Should Northfields Be a Conservation Area?
Ealing Council consulting residents on changes to planning rules in the area
Change in status would preserve special character of area say supporters of idea
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A public consultation on whether Northfields should have Conservation Area Status is underway.
As part of a broader review of conservation areas held across the borough last year, local resident, Kay Garmeson, last year submitted an outline proposal to make Northfields a conservation area.
Following a detailed appraisal, Ealing Council has now put the idea out to consultation among stakeholders and the general public.
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest whose appearance and character are deemed worthy of preservation and enhancement. Conservation Area Status would mean extra planning controls would apply for residents.
‘It’s great that the Council found sufficient merit in the proposal to take it to consultation,’ says Ms Garmeson.
‘I have lived in the area for almost 40 years and love the fact that Northfields has retained a lot of its historic character. The problem is that the thirst for development is spilling over from the main town centres, and I worry that the heritage and charm of the area that I and many others value could be lost. Conservation area status would at least provide a basis for planning policies that support the preservation of Northfields’ special character.’
The proposal, the Council’s initial appraisal and the six questions that make up the consultation can be found by clicking here.
Ms Garmeson added, ‘Some people I’ve met while campaigning think that Northfields is already a conservation area. It’s true that Northfields was part of a Heritage Quarter defined by the old style, renovated lampposts that were installed there some years ago. But, as far as I’m aware, this is the first time that formal conservation area status for the area has been under consideration. It’s a rare opportunity for local people to protect and enhance a place they love, so I urge everyone to take part.’
The closing date of the consultation is Friday, March 18. Email responses to localplan@ealing.gov.uk.
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February 24, 2022
