A couple in Kensington who are looking to create a vast subterranean extension underneath two adjacent properties have been requested to pay a fee of more than £800,000 from Kensington Council.

The two underground floors, which are to include a swimming pool, spa, and treatment area beneath the home, will be around 900 square metres; the equivalent of eight average-sized new-build family homes.

Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows for Local Planning Authorities and persons interested in land to agree contributions as ‘Planning Agreements’ or ‘Planning Obligations’.

Kensington and Chelsea council requested a one-off fee of £825,000 when it granted planning permission for the large scale development last month under Section 106. This fee will go towards affordable housing elsewhere in the borough.

These payments are normally confined to large-scale commercial developments or housing estates, but it can be extended to wealthy homeowners.

Planning requests for basement conversions have increased dramatically throughout the UK in the last decade as an alternative to moving house.

Protectahome undertake a large number of basement conversions throughout the UK, offering bespoke design input, supervision and installation of waterproofing systems and guaranteed work, providing peace of mind.

All work is undertaken by specialist operatives and our waterproofing designs comply with the requirements of NHBC, Premier Guarantee and LABC warranty.

For more information on our basement conversion services, and to view some of our previous work, click here.