Question

I am considering a basement conversion. At the front of the building there is no light/window access except perhaps an old coal shute that has been concreted over with just a blocked up pipe sticking out which must be for ventilation. This is at street level. Could I get planning permission to dig down at the front of the building to put in windows? Other buildings in the street have fully separate access to basement flats in this space between the street and the front of the building.

Answer(s)

We are unable to say whether or not you could get planning permission as that will differ from Authority to Authority.

However, you mention that there was originally a coal shut which we assume would likely have had a trap door in which case you may be able to argue that you are in effect re-installing something that was previously permitted (The exception is that you wish to use a pavement light - which of course would need to be able to sustain pedestrian and possibly vehicle loading (Vehicles accessing the footpath).

If other properties have separate access that might make a precedence to allow you planning permission.