Further to Minute 54 of the meeting of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee held 11^th November 2016, the Director of Neighbourhoods presented a report that informed Members on current practices and procedures for dealing with Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and other invasive weeds.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 outlined potential legal sanctions against a landowners permitting Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild. Under the 1990 Environmental Protection Act’s “Duty of Care” detailed potential legal sanctions against any person or organisation taking knotweed infested material (including soil) off site. In addition, there were also potential civil actions for nuisance if any landowner permits the spread of knotweed onto adjoining land owned by a third party.

In considering the report a Member asked if Section 106 Agreement monies could be used to eradicate such invasive species.

DECIDED – That (1) the report be noted;

                            (2) the Director of Economy be requested to consider the possibility of Section 106 Agreement monies being used to eradicate invasive plant species at appropriate locations.