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Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced wide-ranging powers to tackle persistent nuisances and environmental issues affecting communities.
Japanese knotweed is one of the invasive plants that can fall within its scope due to its ability to spread, damage structures and diminish the use and enjoyment of land. While the Act does not explicitly name knotweed, the legislation provides authorities with the ability to intervene where its presence is causing harm or contributing to anti-social behaviour.
This page explains how the Act applies to Japanese knotweed, what enforcement powers local authorities and the police hold, and what landowners need to be aware of to avoid penalties.
When does knotweed fall under the Act?
Japanese knotweed becomes relevant to the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 when its presence or unmanaged spread meets the definition of conduct that is:
- having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality
- persistent or continuing
- unreasonable
If knotweed is spreading from unmanaged land, obstructing access, or affecting neighbouring homes or communal areas, a local authority may consider issuing a Community Protection Warning (CPW) or a Community Protection Notice (CPN).
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Community Protection Warnings
A CPW is the first formal step. It sets out the issue, what needs to be done and a timeframe for compliance. This may include requirements to:
- control or treat Japanese knotweed
- prevent further spread beyond the boundary
- provide evidence of professional management
- clear obstructed areas where the plant has taken hold
The warning allows the landowner to address the problem before further enforcement action is taken.
Community Protection Notices
If the warning is ignored or the actions are not completed, the authority may issue a CPN. This is a legally enforceable notice requiring the recipient to carry out specific remedial works. Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Breaching a Community Protection Notice can lead to:
- on-the-spot fines
- prosecution
- court-ordered remedial works which the local authority may undertake and charge back to the owner
- ongoing monitoring or revisits to confirm compliance
- CPNs can be issued to individuals, landlords, businesses, landowners and public bodies.
While rare, CPNs are issued – An example here from Bradford: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23641981.man-ordered-pay-2-600-failing-clear-japanese-knotweed/
And one from Bristol: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-46470898
Responsibilities and resources
Landowners
- Must ensure knotweed is controlled and does not cause a persistent nuisance
- Should take prompt action if knotweed is spreading or threatening neighbouring land
- Must comply with any warnings or notices issued under the Act
Local authorities and police
- Can issue CPWs and CPNs where knotweed is causing a detrimental impact
- May enforce compliance through prosecution or remedial action
- Can require evidence of treatment, management plans or professional intervention
Useful resources
How the Act differs from other knotweed legislation
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 focuses on behaviour and local impact rather than wildlife offences, waste disposal or plant control. Other laws relevant to knotweed include:
- Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Infrastructure Act 2015
- Planning legislation and local authority guidance
Where these laws focus on disposal, prevention of spread into the wild or impacts on development, the 2014 Act addresses the community impact of unmanaged knotweed.
Why professional treatment matters
Professional management can demonstrate compliance with a warning or notice and provide clear evidence of responsible action. A structured treatment plan may prevent enforcement altogether by showing that reasonable steps are being taken.
Environet provides surveys, management plans and control solutions that can support landowners in meeting statutory requirements. Early intervention reduces risk, prevents escalation and helps avoid costly legal consequences.
Japanese knotweed and the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 FAQ's
Yes. If Japanese knotweed is causing a persistent, detrimental impact on the local community, a local authority may issue a Community Protection Warning or Notice requiring the owner to take action.
A Community Protection Warning is the first step in enforcement under the Act. It outlines the issue, what the landowner must do to address it and the timeframe for compliance.
Ignoring a Community Protection Notice is a criminal offence. Penalties can include fines, prosecution and court-ordered remedial works, which the local authority may carry out and charge back to the owner.
No. The Act does not list Japanese knotweed by name, but the law can be used where unmanaged knotweed is contributing to anti-social behaviour by causing a detrimental effect on local quality of life.
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