Residents in Queens Park, Kensal Rise and Kilburn have aired concerns about the underground developments

Council chiefs have launched a review into their approach to basement planning applications following concerns from resident.

Neighbours in Queens Park, Kensal Rise and Kilburn have complained that the construction work not only disturbs their lives but they fear it could cause structural damage to their homes.

They also believe it could have a negative impact on the look of nearby houses and the street.

There have been 94 applications for basements in Brent as a whole in the last five years, with a large majority concentrated in the south of the borough, including in conservation areas such as Queen’s park.

So far this year, 20 applications have been made.

Do date, the council has tended to give permission but limit the size of proposed basements and lightwells (for letting light into basements) as well as trying to make builders act responsibly by signing up to the Considerate Contractors’ scheme.

The review will look at how other boroughs deal with applications and what lessons can be learned.

Cllr George Crane, Brent Council’s lead member for regeneration and major projects, said: “People wanting to extend into their basements has continued to be a source of worry for people in the south of the borough for a number of years.

“Brent may not be suffering from the ‘Billionaires Basement’ syndrome that has been reported in the media but we need to make sure that neighbours’ interests are taken into account when people propose to extend their homes.”

The review is expected to be completed next spring.