The normalisation of single storey basements as the 21st century version of the loft conversion A report authored by Roger Burrows , Stephen Graham & Alexander from The School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape, Newcastle University, entitled ‘Bunkering down? The…
A basement conversion is usually where you convert an existing basement into a habitable area with a living space and facilities such as a kitchen, or as a utility space such as a garage or laundry room. The first question…
Whilst the headline is that people considering basement conversions in London are now finding it harder to get their plans approved, the reality is that with the guidance of specialists such as OLBC we can help ensure that plans are…
Victorian Society releases their annual list revealing Victorian and Edwardian buildings crying out to be saved. Marc Stchedroff, Managing Director for OLBC comments on the issues faced by these neglected buildings. “It is always sad to see such beautiful building…
Kensington Palace has sparked fury after being accused of bending the planning rules on two-storey iceberg basements. Marc Stchedroff, Managing Director for OLBC comments on the grand plans that will transform the heritage property: “Basements can be one of the…
Robert Beecham, a bubble bath tycoon who made his fortune after he secured the first Star Wars product licence in Europe in the 70s, has been given basement planning consent to create what is thought to be the biggest iceberg…
Central London basement conversions could be restricted if Westminster Council goes ahead with plans to follow in the footsteps of neighbouring local authority the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and restrict extensions to limit the size and depth of the…
Hampstead Garden Suburb have announced new stringent controls on residents wishing to apply for planning permission for their London basement conversions. Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, which is in charge of development applications in the conservation area, has said that basements…