WASTELAND off King Street where an application has been lodged to build new homes is plagued with a weed which can destroy buildings.


The land which is located behind existing homes on King Street opposite St Mary’s R C Church has been targeted as an area for the development of new homes and an application was submitted by C & R Land and Developments on August 14 to build 24 dwellings on the site.


However, several claims have been made that the land contains the invasive weed known as Japanese Knotweed.


The weed is known to be a nightmare for homeowners due its history of demolishing houses by weakening the structure, and often reduces the value of property if found on the land.


David Anthony Sant, from King Street, Middlewich, was one of several residents who objected to the proposals due to the concerns over the Japanese Knotweed.


David said: “Over the last five or six years, all the residents along King Street have had letters from the owners of the field saying about this Japanese Knotweed.


“They spent thousands trying to treat it and tape went up all around the field saying do not cross because the area is being treated for Japanese Knotweed but then we got another letter saying they were having trouble treating it and the tape came down.


“Now the want to build houses there but this stuff is the most menacing weed in the country, it can grow up through buildings and completely destroy them.”


The weed is thought to be so invasive and difficult to kill that it is now a criminal offence to plant it, or otherwise cause it to grow in the wild.


The decision whether to grant permission for the application will be decided by the Cheshire East Planning Committee on Wednesday, October 22.