Basement in City of London: Planning Permission Guide
What you need to know about basement extensions in City of London — planning requirements, costs, and professional guidance.
Based on 47 decided applications in City of London over 12 months (45 granted, 2 refused).
The City of London is almost entirely conservation area, with extensive listed building coverage reflecting centuries of heritage. Residential permitted development is extremely limited due to the dense mix of commercial and listed contexts. Any external alteration typically requires both full planning permission and listed building consent. The City Corporation maintains detailed design guidance for each conservation area.
Recent basement decisions in City of London
The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.
Internal refurbishment works to communal areas of existing office building at basement and ground levels and stair and lift cores, includ…
Internal alterations at basement level of Jamaica Wine House associated with refurbishment of customer bar areas and toilets.
The City of London Corporation has received a request for an EIA Scoping Opinion under Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (En…
Partial demolition, infill extension to the building at 5th floor fronting Smithfield Street, new facade to Smithfield Street, recladding…
Refurbishment and alterations to the existing building including: (i) remodelling to provide accessible main office entrance and receptio…
These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.
Check your address freePermitted Development Rules
Basement excavation requires a full planning application.
Basement excavation does not have permitted development rights under Part 1 of the GPDO. A full planning application is always required.
Typical Costs in London
Basements are among the most expensive home improvement projects. Costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, and access.
Cost per m²
construction rate
Typical total
Based on 25–50 m²
Typically includes
Typically excludes
Basement projects are complex and costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, waterproofing, and access. Professional advice is essential.
Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual basement dimensions.
Get my estimateWhich Professionals Do You Need?
Basement projects are complex and always require specialist professional input — an architect, structural engineer, and usually a party wall surveyor.
You'll need an architect, a structural engineer, and a party wall surveyor for this project.
Basement projects are complex and require specialist architectural and structural design.
Typical fee: £5,000–£15,000 (Full architectural service)
Basement excavation requires detailed structural engineering for underpinning, retaining walls, and waterproofing.
Typical fee: £2,000–£5,000
Basement excavation almost always triggers the Party Wall Act due to work near neighbouring foundations.
Typical fee: £700–£1,500 (per neighbour)
This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.
Find out exactly which professionals you need for your basement.
Get personalised guidanceConservation Areas & Listed Buildings
In conservation areas, basement applications receive additional scrutiny. The council will consider the impact on neighbouring properties and the character of the area.
Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.
Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.
Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.
Check my propertyFrequently Asked Questions
Just want a quick yes/no for your basement?
Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in City of London — your address, your constraints, your council's own recent decisions.
Free 2-min check