There is a large infestation in Brodick on a site at Invercloy which is subject to a new planning application for upgrading of the existing petrol filling station and development of a showroom, shops and residential flats above.

The weed has the capacity to penetrate tarmac and paving and can invade watercourses. A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council (NAC) planning department told the Banner: ‘If Japanese Knotweed is present we regard the land as contaminated. The applicant would have to come forward with a scheme of remediation before planning could be considered.’

Bob Haddow of Arran Transport is the applicant but on Wednesday the Banner was told he was unavailable for comment having unfortunately sustained a broken arm earlier this week.

The large bamboo-like weed can be seen in most villages, particularly along beaches and is thought to be spread by the removal of soil from one site to another. In the past, fly-tipping and transportation of soil containing root fragments have been a major cause of spread.

It was introduced to the UK from Asia in the mid-19th century as an ornamental plant and the only part of Britain to be free of the pest is the Orkney Isles. The plant grows rapidly in Spring, as much as two centimetres a day, and can reach a height of three metres. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or otherwise encourage the growth of Japanese Knotweed.

The plant is particularly difficult to control and spray chemicals must be applied repeatedly and carefully where there is no risk of run-off to watercourses.

Ian Leader of Brodick lives opposite Brodick Bowling Green which is adjacent to the Invercloy site.

He pointed out that the plant was beginning to invade the perimeter hedge of the bowling green but said that Stevie Bunyan of NAC parks department which maintains the green was very much aware of the problem.

Last year the privet hedge was cut back drastically and it is not thought that knotweed will reach the bowling surface. Mr Leader said: ‘I am not against the filling station or low-cost housing on the site. It is a much better position than the current filling station at the pier. But this Japanese Knotweed must be controlled before any development.’

Discuss this story in the Arran Banner Community Forums.

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Discuss this story in the Arran Banner Community Forums.

View more images in the Gallery

• • • Back

Bookmark this

---