Planning permission has been granted to restore and transform world-class heritage attraction, Pitzhanger Manor (PM).

Ealing Council’s planning committee approved an application which included renovation work to the manor in Walpole Park , Mattock Lane, Ealing, when it met on February 19.

This includes the construction of a new café in the walled garden with improved pedestrian access from Ealing Green to the café, a conservatory extension at the back of the manor, installation of a roof lantern, and updated visitor facilities for the former library building which was converted into a gallery in the 1980s.

The Government’s National Planning Casework Unit will now have the final say on the Listed Building Consent approval.

In April 2012 PM was awarded a first-round development grant of £275,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop the restoration plans and now a round-two bid of £4.42 million has been submitted.

This is alongside a bid which has been sent to Arts Council England for just under £500,000 for works to the gallery.

Ealing Council has also agreed in principle to allow the Pitzhanger Manor Trust (PMT)- a registered charity- to take over management and operation of the house and gallery.

Furthermore, £425,000 has been awarded from several charitable trusts and foundations which fund heritage and arts projects, which are subject to the success of the second round bid from HLF.

Leader of Ealing Council and member of the PMT, Councillor Julian Bell, said: “We are making excellent progress towards the restoration of one of the borough’s most iconic landmarks and a fantastic cultural asset.”

Chair of PMT, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, said: “We are looking forward to the time when we take responsibility for Pitzhanger Manor Gallery, the new café and community facilities, all within the wonderfully restored Walpole Park.

“I have no doubt that once completed it will be the jewel in the crown of the queen of the suburbs.”

More funding is still required to enable the total cost of the project to be met.

Subject to further planning permission and all of the funding being approved, work on PM is due to start in early 2015.