Basement conversion and construction in Pimlico.

Belgravia · SW1 · Belgravia apartment, full refurbishmentCompleted work, photograph

In Pimlico, a new basement is rare. Lowering a lower ground floor, or using the vaults, is the usual work.

A Pimlico basement is usually already there.

July 2016: Basement permitted development removed citywide
1.8 metres: The most a vault may reach under the highway
SW1V: Stucco terraces, mostly flats

NU Projects is a design and build company in Fulham SW6, founded in 2010. We handle basement conversion and construction in Pimlico SW1V, under one contract. A new basement dig typically runs £500k to £900k. Converting an existing basement runs £180k to £300k. Call 020 7731 6841, and a budget estimate typically follows within seven days.

Pimlico was laid out as one estate, in the same era as Belgravia. Most of its stucco houses are now flats.

A fresh dig under a whole terrace house is rare here. Most owners hold one flat, not the building.

The realistic work is lowering an existing lower ground floor. Or bringing the pavement vaults into use.

Westminster’s Policy 50 allows one storey below the lowest original floor. Since July 2016, basement work needs planning citywide.

Vaults may reach up to 1.8 metres below the highway. At least 900mm must stay above them.

What the council allows in Pimlico.

Council: City of Westminster. Pimlico sits within the Pimlico Conservation Area.
Permission: A citywide Article 4 direction, since July 2016, removes basement permitted development.
Depth: Policy 50. One storey below the lowest original floor.
Vaults: Up to 1.8 metres below the highway. 900mm must stay above the vault.
Flood risk: Flood zones 2 and 3 need a site specific flood risk assessment.
The application: A structural methodology statement from a qualified engineer goes in with it.