Ealing

London·E09000009·Data: 2025 Q1-Q4

Average

Performance rating out of 100, based on approval rate, decision speed and appeal outcomes

Ealing Council covers a large area of West London and takes a reasonably positive approach to householder planning applications. With an approval rate of 89%, the council is generally supportive of homeowners making changes to their properties, though you should be prepared for a longer wait than the standard 8-week target.

Approval Rate

89%

of householder applications approved

Decided Within 8 Weeks

41%

meet the statutory target

Appeal Overturn Rate

19%

of refusals overturned on appeal

What to Expect

When you submit a planning application to Ealing, there's a strong chance it will be approved, as the council approves around 89% of householder applications. However, you should be aware that only 41% of decisions are made within the standard 8-week timeframe, so you may need to wait longer than this. The council is generally supportive, but patience and realistic timescales will help you plan ahead effectively.

Local Planning Considerations

Ealing has several conservation areas where stricter rules apply to what you can do to your home's exterior, so check whether your property is in one before you apply. The area also includes parts of the Green Belt, where building and major changes are generally more restricted, so it's worth checking your property's designation early on.

Tips for Homeowners

Make sure your application is as complete and detailed as possible from the start, as this can help speed up the decision process and reduce the chance of requests for more information. If your property is in a conservation area, involve the council's conservation team early in your planning, as they can give you helpful advice about what will and won't be acceptable. Give yourself plenty of time before you need a decision, as Ealing tends to work more slowly than the 8-week target, and building in extra weeks will reduce your stress. If your application is refused, remember that nearly 1 in 5 refused applications succeed on appeal, so it may be worth exploring this option with professional advice if you believe your scheme is reasonable.

About the performance rating: The score out of 100 is calculated from three factors: householder application approval rate (up to 40 points), the percentage of decisions made within the 8-week statutory target (up to 30 points), and the appeal overturn rate, where a lower rate means the authority makes sound decisions that hold up on appeal (up to 20 points). A further 10 points are available for data completeness. Source: MHCLG PS2 planning statistics and Planning Inspectorate appeal decisions, 2025 Q1-Q4.

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