Widespread Changes Proposed to Local Conservation Areas
Consultation includes plans for creation of new zone in Northfields
Extra planning restrictions could be introduced in Northfields
November 16, 2023
Ealing Council is currently holding a consultation on proposed changes to Conservation Areas (CAs) across the borough.
The council held a public consultation in 2022 on proposed changes to existing conservation area boundaries, as well as a proposal for a new conservation area at Northfields. It was agreed to take forward these recommendations to the next stage of formal consultation this March after the responses were reported to the Local Plan Advisory Committee.
21 existing conservation areas are affected as well as the new conservation area at Northfields.
The proposed Northfields CA comprises the historic spine of North Field Lane, now Northfield Avenue and a substantial amount of grid-based housing which developed rapidly during the Edwardian Period. It also encompasses open spaces including the Northfields allotments in the north, and Lammas Park to the east, established earlier in the 19th century. The area stretches to Little Ealing Lane in the south, with Little Ealing hamlet dating back to the 17th century. The new CA is based quite closely on the geographical area covered by the ‘Heritage Quarter’; an area identified by the council in 2008 for a range of investment and enhancement measures. A particular feature of this initiative was the restoration of the antique style cast iron heritage lighting columns across the area.
A public meeting will also be held in relation to the proposed new CA at Northfields at the Log Cabin, 259 Northfield Ave, W5 4UA on Wednesday 22 November, 7pm to 9pm
The inclusion of properties in a CA means that they are classified as an area of special architectural or historic interest that is desirable to preserve or enhance, as defined under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
In practice this means that those living within the area are subject to the extra planning controls and considerations that apply to conservation areas, including control over demolition of unlisted buildings, control over works to trees, limitations on the types of advertisements which can be displayed and more restriction on the types of development which can be carried out without the need for planning permission (permitted development rights).
The council’s report claims that inclusion in a CA can bring financial benefits including an increase in property values but it can also mean greater expense and restrictions for householders wishing to make alterations to their homes.
Councillor Jon Ball, Opposition Spokesperson on Planning, Licensing and Housing said, “Liberal Democrats strongly urge those who are affected to participate and leave comments in this consultation to enable your voice to be heard as part of the democratic process.”
Conservation areas and proposed changes:
Addition to boundary
- Acton Town Centre
- Bedford Park
- Brunswick
- Canalside
- Creffield
- Ealing Cricket Ground
- Ealing Common
- Ealing Green
- Hanwell Village Green
- Haven Green
- Ealing Town Centre
- Hanwell Clock Tower
- Mill Hill Park
- Northolt Village
- St Stephens
Reduction to boundary
- Ealing Green
- Hanwell Village Green
- Ealing Town Centre
- Hanwell Clock Tower
- Acton Green
- Acton Park
- Montpelier
- Mount Park
- Norwood Green
- St Marks Church and Canal
Proposed new boundary
- Northfields
No change to boundary
- Brentham
- Cuckoo
- Churchfields
- Grange and White Ledges
- Hanger Hill Haymills
- Hanwell Cemeteries
- Hanger Hill Garden Estate
More information on the proposed changes can be found in the individual reports
Printed information will also be available throughout the consultation period at Perceval House and libraries in affected areas including Acton Library, Ealing Central Library, West Acton Community Centre, Hanwell Library, Northfields Library, Northolt Leisure Centre Library and The Dominion Centre in Southall
The council is seeking comments on each of the proposed boundary changes before 31 January 2024.
Return your responses making clear which boundary change you are referring to:
- by email: localplan@ealing.gov.uk (this is the preferred method to respond)
- by post: Strategic planning team, Ealing Council, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London W5 2HL
Following the consultation, Ealing Council says it will consider all comments received and make a resolution to make or not make the specified area into a conservation area. Publication will be made of any areas designated. The Secretary of State also has the powers to modify or cancel an order. The designation of any area as a conservation area will also be recorded as a local land charge.
In cases where conservation areas are designated, a separate statutory consultation will subsequently be carried out in relation to any proposed special planning controls (Article 4 Directions) for these areas. This will take place in 2024. Further details of these proposed controls are set out in the individual consultation reports, but the current consultation relates only to the proposed conservation area boundary change.
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