I am intrested in purchasing a house in London UK that i would like to
excavate the basement underneath the house in order to make it
habitable, according to the records there is a 'Network Rail' tunnel
about 20metrs underneath the house, i assume i need permission from
them, i started an inquiry but was told i had to go through the
engineering department which might take aseveral weeks and im worried
to loose the house by then. I would really like an indication of the
chance that i will be allowed to built that basement, other similar
situations might be helpfull

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Request for Question Clarification by answerfinder-ga on 09 Jul 2006 03:10 PDT

Sorry, I am a little unclear when you say 'excavate the basement'. Is
it already an existing basement which you wish enlarge or make
habitable? Or you want to build one?

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Request for Question Clarification by answerfinder-ga on 09 Jul 2006 03:25 PDT

Also, once I start reserach I may find that I will not be able to
report on this particular situation, would advice on what is required
in respect of the law (planning, building approval , etc.,) be an
answer to your question?

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Clarification of Question by nonamesleft-ga on 09 Jul 2006 04:52 PDT

'excavate the basement' - i actually meant to create another one from
nothing, thus excavating the earth an extra 3mtr, i know the rules in
respect of planning, the only issue here is that it is above 'net work
rail' tunnel so if it is a law refering directly to properties above
rail work then fine.

I am afraid that I cannot find anything on this. On inspection, the
Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not apply.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1996/1996040.htm
Perhaps you local council can advise when you submit your Building
Regulation application with your structural engineer's report.
answerfinder-ga

What you are talking about is incredibly dangerous.

Have you ever heard of 'underpinning'
- it is re-inforcing foundations

It sounds like you want to dig below foundations

"It sounds like you want to dig below foundations"
this is correct and it is very dangerous but this is what happens when
demand exceeds supply, i have done it several times already.

In that case I would not give a toss about what is below.

Lighter weight does not cause a collapse

What I would do is be very careful digging down
- rather like digging a well, but puting the serious bits at the bottom

Acros and RSJs come to mind - an inner box construction.

20 metres is a joke.

My guess is that you have excavated cellars full of builders rubble before.