Basement in Ealing: Planning Permission Guide

What you need to know about basement extensions in Ealing — planning requirements, costs, and professional guidance.

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Basements in Ealing at a glance

97%

approved

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

Based on 91 decided applications in Ealing over 12 months (88 granted, 3 refused).

Ealing has over 30 conservation areas including Bedford Park — England's first garden suburb, with notoriously strict design controls — plus Ealing Common, Hanwell, Northfields, and Walpole. Listed building density is high in Bedford Park. Article 4 Directions restrict external changes in Bedford Park and other heritage areas, targeting window replacements and external alterations. The council's conservation enforcement is consistently active.

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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

Recent basement decisions in Ealing

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Granted

Minor repair works to the interior and exterior of the existing building, including remedial works to the eastern facade, foyer, and base…

W52026-03-19
Granted

Details of Ventilation Strategy Report pursuant to condition 17 of planning permission ref: 232955FUL dated 02/04/2024 for: Construction …

W52026-03-18
Permitted Development

Confirmation of implementation of planning permission ref: 244038VAR as granted on 17th April 2025 for: Minor Material Amendment (S.73) t…

UB52026-03-10
Granted

Details of airborne sound insulation testing and certification pursuant to condition 9 of planning permission ref: 192325FUL dated 10/09/…

W52026-03-04
Granted

Application for a Non-Material Amendment in (S96a) to amend condition 38 in relation to planning permission reference 243547FUL dated 13/…

UB22026-03-03

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

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Permitted Development Rules

Basement excavation requires a full planning application.

Basement excavation does not have permitted development rights under Part 1 of the GPDO. A full planning application is always required.

Typical Costs in London

Basements are among the most expensive home improvement projects. Costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, and access.

Basement extensionLondon

Cost per m²

£3,500£6,000

construction rate

Typical total

£100,000£250,000

Based on 25–50

Typically includes

ExcavationUnderpinningWaterproofingStructureElectricsPlumbingBasic finishes

Typically excludes

Planning application feeBuilding regs feeStructural engineerParty wall surveyorArchitect fees

Basement projects are complex and costs vary enormously depending on depth, ground conditions, waterproofing, and access. Professional advice is essential.

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Which Professionals Do You Need?

Basement projects are complex and always require specialist professional input — an architect, structural engineer, and usually a party wall surveyor.

You'll need an architect, a structural engineer, and a party wall surveyor for this project.

Architect / designerEssential

Basement projects are complex and require specialist architectural and structural design.

Typical fee: £5,000£15,000 (Full architectural service)

Structural engineerEssential

Basement excavation requires detailed structural engineering for underpinning, retaining walls, and waterproofing.

Typical fee: £2,000£5,000

Party wall surveyorEssential

Basement excavation almost always triggers the Party Wall Act due to work near neighbouring foundations.

Typical fee: £700£1,500 (per neighbour)

Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

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Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, basement applications receive additional scrutiny. The council will consider the impact on neighbouring properties and the character of the area.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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