Westminster plans to ban big basement extensions

摘要

Westminster Council wants to ban huge basement extensions which its deputy leader says can resemble "the depths of a nuclear submarine". The borough's planners have seen a big rise in recent years in the number of applications for basement extensions. In 2008/09 the number stood at 79, before shooting up to 181 in 2011/12. Basement extensions are especially popular in areas with a high population of wealthy overseas buyers including Belgravia, May-fair, Knightsbridge, Marylebone and St John's Wood.