Ealing
Planning & Building Contacts

Around 40 conservation areas protect Victorian and Edwardian suburbs. Ealing Studios (Grade II listed) is an active film production facility and its surroundings have been subject to significant planning scrutiny. Southall Waterside (Grand Union Canal) and Acton are major regeneration areas. The Grand Union Canal corridor has ecological and heritage designations. Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) stations at Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall are driving intensification in the immediate station catchments.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

Ealing Studios is the world's oldest working film studio complex and is Grade II listed. Pitzhanger Manor (Grade I, Sir John Soane) is the borough's most significant listed building - recently restored and open to the public. The Grand Union Canal's historic infrastructure is a significant linear heritage asset. Around 40 conservation areas include Ealing Green, Hanger Hill Garden Estate and Brentham Garden Suburb. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk in Ealing is associated with the Grand Union Canal, River Brent and Yeading Brook. Properties in Hanwell near the River Brent and Three Bridges area should be checked carefully. Surface water flooding is a risk across much of the densely developed urban area. The borough is Lead Local Flood Authority for ordinary watercourses.