Ealing's Oldest Building 'Under Threat' from CPZ Restrictions
Changes to parking likely to impact concerts at St. Mary's Perivale
The church dates back to the 12th century. Picture: Facebook
February 3, 2026
The organiser of events at St Mary’s Perivale, the Grade I listed church and renowned classical music venue has warned that a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) could threaten its future. Ealing Council plans to introduce the CPZ in March, ending free weekday afternoon parking on Perivale Lane, where many concert-goers currently park.
The church, which is claimed to be the oldest building in the Ealing area and has hosted more than 1,700 concerts over the past 20 years and built an international reputation through its livestreamed performances, says the loss of afternoon parking will make it difficult for audiences—many of whom are older or travel from outside the area—to attend. The building is still a consecrated church, but services have not been held there since the seventies and not is almost exclusively used to host concerts. The core of St Mary’s Perivale dates from the 12th century, with Norman stonework still visible. Hugh Mather, the artistic director of the programme at St. Mary’s, describes the new restrictions as an act of cultural vandalism argue that the venue’s survival is now at risk.
Currently, Perivale Lane currently has no restrictions during the times events take place and concert audiences typically park along the lane for weekday afternoon recitals.
Under the proposed changes, due to come into effect in March, parking restrictions would apply Monday to Friday, covering both morning and afternoon periods. Only vehicles with a valid resident or business permit would be allowed to park during controlled hours. Visitors would need to use visitor permits, which must be purchased and allocated by local residents.
The council is adamant that the changes are not finally decided however it is very rare that any alterations are made to traffic orders following a statutory consultation which is the last stage of the process.
St Mary’s Perivale has asked the council to limit the CPZ to mornings only, which would allow afternoon concerts to continue unaffected. The council has so far declined to amend the proposal.
Organisers say that many regular attendees rely on being able to park close to the church, which is located on a narrow lane without alternative parking options nearby. They argue that the CPZ will deter audiences, reduce income, and jeopardise the sustainability of a venue that has become a cultural landmark.
Ealing Council says the proposed CPZ follows a formal consultation held in 2024, during which residents were invited to share their views on parking pressures in the area.
The council argues that residents have reported increasing parking stress, particularly during commuter hours and school pick-up times. The CPZ aims to ensure that local parking is prioritised for residents, rather than commuters or visitors from outside the area.
The CPZ is being introduced after consultation and the Perivale scheme is intended to address long-standing concerns from households who feel their streets have become oversubscribed.
The new restrictions do have supporters within the community. Some residents say Parking on Perivale Lane has become increasingly difficult, particularly during school hours and events. It is claimed that visitors to the church and nearby facilities often park inconsiderately, causing obstruction on a narrow road.
Ealing Council, meanwhile, maintains that it must respond to residents’ concerns about parking pressure and ensure fair access to limited road space.
An Ealing Council spokesperson said,“We recognise how important St Mary’s is to the local community and the wonderful concerts that take place at the church.
“Our aim is to support thriving community events while ensuring parking arrangements are fair, consistent, safe and accessible for everyone.
“A live statutory controlled parking zone (CPZ) consultation is currently taking place that finishes on Wednesday 11 February. We welcome comments to the consultation, that can be sent to trafficnotices@ealing.gov.uk, which will be considered before a decision is made.
“Our priority is to keep Perivale Lane accessible, safe and attractive for residents, visitors and businesses.”
Mr Mather is urging supporters of the concert series to write to their elected representatives as well as expressing their view by emailing trafficnotices@ealing.gov.uk, with the following heading " P004-26: Objection to Perivale Lane CPZ " including their home address.
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