The brief
What the client needed
A family in Sidcup approached us for basement extension under garden on a 1930s semi-detached property.
Constraints: respecting streetscape rhythm typical of Bexley, maintaining rear garden depth,
and meeting Bexley Council's design expectations for the conservation context (16 conservation
areas borough-wide).
Design response
How we designed it
Measured survey week 1. Three design iterations balancing internal layout against external massing
visible from neighbours. Two scheme massings tested against Bexley Council's adopted design guidance.
Chosen scheme matched existing roof pitch, used matching brick, set the new opening back from the eaves.
Planning route
Submission and decision
Submitted to Bexley Council via the Planning Portal. Permitted Development eligibility confirmed via parallel LDC.
Officer comments minor, addressed in 5 days. Approved with conditions.
Decision recorded Bexley Council, statutory determination period.
