Policy information sourced from Hammersmith & Fulham Planning Guidance

BL2 Lightwells and basement excavation relating to listed buildings and lightwells in conservation areas

In the case of a listed building whose special interest would be harmed by the construction of a lightwell or basement excavation, such a development would almost always be unacceptable unless outweighed by public benefits.

Proposals for lightwells or basement excavation relating to listed buildings or their curtilage should be informed by an assessment of the significance of the designated heritage asset and the impact of the proposals on that significance, paying special attention to the type, period, character and setting of the listed building; its historic fabric, plan form, volume, floor to ceiling heights; and original spatial hierarchy within both the listed building and its curtilage.

Details of the method of construction and excavation; details of any temporary internal or external works required to facilitate the construction and excavation process such as the removal of spoil; and details of measures to protect the existing fabric during construction and excavation will be required with any application relating to a listed building or a building within its curtilage.

In some parts of some conservation areas, even the model lightwell designs included in Figure BL1 may be harmful, for example where the front garden is clearly visible from the street, or where there is no front boundary enclosure.

For more information please see the Hammersmith & Fulham Planning Guidance