Architect in Ealing | Loft Conversions, Extensions & Planning
RIBA-aligned architectural design, planning applications and structural engineering in Ealing and across London.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your project — we respond within 24 hours
Architect in Ealing — Award-Winning Design for the Queen of the Suburbs
Meta Description: Crown Architecture offers expert architectural services across LB Ealing — extensions, loft conversions and new builds in W5, W7, W13, UB1, UB2. RIBA chartered, 97% planning approval.
200+ Projects Completed | 97% Planning Approval Rate | RIBA Chartered | 5★ Google Reviews
Why Ealing Homeowners Choose Crown Architecture
Known as the “Queen of the Suburbs,” the London Borough of Ealing has long been celebrated for its elegant tree-lined avenues, its exceptional Victorian and Edwardian housing stock, and its enviable balance of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience. From the grand detached villas of Ealing Common and Haven Green (W5) to the terraced streets of Hanwell (W7) and the spacious semis of West Ealing (W13), the borough offers an unusually rich variety of architectural settings.
Ealing attracts homeowners who prize quality — whether that is the quality of the schools (the borough has some of the best-performing state and independent schools in west London), the green spaces (Ealing Common, Walpole Park, and the parklands along the River Brent), or the architecture itself. Increasingly, these homeowners choose to invest in their existing properties rather than moving, commissioning architects to design extensions, loft conversions, and whole-house refurbishments that unlock the full potential of Ealing’s outstanding housing stock.
Crown Architecture brings genuine local knowledge to every commission in Ealing. We understand the distinctive architecture of the borough — the large Edwardian detached houses in W5 and W13 with their generous plots, the late-Victorian terraces of Hanwell, and the more modest 1930s semis of Southall (UB1, UB2). We also understand the planning context: Ealing Council’s strong commitment to conservation area protection, its active Article 4 programme, and its detailed local plan policies.
Our Services in Ealing
Single-Storey and Double-Storey Extensions
Ealing’s generous residential plots — particularly in W5 and W13 — create excellent opportunities for rear and side extensions. We design extensions that respond to the character of the original building, using matching materials (London stock brick, slate, clay tiles) where appropriate, or introducing carefully considered contemporary elements where the planning context permits.
Loft Conversions
The large hip and gable roofs of Ealing’s Edwardian detached and semi-detached houses are ideal for conversion. A well-designed loft conversion with a rear dormer can add two bedrooms and a bathroom to an already-substantial family home. We handle the full loft conversion process, from structural assessment and planning submission through to Building Regulations and completion.
New Build Residential
Ealing’s mix of large plots, occasional infill sites, and backland development opportunities provides a productive context for new residential design. Crown Architecture’s new-build service is available across the borough, from modest single-dwellings to small residential schemes.
Full Refurbishment and Interior Architecture
Many of Ealing’s larger Victorian and Edwardian properties benefit from comprehensive remodelling — improving internal circulation, opening up ground floors, upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, and integrating smart home technologies. Our full-refurbishment service combines architectural and interior design expertise.
Planning in Ealing
London Borough of Ealing Planning Authority
All planning applications in LB Ealing are submitted via the Council’s online planning portal at pam.ealing.gov.uk. Ealing’s planning department processes applications under the NPPF, the London Plan (2021), and the Ealing Local Plan (Development Management DPD, adopted 2013, supplemented by the Ealing Development (Core) Strategy 2012).
Key local plan policies for residential projects include:
- Policy 7 — Design (Design and Accessible Environments)
- Policy 4.1 — Conservation of the Natural and Historic Environment
- Supplementary Planning Documents on Extensions and Alterations to Dwellings
Conservation Areas in Ealing
LB Ealing has over 35 conservation areas. The most significant for residential work include:
Ealing Common Conservation Area — Covering the avenues immediately adjacent to Ealing Common (W5), this is one of the borough’s most prestigious residential settings. Large Edwardian and Victorian detached houses sit in generous plots. Extensions must be sympathetic to the character of the original building and the streetscene. Pre-application advice is strongly recommended.
Walpole Conservation Area — Centred on the streets between Haven Green and Walpole Park, this area features some of Ealing’s finest late-Victorian and Edwardian villas. The conservation area appraisal sets detailed guidance on materials, fenestration, and scale. Article 4 Directions apply in parts of the area.
St Stephen’s Conservation Area — Located to the north of Ealing Broadway station, St Stephen’s encompasses a series of Victorian terraces and the striking St Stephen’s Church. A focus on material quality and period detailing is essential for any extension or alteration.
Pitshanger Conservation Area — Covering Pitshanger Lane and the surrounding residential streets, this area is characterised by a mix of Edwardian semis and 1920s–1930s properties. The conservation area appraisal emphasises the importance of the village character of Pitshanger Lane itself.
Hanwell Conservation Area — Covering central Hanwell (W7), including the historic streets around St Mary’s Church and the River Brent. Victorian terraces dominate. Extensions must respect the modest scale and fine-grained character.
Article 4 Directions in Ealing
LB Ealing operates Article 4 Directions across several conservation areas, including parts of Walpole, Ealing Common, and Pitshanger. These remove Permitted Development rights for a range of works including extensions, roof alterations, window replacements, and changes to boundary treatments. Crown Architecture identifies Article 4 status at the initial feasibility stage.
Planning Timelines
Standard householder planning applications in LB Ealing are typically determined within 8–10 weeks of validation. Conservation area applications, particularly those involving Article 4 properties or listed buildings, may take longer. Ealing’s planning team offers a pre-application advice service that Crown Architecture recommends for any complex or conservation-area project.
Popular Projects in Ealing
Double-Storey Side and Rear Extension — Culmington Road, W13
A spacious Edwardian detached house in West Ealing with a large side garage structure that the owners wished to convert and extend. Crown Architecture designed a double-storey extension — ground-floor family room and utility, first-floor master bedroom suite — that replaced the garage in matching London stock brick and slate, respecting the Edwardian character of the original house while providing a substantially improved interior layout. Planning consent was secured in 9 weeks from LB Ealing, outside the conservation area.
Rear Extension and Loft Conversion — Gordon Road, W5
A four-bedroom Edwardian semi-detached house in the Ealing Common Conservation Area. The owners wanted to add an open-plan kitchen-dining space and a loft bedroom. Crown Architecture engaged Ealing’s conservation officer through the pre-application process, designing a rear extension using reclaimed London stock brick and heritage rooflights, and a rear dormer in slate with a restrained contemporary interior. Full planning consent was granted at first submission. The project added approximately 55m² of new space.
Why Choose Crown Architecture?
- Deep knowledge of Ealing’s planning environment: We have extensive experience with LB Ealing’s conservation area policies, Article 4 Directions, and the Council’s design guidance.
- RIBA Chartered architects: All design work is led by RIBA-chartered professionals.
- 97% planning success rate: We invest heavily in pre-application engagement to maximise the likelihood of first-submission approval.
- Comprehensive service: From initial feasibility through planning, Building Regulations, and construction oversight.
- Transparent fees: Fixed-fee quotes with no hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions — Architect in Ealing
Q: Do I need planning permission to extend my house in Ealing?
A: Many extensions fall within Permitted Development rights, but Ealing has numerous conservation areas with Article 4 Directions that remove these rights. Crown Architecture assesses every property at the feasibility stage to confirm what permissions are required.
Q: What conservation areas are in Ealing?
A: Key conservation areas include Ealing Common, Walpole, St Stephen’s, Pitshanger, and Hanwell. Each has a character appraisal and specific design requirements. There are over 35 conservation areas in the borough in total.
Q: How long does planning take in LB Ealing?
A: Standard applications are typically determined within 8–10 weeks. Conservation area or listed building applications may take longer. We recommend pre-application advice for all conservation area projects.
Q: Can I extend my Edwardian house in W5 under permitted development?
A: If the property is within the Ealing Common or Walpole conservation areas, Article 4 Directions may remove your permitted development rights, requiring full planning permission. Outside conservation areas, Permitted Development typically applies, subject to size limits. We will confirm this at feasibility.
Q: What is special about Edwardian architecture in Ealing?
A: Ealing’s Edwardian housing — particularly in W5 and W13 — is characterised by generous proportions, decorative brick and terracotta detailing, substantial sash windows, and spacious plots. Extensions need to respect these qualities; Crown Architecture specialises in designing additions that complement the original without resorting to pastiche.
Q: How much does it cost to extend a house in Ealing?
A: Construction costs in Ealing typically range from £2,000–£3,500 per m² for a quality extension, depending on specification. Architectural fees are typically 7–12% of construction cost for a full service. Crown Architecture provides detailed fixed-fee quotations.
Q: Is there an Article 4 Direction on my property in Ealing?
A: Article 4 Directions affect properties in several of Ealing’s conservation areas. Crown Architecture checks Article 4 status — alongside conservation area designation, listed building status, and TPO trees — as a standard part of the initial feasibility assessment.
Q: What are the best value-adding projects for a West Ealing semi?
A: For a 1930s or Edwardian semi in W13, the strongest value-adding projects are typically a rear extension (ground floor), a loft conversion, or both. These can add a significant bedroom and living-space premium, particularly given Ealing’s strong family housing market.
Local Character — Ealing
Ealing has genuine claim to being London’s finest inner-suburb. The combination of Ealing Broadway’s excellent shopping and restaurants, the green expanses of Walpole Park (home to the Pitzhanger Manor Gallery) and Ealing Common, and the outstanding transport links — Elizabeth line, Central line, District line, and Great Western Main Line services at Ealing Broadway — makes the borough one of the most desirable addresses in west London.
Ealing Common (W5) has the grand scale of a garden suburb, with avenues of mature trees and large detached houses set back behind front gardens. Haven Green, immediately north of the station, is a picturesque village green surrounded by Victorian shops and cafes. West Ealing (W13) is more modest in scale but equally well-connected, and its high street is undergoing a welcome regeneration. Hanwell (W7), with its Victorian terraces and the open spaces of the Brent Valley, offers excellent value and a genuine community feel.
The Elizabeth line has transformed Ealing’s accessibility — journeys to Paddington take 8 minutes, and Liverpool Street is reached in 20. This has reinforced the borough’s appeal to City and Canary Wharf commuters, supporting strong property values and continued investment in residential improvement.
Client Testimonials
“Crown Architecture designed our extension on Grange Road, W5 and guided us through the Ealing Common conservation area process with complete confidence. The result is a stunning kitchen-diner that respects the original house perfectly.”
— Rachel and Simon D., Ealing Common
“We had three quotes before choosing Crown Architecture. They were the only firm that really understood the conservation area issues on our street in Pitshanger — and the only ones with a genuine track record in Ealing. Totally worth it.”
— Frances M., Pitshanger, W5
“Our rear extension and loft conversion on Uxbridge Road, W13 came in on time and on budget. Crown Architecture handled planning, the building regulations and the contractor. Seamless from start to finish.”
— The Sharma Family, West Ealing
Adjacent Areas We Cover
We also provide architectural services in neighbouring areas:
- Architect in Hammersmith & Fulham
- Architect in Hounslow
- Architect in Brent
- Architect in Hillingdon
- Architect in Richmond
Get in Touch
Ready to start your project in Ealing? Contact Crown Architecture today for a free initial consultation.
Phone: 07443 804841
Email: info@crownarchitecture.co.uk
Website: crownarchitecture.co.uk
We cover all areas of LB Ealing including Ealing (W5), Hanwell (W7), West Ealing (W13), Southall (UB1), and Norwood Green (UB2).