate Team provides an overview of what the difference is between a share sale and an asset sale.
UK GDPR Update: What the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 Means for Organisations
While several updates under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 came into force on 5 February 2026, the next key development for organisations is still to come. From 19 June 2026, organisations will be legally required to implement a formal complaint handling process for data protection matters. This is a significant shift, placing greater emphasis on resolving issues internally before they escalate to the regulator.
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Selling a Probate Property: A Guide for Executors
Acting as an Executor can feel daunting, especially if there is a property which needs to be sold as part of the estate administration process. If you have been appointed as an Executor and you are unsure where to begin, here are some key things to consider.
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Leathes Prior's Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team Secure Settlement for Client
Kate Smith (Senior Associate) and Kimberley Nelson (Paralegal) were instructed in relation to a workplace personal injury claim, and successfully secured a five-figure settled for the client.
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New Restrictions to Charitable Giving: What You Need to Know
Changes to UK tax law regarding charitable giving took effect from 6 April 2026. Following legislative amendments in the Finance Act 2025-26, the generous tax exemptions associated with charitable gifts - specifically Inheritance Tax (IHT) exemptions - will be restricted to gifts to UK-registered charities. Ejike Ndaiji, Partner in our Wills, Trusts, & Probate and Charities Team explains...
Employment Rights Act 2026: The New Trade Union Right Of Access - Will it matter?
The Government has now published its response to the “Make Work Pay: Trade Union Right of Access” consultation which means we are now one step closer to properly understanding what these new access rights really will be.
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Spring Statement 2026 - An Overview
With the Government having restricted itself to one fiscal event a year in the form of the Autumn Budget, the Spring Statement is perhaps not the dramatic moment it used to be. It is more a chance for the Government to respond to events and economic forecasts than to set policy for the future.
Charity of the Month: Sue Lambert Trust
Leathes Prior is delighted to be supporting the Sue Lambert Trust as our Charity of the Month for February 2026. Sue Lambert Trust is a leading charity in Norfolk offering free therapeutic counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
