The owner of a £4 million Chelsea mansion has been issued a legal order to remove Japanese knotweed and address years of neglect. This action follows a petition from 46 neighbours who claim the property is making their homes unsellable and poses a health risk.

Neighbourhood Concerns Escalate

The property, located at 144 Ifield Road in west London, has become a significant source of distress for residents. They describe it as a ‘rotting’ and ‘rat-infested jungle’ due to extensive Japanese knotweed growth and prolonged neglect.

Invasive Species and Pest Problems

The core issue is the rampant spread of Japanese knotweed, an invasive species, which has grown to heights of 10 feet in the garden. This overgrowth has attracted a large rat population, as well as foxes. A leaking mains pipe has also created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing a nuisance for nearby residents.

Deteriorating Internal Conditions

The internal condition of the property is equally concerning, with reports of leaking drains that have created swamp-like conditions in parts of the house. Windows have been blacked out, and vegetation is growing into the house through broken panes.

Council Intervention and Legal Order

The situation reached a critical point when 46 neighbours signed a petition urging Kensington and Chelsea council to intervene. The petition highlighted the property’s history, including the discovery of a decomposing corpse in the basement several years ago, which prompted a police investigation.

At a recent council meeting, resident Nik Hoexter detailed the extent of the problems and their impact on the community. Despite an internal council report initially recommending no action, councillors voted to issue a Section 215 order.

Section 215 Order Issued

This legal order compels property owner Nicholas Halbritter to tidy up the land and building to address the negative impact on local amenity. Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi stated that “common sense must prevail” and that direct action was necessary to support the “long-suffering residents.”

Previous Scrutiny and Non-Compliance

Mr. Hoexter suggested the council utilize Section 219 of the Act to enter the property and undertake the work themselves, billing Mr. Halbritter for the costs. He noted that Mr. Halbritter, a former Conservative councillor, has been unresponsive to communication, with residents reporting he has “slammed the door in my face.”

Mr. Halbritter was previously investigated by the neighbouring borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, resulting in a Section 215 notice and prosecution for non-compliance. While the garden was cleared in 2017, the property has since relapsed into disrepair.

The Kensington and Chelsea council has confirmed it is proceeding with a new Section 215 notice and will follow legal procedures.