Planning Permission in Ealing
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
Ealing — historically known as the 'Queen of the Suburbs' — is one of West London's most characterful boroughs, stretching from the grand Victorian villas of Ealing Broadway to the interwar estates of Greenford, the garden suburbs of Brentham and Hanger Hill, and the multicultural heart of Southall. The arrival of the Elizabeth Line in 2022, with five stations across the borough, has brought new development pressure and regeneration to the Uxbridge Road corridor, making an understanding of planning rules more important than ever for homeowners.
The London Borough of Ealing is the Local Planning Authority for most of the area (note: the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation handles planning in the North Acton/Park Royal area). The borough has 32 conservation areas — including nationally significant garden suburbs at Bedford Park, Brentham Garden Estate, and Hanger Hill — and 308 listed buildings (6 Grade I, 18 Grade II*, 284 Grade II). Importantly, Ealing has 7 Article 4 directions covering 6 conservation areas and a borough-wide HMO restriction, which remove several permitted development rights. Parts of the west and north of the borough lie within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
For homeowners planning extensions, loft conversions, or alterations, Ealing's planning approval rate of 85.2% is close to the national average of 86.9%. The council's SPD 4 (Residential Extensions) remains in force and provides detailed guidance on acceptable designs. Use our free PD checker to see what constraints apply to your specific property, especially if you are in one of the borough's garden suburb conservation areas where Article 4 restrictions apply.
Planning a project in Ealing? Start here.
Enter your address to check your permitted development rights, conservation area status, and Article 4 restrictions specific to Ealing.
Free check — no account required
What can I build in Ealing?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Yes — up to 3m (semi/terrace) or 4m (detached), or up to 6m/8m under prior notification | Planning permission if in one of Ealing's 32 conservation areas or above size limits | Planning permission in conservation areas, Green Belt, or Article 4 areas |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Possible — up to 3m depth, 7m from rear boundary, not in a conservation area | Planning permission if close to boundaries or in a conservation area | Planning permission in conservation areas, Green Belt, or above limits |
| Side extension | Possible — single storey only, max half the width of the original house | Planning permission if in a conservation area or two-storey | Planning permission for two-storey side extensions or in conservation areas |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Yes — within volume limits (40m³ terrace/semi, 50m³ detached) and not front-facing | Planning permission if in a conservation area — dormers are restricted | Planning permission in Article 4 areas (Bedford Park, Brentham, Hanger Hill) or conservation areas |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Usually — rooflights generally PD if flush-fitting and no higher than ridge | Planning permission if in Article 4 areas with roof restrictions (Churchfields, Hanger Hill) | Listed building consent if property is listed |
| Outbuilding / garden room | Usually — within height/size limits and not covering more than 50% of garden | Planning permission in conservation areas if over 10m² within 2m of boundary | Planning permission in Green Belt, conservation areas, or above GPDO limits |
| Solar panels | Usually — roof-mounted panels generally PD if not protruding more than 200mm | Planning permission if on principal/side elevation in a conservation area | Planning permission on listed buildings or in Article 4 areas |
| Dropped kerb / driveway | Only if using permeable materials or draining to garden, not more than 5m² | Planning permission if non-permeable materials and over 5m² | Separate highways consent from Ealing Council always required |
| Window replacement | Usually — like-for-like replacements generally PD outside conservation areas | Planning permission in conservation areas if changing materials or style | Planning permission in Article 4 CAs (Bedford Park, Brentham, Hanger Hill); listed building consent for listed properties |
| Garage conversion | Usually — internal changes generally don't need planning permission | Planning permission if external changes visible from a highway | Planning permission in Article 4 areas if affecting garage doors or external appearance |
This is general guidance based on Ealing's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Ealing
Permitted development rights in Ealing follow the standard national rules for most residential properties. However, these rights are significantly restricted in several important situations. Six conservation areas — Bedford Park, Brentham Garden Estate, Churchfields, Ealing Town Centre (The Grove), Hanger Hill Garden Estate, and Hanger Hill (Haymills) Estate — have Article 4 directions that remove additional PD rights beyond standard conservation area controls. In these areas, you may need planning permission for window and door replacements, painting external surfaces, roof alterations, porches, hardstandings, and satellite dishes. Additionally, a borough-wide HMO Article 4 direction (effective November 2025) removes the right to convert family homes to small HMOs without planning permission. Always check your specific constraints using our free PD checker before assuming you can build without permission.
What Ealing expects from your project
Ealing retains its SPD 4 (Residential Extensions) guidance, which provides detailed advice on acceptable designs for home extensions, including proportions, materials, and impact on neighbours. Key design policies from the Development Management DPD (2013) include Policy 7B (Design Amenity) and Policy 7C (Heritage). As a London borough, London Plan policies D3 and D4 also apply. Ealing's New Local Plan (2024–2039) was submitted for examination in November 2024 and is currently being reviewed by government inspectors — once adopted, it will replace the current Local Plan DPDs. Two adopted Neighbourhood Plans (Central Ealing 2017 and West Ealing 2018) also form part of the development plan with locally-specific policies.
Local design guidance
SPD 4: Residential Extensions
Adopted 2013Local Plan: Ealing Local Plan
The Ealing Local Plan was adopted in May 2022, replacing the Development (Core) Strategy (2012) and other DPDs. The borough contains several major regeneration areas including Southall, Acton and Park Royal. The London Plan (2021) also applies.
32 conservation areas
Ealing has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
Conservation areas in Ealing
32 designated conservation areas
Ealing's 32 conservation areas protect a remarkable range of architectural heritage across the borough. The most significant include Bedford Park (one of the world's first garden suburbs, shared with Hounslow), the Brentham Garden Estate (a pioneering co-partnership garden suburb from 1901–1915, one of the earliest in England), and the Hanger Hill Garden Estate (a distinctive 1930s Art Deco/Modernist suburb). Other notable areas include Ealing Green, Mount Park, Norwood Green (an ancient village green), and Mill Hill Park. In any conservation area, you need consent before demolishing buildings, carrying out tree works, or making most external alterations. Each conservation area has a character appraisal and management plan — check these before designing your project.
Article 4 directions in Ealing
7 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Ealing
There are 308 listed buildings in Ealing. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Ealing's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Ealing received 2,101 planning applications and decided 1,838 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 85.2% is below the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
Ealing's planning approval rate of 85.2% is close to the national average of 86.9% (year ending September 2025). The council made 1,838 planning decisions in the period, with 995 householder applications — one of the highest volumes in London. An impressive 98.4% of householder applications were decided within the 8-week target, and the delegation rate of 99.2% means nearly all decisions are made by planning officers. Ealing's Housing Delivery Test score of 84% means the council is delivering below its housing target, resulting in a 20% buffer requirement on its five-year land supply — though this has no direct impact on householder planning applications.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Ealing
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Ealing expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Ealing's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Ealing
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Ealing delivered 4,847 homes against a requirement of 5,750 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 84%. This is below the 85% threshold, which means Ealing must apply a 20% buffer when calculating its five-year housing land supply. This makes it harder for the council to demonstrate it has enough land allocated for housing, and if it cannot, planning policy carries less weight and the balance shifts in favour of granting permission. For homeowners, this can mean a more favourable climate for planning applications that involve new dwellings, such as building in your garden or converting outbuildings.
Lawful Development Certificates in Ealing
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Ealing that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Ealing decided 995 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 98.4% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Ealing
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Ealing's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Ealing must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
Check your permitted development rights
Find out instantly whether your project in Ealing needs planning permission.
FROM £39Permitted Development Certificate Report
Get a comprehensive report for your Lawful Development Certificate application.
£49Ealing Local Authority Report
Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Ealing.
Pre-application advice in Ealing
Ealing offers a pre-application advice service. The fee for householder pre-app advice is £300 inc VAT (verbal) or £372 inc VAT (with written advice). You can typically expect a response within Written advice within 10 working days of appointment.
Pre-app advice is worth paying for if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
Think your project might be permitted development?
Check in 2 minutes with our free tool — no sign-up needed.
Check your PD rights now →Ealing offers a tiered pre-application service. The householder tier (£300 verbal / £372 with written advice) covers householder applications, certificates of lawfulness, and basic extensions. An additional site visit costs £120 inc VAT. For larger schemes, fees range from £5,709 (minor) to £28,476 (strategic). Pre-app is strongly recommended in conservation areas and near listed buildings.
Planning fees and timelines in Ealing
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning application | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | 8 weeks |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | 8 weeks |
| Discharge of conditions (householder) | £145 | 8 weeks |
| Pre-application advice (householder verbal) | £300 inc VAT | 10 working days |
| Listed building consent | Free | 8 weeks |
| Section 73 variation of condition (householder) | £528 | 8 weeks |
| Tree works in conservation area | Free | 6 weeks |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Ealing and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Ealing
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Ealing is provided by Ealing Building Control. Both Building Notice and Full Plans routes are available. For Building Notice, the full charge is payable at submission. For Full Plans, 40% is payable on submission with the remainder due on first inspection. Full Plans applications are checked within 10 working days. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Building control contact
Contact Ealing Building Control at bcontrol@ealing.gov.uk for a fee quotation. Fees depend on the type and scale of work. VAT applies to all building control charges.
Ealing planning department
Your building project checklist for Ealing
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Ealing has 32 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Ealing has 7 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
Stay informed about planning in Ealing
Approval rate updates, Article 4 changes, and local planning tips — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.