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5.08.24
More Than 40% of London Homes at Risk of Subsidence by 2030
London Homes at Risk of Subsidence
More than 40% of London’s homes could be affected by subsidence by the end of the decade, a report commissioned by London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, found. Projections indicate that the number of properties in London likely to be affected by subsidence will rise from 20% in 1990 to 43% by 2030 and more than 50% by 2070. According to a British Geological Survey, climate change is making subsidence worse.
About the Report
Commissioned by Khan and conducted by former chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd, the London Climate Resilience Review is a 169-page report that makes 50 recommendations to help London increase climate resilience.
The report suggests that following significant flooding in 2021 and a 40°C heatwave in 2022, London and other UK towns and cities should prepare for the consequences of climate change. In particular, the hot and dry weather associated with climate change could leave many of London’s homes at risk of subsidence. As parched vegetation saps available water, soil can shrink, which could cause buildings to shift. London is particularly vulnerable due to its clay soil and densely packed homes, many of which were built before building regulations stipulated a foundation depth to help safeguard against subsoil shrinkage. Consequently, home and business owners must consider ways to protect their properties from the perils of subsidence.
The report delves deeper into the mechanisms of subsidence, explaining how changes in weather patterns exacerbate the issue. During prolonged dry spells, clay soils lose moisture and contract, leading to ground movement. This movement can cause significant structural damage to buildings, including cracks in walls, uneven floors, and, in severe cases, foundational failure. The interplay between climate change and subsidence is a growing concern as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Along with subsidence concerns, the report found that London is at significant risk of water shortages in the future, which would impact firefighting capabilities and further threaten London’s homes. Water scarcity could hinder efforts to combat fires, posing an additional risk to the structural integrity of buildings already compromised by subsidence. The dual threat of subsidence and water shortages underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate resilience strategies.
The London Climate Resilience Review emphasises the importance of proactive measures to mitigate these risks. Recommendations include enhancing urban green spaces to improve soil stability, implementing stricter building regulations for new constructions, and retrofitting existing buildings to withstand ground movement. The report also advocates for improved water management systems to ensure adequate supply during drought conditions.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns are suggested to educate homeowners and businesses about subsidence and encourage them to take preventative actions. Simple steps, such as maintaining proper drainage around properties and monitoring vegetation near building foundations, can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, property owning insurance policyholders should check their policy for subsidence cover, including the benefits and limitations, for adequate cover.
In conclusion, the findings of the London Climate Resilience Review highlight the pressing need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. With subsidence projected to affect more than 40% of homes by the end of the decade, and over 50% by 2070, it is imperative that London adopts robust strategies to safeguard its infrastructure. The recommendations provided in the report offer a comprehensive roadmap to enhance the city’s resilience, ensuring that London can withstand the impacts of a changing climate and protect the well-being of its residents.
“Climate change is one of the biggest dangers our capital faces, and its effects cannot be ignored,” Khan said following the report’s release. “It is essential that we invest in key sectors and prepare our public services so that London can continue to grow and thrive in the face of climate change, and the review provides clarity and direction on how to do this. We do not have a moment to waste.”
Contact us today for further guidance and robust insurance solutions to help mitigate the risk of subsidence.
Information provided by Zywave and contributed by Harrison Law, (Cert CII) Head of Commercial & Private Clients, Cox Mahon Ltd
Contains public sector information published by GOV.UK and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The content of this publication is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances or jurisdiction. It does not purport to be a comprehensive analysis of all matters relevant to its subject matter. The content should not, therefore, be regarded as constituting legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice from their own legal counsel. Further, the law may have changed since first publication and the reader is cautioned accordingly. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.