Residents of Belgravia are up in arms over plans to excavate a £2 million mega-basement beneath a £20 million six-storey townhouse, fearing their own homes could 'implode' due to structural damage. The property, owned by an offshore company registered in the British Virgin Islands, already features a hair salon, wine cellar, sauna, steam room and cinema. The proposed development would add an underground gym and swimming pool.
Westminster Council rejected the plans last year, citing the 'excessive depth' of the excavation and risks to the historic terrace. However, the owners have appealed to the independent Planning Inspectorate, setting the stage for a final showdown. The early 19th-century property, built by renowned architect Thomas Cubitt, and a linked mews house would both undergo basement excavation.
Neighbours have lodged numerous objections, calling the project a 'gratuitous vanity construction' and questioning the necessity of a new wine cellar, subterranean gym and pool. One resident noted that Cubitt would not have installed an 'artificial lake' in the basement given the area's swampy soil. Others raised health concerns about construction dust and vehicle emissions affecting local families.
The owners, through their agent Rosspark Ltd, argue that the development is 'respectful of the existing building' and would have no adverse impact on structural stability. They claim basements with swimming pools are not uncommon in the area. The appeal is currently under consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.
