Mega-basements should not disturb Westminster streets

摘要

When it comes to basements, this week we have drawn a line in the sand, orto put it more accurately, the subterranean soil. Why? Well, first and foremost, it is time to take control of a planning situation that threatens to spiral out of control. The appetite for huge basements is on the increase and, as of now, planning authorities have limited power to decide what is appropriate and what is not. However, property developers need not fear. We have not suddenly become the basement police overnight. The purpose of new guidelines, followed by a thought-out, well-defined policy, is for us to make the rules clearer for people that live, work and build in Westminster.