• WITH basement excavations neighbouring houses should and must be consulted due to disruption and potential to affect the water table and possibly cause subsidence.

But recently there has been a significant increase – under the new general permitted development order – in building extensions up by adding extra floors. And full planning permission may not be required.

Where planning application notices are posted on works hoardings or street lights they can easily fall off. How can the process of how the community are advised be improved?

Large projects like HS2, for example, have statutory requirements that all affected areas of residents must get notices and a letter. It is good practice in any event to post advisory letters.

But in local planning it seems the currently accepted practice is to attach a letter to hoardings or lights and statutory notice is “served”. This is often inadequate. I believe properties affected should be notified by posted letter.

NIGEL RUMBLE, NW3