Islington sets out plans to limit “mega-basements”

Residents and others have just a few more days to respond to Islington Council’s plans to limit the size of basement extensions and the impact these have on local areas.

Soaring property values have led to a steady increase in the number of planning applications for the excavation of large basements in Islington, with the number of planning applications containing basement developments rising from 41 to 62 between 2013 and 2014.

The council has published new draft planning guidelines, which propose to limit basement extensions from being more than double the ‘footprint’ of the original building or taking up 50 per cent or more of the garden – whichever is less – and to resist the excavation of so called ‘mega-basements’ (basements over one storey in height).

Planning permission applicants will be required to provide detailed information on issues including the impact the development would have on surrounding gardens and trees.

Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, Cllr James Murray, said:

“Islington has strong planning policies to make sure development in the borough is appropriate. We need to keep them up-to-date, and as an increasing number of residents have concerns about the excavation of these large basements, we need to set out the limits of what’s acceptable.”

The council’s formal consultation – launched on 10 July – will close on 4 September 2015. This and all supporting documents are available here or in hard copy from the Municipal Offices, 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm).

Responses can be submitted:
Online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/islingtonbasementdevelopmentSPD 

By email: LDF@islington.gov.uk  

In writing:  Freepost, RSEA-CUHA-YYAS, Planning Policy, Islington Council, 222 Upper Street, London N1 1XR

All comments should be received by Friday 4 September 2015.