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Dept of the Environment

Answer

Mr. Dafis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking in respect of the conclusions on page 51 of his Department's review of the potential effects of climate change in the United Kingdom in relating to subsidence risks to buildings. [40068] Mr. Clappison: My Department is considering the implications of the conclusions of the review of the potential impacts of climate change in the United Kingdom. The Building Regulations 1991 already require building to be constructed so that ground movement caused by swelling, shrinkage or freezing of the subsoil will not impair the stability of any part of the building. The potential for such ground movement depends on the nature of the soil and its response to changes in moisture content due to climatic conditions and/or the water demand of trees in the vicinity of the building. Guidance is available from relevant British standards, Institution of Structural Engineers, Building Research Establishment and National House Building Council standard, which generally recommend simple and inexpensive tests for assessing the soil properties and advise on the means of identifying and dealing with the problem, depending on the type of building construction. If buildings on shrinkable clay are constructed in accordance with this guidance, there should not be any significant increase in risk on account of an increase in the number of droughty summers and wetter winters. Insurance costs associated with swelling and shrinkable ground have generated significant costs related to past developments. However, increasing awareness of the problem and the provision of adequate foundations should enable new development to avoid these costs. My Department has already funded considerable research on the problem which provides the basis for guidance. In the light of that guidance and the existing building control system, directives are unlikely to be necessary but the research and is dissemination in order to increase awareness will be continues and will take into account amy impact that climate change may have on it.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

40068; 282 c803-4W;282 c801-2W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Climate Climate change Subsidence