Basement Addition Approved in the Green Belt
We’re pleased to share a recent planning success in Basildon, Essex, where we secured planning permission via a Variation of Condition to add a full basement to a new dwelling located in the Green Belt.
Original Consent: Infill Development in the Green Belt
The site initially gained planning permission for a single infill dwelling in the Green Belt, where national and local planning policy impose strict controls on new development.
During the original application process, the local planning authority resisted an overly large footprint and required reductions to ensure the dwelling would preserve the openness of the Green Belt.
Planning Strategy: Unlocking Space Through Variation of Condition
Despite earlier concerns over size, we developed a strategic planning approach to evolve the approved scheme. Through a Variation of Condition application, we were able to secure enhancements — introducing a full basement extension while retaining the same building height and footprint.
This approach demonstrates how carefully planned town planning services can unlock further development potential post-consent.
It also shows how extensions — including subterranean ones — can be delivered even in constrained policy environments like the Green Belt.
Key strategic benefits included:
Gaining a whole new floor of internal space without increasing above-ground volume
Avoiding harm to the openness of the Green Belt
Responding to evolving client needs through an efficient planning route
What Was Approved?
The approved variation of condition included a new basement level beneath the dwelling. The new basement delivers:
A large multi-use room
A plant room and storage
Car storage and a car lift
Crucially, the scheme preserves the original ridge and eaves heights. The overall massing, scale and appearance of the building remain unchanged from public views — a key consideration in securing planning permission in the Green Belt.
Expert Town Planning Services in Essex
This success story highlights the importance of expert town planning services and strategic sequencing in sensitive locations like Basildon’s Green Belt.
By gaining consent first for a compliant dwelling and then using a well-timed variation of condition, we were able to enhance the scheme significantly without breaching local or national planning policy.
If you're exploring planning permission for new development, basement extensions, or alterations in Basildon or elsewhere in Essex, our team can provide the strategic guidance you need.
