48% of London basement builds fail safety checks

Just a few months after RBKC claimed victory in its long-running war on mega-basements, Westminster has announced plans to tackle a so-called “underground epidemic” across central London.

Kensington & Chelsea planners have rejected proposals for a subterranean extension under an £8m Notting Hill house, after an outcry from celebrity neighbours.

Westminster Council's anti-iceberg rules came into effect this week, making it exceptionally difficult to create big-scale basement extensions in the borough.