Garden parking 'causes flooding'

Londoners who pave over their front gardens contribute to flash flooding problems and remove wildlife habitats, a London Assembly member has warned.

Turning gardens into car spaces is on the rise in the English capital where road parking often requires permits.

Environment committee chairman Darren Johnson wants planning laws changed as he says the extra water run-off from hard surfaces puts pressure on drains.

The committee will discuss the issue at a meeting on Tuesday.

'Huge flash floods'

Mr Johnson told BBC News: "This is obviously having a huge effect in terms of the environment and loss of wildlife and loss of trees.

"But it is also causing particular problems in terms of flooding, because the more hard surfaces we have the more we get the run-off down to the drains causing the huge flash floods that we have seen recently."

He said although planning permission was needed for a drop kerb, paving could be put in place without it.

Environment groups and council representatives will offer advice at the meeting.