Commercial Site Survey

Author: Elle Walton
Location: Tysley
Size covered: 290 m2
Techniques: Commercial Site Survey

BACKGROUND

Knotweed Services (UK) Ltd were contacted by FI Facilities Management to organise a full site survey on a industrial site which is currently operating as a distribution centre for different haulage companies.

At time of call, we was informed that there was approximately 300m2 of Japanese Knotweed on and around the premises of Hay Hall Business Park.

The developers on site are hoping to continue with their scheduled plans of building new units. We have informed our client that their development plans are fine to continue as scheduled due to works taking place many metres away from all 4 zones of infestation. Some older buildings on site are also due to be demolished.

SITE SURVEYS

At time of survey, I identified 4 large zones of Japanese Knotweed which was located mainly on and within small distance of Hay Hall Business Park.

The Japanese Knotweed infestation is growing along an embankment in the rear corner of our clients site as well as several areas along 3 different boundaries: Network Rail, Birmingham City Council and neighbouring land (Owner Unknown). We are more than certain zone 1&2 and zone 3&4 are connected to 2 separate rhizome systems due to 1&2 being more than 7 meters away from zone 3&4.

If our clients infestation (Zone 3) is to be treated but the infestation on Birmingham City Council (zone 4) is left untreated, the Japanese Knotweed will keep returning. To ensure this will not be the case, we have strongly recommended our client either implements a shared 5 year herbicide treatment plan with Birmingham City Council to treat zone 3 and 4 (same rhizome system) or speak with all 3 parties to ensure all infected zones are treated and controlled under one management plan.

The infestation within the boundary of the industrial site has previously had a management plan in place for 2 years with a company called ‘Mitie’ and according to the client, they have reached the end of their treatment plan.

A full clearance of all dead canes and crown materials along our clients embankment and Network Rail’s boundary fence (where accessible) is recommended before any works are conducted. The clearance will require 2 technicians and should take no longer than 2 days (including the cut back of shrubbery to gain access to the infestation).

Knotweed Services have prepared a full report and quotation informing our client of our initial thoughts and recommendations and look forward to how they would like to proceed.

MAPPING

The mapping stage of our plans is crucial to identify the location of the infestation. This not only helps to indicate the proximity to boundaries/habitable space & outbuildings and the associated RICS classification, but also identifying the possible migration (7m buffer zone).

See Site Map below:

INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES (IBG’S)

The customer was provided with information regarding the IBG and went ahead with Knotweed Express Policy. A booklet was also provided to the customer regarding what the Express IBG covers.

WHAT IS GPI’S KNOTWEED EXPRESS IBG?

The general principle of our Knotweed Express IBG is simple. It will honour the terms of the written guarantee, originally issued to you by your contractor, where that contractor has ceased to trade and is, therefore, unable to meet their guarantee obligations by carrying out or meeting the costs of any re-treatment works that may be required during their written guarantee.