Loft conversion in Ealing

Strong on the Victorian and Edwardian stock of Hanwell, Acton and West Ealing under permitted development outside conservation areas. Inside a conservation area, dormer design is scrutinised through a full application. Building regulations always apply.

Strong on the Victorian and Edwardian stock of Hanwell, Acton and West Ealing; conservation areas scrutinise dormer design.

Rear dormers are a routine space-adder on unconstrained terrace and semi stock across the borough. In the conservation and garden-suburb areas, roof form is tightly controlled — rear-facing, well set-back dormers have a better record than box forms or front alterations. Six conservation areas carry further Article 4 restrictions on householder permitted development, so the address check matters even if you already know you are in a designated area.

Permitted development (GPDO Class B) allows roof enlargements up to 40m³ on terraced houses and 50m³ on semis and detached — enough for a substantial rear dormer — provided nothing projects beyond the roof plane of the principal elevation, materials are similar, and dormers sit back from the eaves. Class B is excluded in conservation areas.

In conservation areas the route is a full application, and roof form decides it: rear mansards with traditional slate and proportioned dormers have a strong record on Victorian terraces; box dormers and front-facing alterations are the classic refusals. Article 4 directions (Muswell Hill is the local example) pull roof works into planning control even where conservation policy alone might not.

Whatever the route, building regulations approval is always required — fire escape, stair geometry and floor structure — and a Lawful Development Certificate is cheap insurance on PD schemes.