Top hotel Claridge's wants to build 'super basement' five storeys deep

One of the UK's most luxurious hotels wants to build a five-storey "super basement" big enough to house a swimming pool, spa - and even its own chocolatier.

Popular celebrity haunt Claridge's plans to build an underground "iceberg" extension reportedly big enough to fit 20 houses in.

It is also planning to add an additional two storeys on the roof of the grade II listed building, to provide an additional 40 hotel rooms.

The Maybourne Group, who own the hotel, have already submitted a planning application to Westminster Council.

It comes as the local authority introduce a "subterranean squad" of basement nuisance busters aimed at limiting the impact these deep extensions have on local residents.

London's booming property market has seen a rise in the number of basement extensions in the capital in recent years.

But they are not popular with everyone and have been heavily criticised for the disruption the building work can cause local residents.

Brian May has been vocal in his dislike of basement extensions. Credit: PA Wire

Earlier this year, Brian May said he would leave Kensington because his neighbours' basement extensions are turning the area into a “hellhole”.

A spokesperson for Claridges said: "Claridge’s is excited about our future development plans to put in to place state of the art, sustainable technology and systems which will further enhance services for our guests, staff and neighbours, taking this iconic Mayfair hotel’s vision into the next century."

Westminster Council said they are committed to mitigating the disruption these extensions, for both commercial and residential buildings, have on locals.

Cllr Robert Davis, Westminster City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Built Environment, said: “We are sticking up for local residents, many of whom have found the explosion of basement development in recent years hellish.

“Westminster City Council supports the right kind of growth and is not against all basement development, but they must be carried out in a way that is considerate to local residents and the environment.”