Driveway conversions ''may cause subsidence''

Subsidence in your property may have been caused by turning your garden into an off-road parking spot and subsequently your property may become devalued, according to a report.

The British Geological Survey has studied the homes of 100,000 Londoners to find that destroying the permeability of areas around your home increases the chance of subsidence.

This is because nearby trees'' roots can no longer reach rain water and therefore have to start sucking the moisture from the soil. This rupture the foundations of homes and the problem is particularly acute among clay soils such as that found in the south-east of England.

Nikki Sellers, from a home insurance company called esure.com, said: "It is very appealing for homeowners in busy streets to create a bespoke parking space for their property."

However she warned that though these spaces may add value to your home, subsidence will immediately detract value. Home owners are encouraged to leave areas of open soil or flower beds when converting their gardens and to use permeable building materials.


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