Planning Application for Your Basement Conversion in London

Planning Application for Your Basement Conversion in London

The next step in your Basement Conversion process is to file for your planning application. Planning Permission differs in all boroughs of London. Some boroughs are more strict than others and clamp down on over-the-top basement conversions. Once your architectural plans are ready this step can be initiated. This important step will bring your dream basement conversion one step closer to reality.
Submitting Your Planning Application
The planning application process involves the following steps:
Complete Your Plans: Make sure all your basement conversion plans and designs are completed and ready to submit to the local council where you live.
Complete all Required Paperwork: Make sure you complete all paperwork for your basement conversion and ensure it adheres to local planning regulations in your London council.
Submit Your Application: File your planning application with a local planning office in your area. Your architect will give you all the required documents such as the plans, designs, and survey results. The application process can take up to 8 weeks from the date of submission. Within this time, the local planning officer may want to visit your property and have some questions too. They will point out any conditions required for planning consent to be approved.
Navigating the Planning Application Process

The planning application process might seem to you as a complex task however this is a very important step in getting your Basement Conversion in London. We at Basement Conversion London can handle all the planning and application process on your behalf from submission to addressing questions and any conditions raised by the local planning authority. We aim to make your Basement Conversion journey as stress-free as possible. Obtaining planning permission for your basement conversion is a significant step that brings you one step closer to the additional living space that you want to add to your London home.

Do I need Planning Permission?

Almost all Basement Conversions in London require planning permission, however, there could be some unusual circumstances where this may fall under permitted development (if you're lucky). Here are some of the permissions you will need before starting your project: Planning Permission, Building Control, Party Wall Agreement, Listed Building Consent, Highway Licence, Skip Licence, Parking Suspension, Streetsworks Licence, and Freeholder Consent.

Can Permission be Refused?

Yes, your basement can be refused if there is scope for "over-development" in the paperwork. The actual meaning of this can be different, for example, in The London Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames, they state it as " An overly large extensions above ground level can dominate a building. An extension below can be of an inappropriate scale.

Can you Build a Basement under Permitted Rights?

Yes, in some parts of London, you can convert your existing basements from a storage area into a living room. This can be done under Permitted development rights unless you reside in a conservation area or your property is a listed building. If you complete the basement conversion work under Permitted development, then you will need to apply for a lawful development certificate from your local authority. By doing this you can prove that your scheme met the requirements and did not need any planning permission. You can see the PD criteria on the UK government's planning portal but we highly recommend checking with your local council before you commence any sort of basement construction work in London.

Building Regulations for Basements - Your basement conversion project has to meet the building regulations in England and Wales for you to make it legally habitable. Some of the building regulations are, installing adequate levels of insulation, creating emergency escape routes, and having a minimum head height which is required for structural work such as steel beams. All structural work undertaken is inspected by the building inspector to ensure it will not have any impact on your house or your neighbor's properties.