Claridge’s plans five-storey ‘iceberg’ basement

Iconic London hotel Claridge’s has submitted a planning application for a two storey roof extension and a five-storey “iceberg” basement, complete with a swimming pool, gym and wine store.

The application has been submitted to Westminster Council by The Maybourne Hotel Group, which owns the iconic hotel, and includes drawings for several subterranean features including a spa with treatment rooms, revamped staff quarters, a meeting room and conference centre and a wine cellar. It’s also been reported that the extension with feature an in-house chocolatier. While the two storey roof extension will allow for 40 more rooms and suites.

The ambitious plans follow previous proposals for a two-floor basement extension. However ground conditions meant that the plans needed to be extended to five storeys.

A spokesperson for Claridge’s 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.”

The group has argued that such an extension would allow for facilities that are expected of a modern five-star hotel. However the application comes after Westminster Council set up a “sub squad” to try and mediate the impact caused by excessive “iceberg” basement developments.

Of the squad, Councillor Robert Davis, deputy leader of the council 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.

“It is right that those who want to build basements should contribute to this new service, which will work to help mitigate the negative impacts.”

Celebrities to have criticised the explosion of such developments in the past include Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley and Brian May.

The hotel, which is home to Simon Rogan’s esteemed Michelin-starred restaurant Fera, was founded in 1812 as Mivart’s Hotel, becoming Claridge’s in 1854. The current grade II listed building opened in 1898 and was extended in the 1920s. If approved, this would be its biggest renovation project to date.

A decision on the application is expected by 21 November.