Bloor Homes Addresses Invasive Japanese Knotweed Issue at Rochford Housing Development Site

Officials from Bloor Homes, the company behind a much-debated new housing project in Rochford, have made a public statement addressing concerns about an infestation of Japanese knotweed at the proposed site.

Kings Hill Park, a noteworthy development on Ashigdon Road by Bloor Homes, is set to introduce an massive 662 residences to the area. The initial batch of 233 houses is slated for completion and market availability this summer. However, the project encountered a setback in March, when the construction site became infiltrated by Japanese knotweed.

In response to this environmental issue, Bloor Homes has initiated a rigorous three-year eradication program to contain and eliminate the invasive plant species, ensuring no recurrence.

In a statement, the company stated, "In March 2023, the knotweed specialists we employed successfully excavated and removed the vast majority of the Japanese knotweed at the development site. This initiative is not a one-off, the treatment area and overall site will undergo annual monitoring and, if necessary, subsequent treatments."

This extensive program is expected to continue until the site exhibits no signs of Japanese knotweed for three consecutive years. Once this milestone is achieved, a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee will be initiated, covering the treatment area.

Bloor Homes further clarified, "Should there be an unlikely occurrence of knotweed regrowth in the treatment area during the guarantee period, the contractor is committed to addressing the infestation at no extra cost, assuming the resurgence is linked to the original infestation and not influenced by external factors such as imported soils or illegal fly-tipping."

In a bid to reassure potential home buyers, Bloor Homes emphasised that they have adhered to the best industry practices and guidelines in the management of this invasive species. An insurance-backed guarantee is also in place, providing a safety net in the unlikely event that the original contractor ceases to trade and is unable to fulfill their guaranteed obligations.

Simon Wootton, Roche North and Rural councillor, voiced his support for Bloor Homes' efforts, saying, "Bloor Homes has communicated with councillors, including myself, assuring us they have taken all the necessary precautions. They have confirmed their commitment to dealing with the Japanese knotweed in line with the appropriate regulations.”