A homeowner whose bungalow is towered over by Japanese knotweed on a railway line has won a four-year legal fight for compensation by Network Rail.
Robin Waistell claimed he was unable to sell because the rail body had ignored requests to tackle the invasive weed on the bank behind his home in Maesteg.
The case was seen as a likely test for homeowners whose property is blighted by knotweed on railway embankments.
Network Rail said it would be "reviewing the judgement in detail".
It is understood the rail infrastructure body was refused immediate leave to appeal against the ruling.
Network Rail faces potential legal costs running into six figures after losing the case in Cardiff bought by Mr Waistell and a neighbour.
Widower Mr Waistell, 70, had moved to the bungalow from Spain after his wife died.
He had hoped to return to the sun, but found his property sale stymied by the knotweed growing on adjacent Network Rail land and was asking for £60,000 compensation for loss of value.
If you have a Japanese Knotweed problem as a home owner, email us for some pragmatic advice and solution to treatment control that will not cost the earth.
Comments