Ealing earns its reputation as "Queen of the Suburbs" from streets like Brentham Garden Estate - one of the earliest co-operative garden suburbs in the world, built between 1901 and 1915, and now a conservation area with Article 4 controls. That mix of ambition and preservation runs through the borough, from the Edwardian parades along Ealing Broadway to the interwar semis that stretch west toward Northolt. Thirty conservation areas cover the places where that character is most valued.
If your property sits outside those areas, the national PD rules apply in full. Inside them, the picture changes. This page covers the local restrictions.
Ealing has 30 conservation areas, but the restrictions aren't uniform. Six of those areas have Article 4 directions imposing additional controls beyond the standard conservation area rules - meaning even replacing a window can need planning permission. In the other 24, the standard designated land restrictions apply: no roof extensions or side extensions under PD, but single storey rear extensions within the standard depth limits still qualify.
Conservation areas include Brentham Garden Estate, Haven Green, Ealing Green, Ealing Common, Ealing Town Centre, Hanwell, Northolt Village, and Perivale. Check your property using Ealing Council's conservation area map.
Six of Ealing's conservation areas have Article 4 directions imposing additional restrictions on development. This is a specific, limited number - the majority of conservation areas in Ealing rely on the standard designated land restrictions rather than additional Article 4 controls. Check the council's website for which six areas are covered.
For a general explanation of how Article 4 directions work, see our Article 4 guide.
Our free eligibility check identifies whether your property is in a conservation area or other designated area - the first thing to establish before planning any work.
Ealing's Edwardian terraces and semis - particularly in Ealing, Acton, and Hanwell - are among the most commonly extended housing types in west London. The typical project is a rear extension combined with a kitchen renovation, or a loft conversion on the generous Edwardian roofs. The Brentham Garden Estate is a notable exception - the Article 4 direction there restricts almost all external changes.
For the full national rules, see our guides on extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings.
Check your property at ealing.gov.uk. Submit planning applications through the Planning Portal. The current householder fee is £548.
Ealing-specific
Brentham Garden Estate has some of the strictest residential Article 4 controls in London. The estate's Arts and Crafts architecture is nationally significant, and the council expects any changes to respect the original design language. If you live on the estate, speak to the conservation officer before planning any external work.
Ealing's conservation areas were subject to a boundary review consultation in 2022-2024, with proposed changes to 21 existing areas and one new area at Northfields. Some boundaries may have changed since your property was last searched. Check the current boundaries on the council's interactive map.
PD Assessment Tool
Ealing has 30 conservation areas, six with additional Article 4 controls. The free eligibility check identifies which restrictions apply to your specific property. If it qualifies for PD, the full assessment checks every condition.
Free eligibility check. Full assessment £47.
Conservation area count verified against London Borough of Ealing's published records. National PD rules verified against the GPDO 2015 (as amended). Fees confirmed as of 1 April 2026. This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Local planning policies and Article 4 directions can change - always check the council's website for the most current information.
April 2026