24 September 2011

New basements for old houses

It's the latest thing, in some parts of London - houses that have already been expanded up into the loft and out into a conservatory are now adding on a new basement - which worries the neighbours.


There is now a petition on the Government website asking for the introduction of more rigorous legislation to try to restrict the number of extra basements being dug in our cities.  If you agree please click on the link and don't forget to validate your vote when the website sends you a confirmation email.

You can view the e-petition at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/17072
 
 
If this is close to your heart (or home!), do send this to as many people as possible and ask them to forward it on. 

(Image from here.)

3 comments:

Kit Lang said...

Not trying to be argumentative by asking this - here in Canada most houses have basements. Why is it a problem if your neighbour makes one?

Margaret Cooter said...

Here in UK most houses don't have a basement - I'm not sure of the construction method, something to do with little columns of bricks...
Anyway, in London especially, where the ground is "London clay", the disturbance of digging is feared to cause shifting that can have a very bad impact on neighbouring structures.
There's a lot of fear about, and some definite guidance on this would be useful!

Kit Lang said...

ah yes, that makes sense then! Now I understand your concern. Thanks for explaining.