Basement Extensions In London

Proposals to dig basements under existing buildings in built-up areas often meet much local opposition. This is especially so in Westminster City Council ("WCC") and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea ("RBKC"), where the number of basement applications, including many double and some triple basements, has risen dramatically. This increase may be due to the fact that some people want to avoid the cost and hassle involved in moving to larger premises, yet would still like to increase their available living accommodation (and where there is no possibility of increasing the building upwards or outwards, there is no option but to dig down). For some, a basement provides the chance to add a swimming pool, gym or a media room; and, for others, it provides an opportunity to increase the value of their investment property. The cost of underground construction is around twice as high as above ground construction, so there are far fewer basements appearing in the lower