Ealing Council removed its conservation officers over the past few years meaning that the impact of some developments had reduced the visual amenity of our area.

After many years the Council finally acted in terms of reviewing the conservation areas (CA) and Southfield Liberal Democrat Councillors are glad that of the review. We have ourselves liaised with residents and other local bodies and agree with many of the proposals.

We want to ensure that our buildings and the positive local character that many of our buildings and land play can be enhanced or protected.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors are supportive of a number of the changes including:

• Extending the boundary of the CA to the western side of Fielding and Blandford Roads up to The Avenue.

• Acknowledging additional buildings including Bedford Park Mansions, Sydney House and the parade of shops on Bedford Corner, because of their design and historic nature.

• Providing stronger guidance (via what is called an 'Article 4 Direction') and advice on building design matters within the CA, including roofing, windows, doors, brickwork, extensions, outbuildings, fences and boundary treatments. These should help to ensure a greater consistency within the streets of Chiswick.

• Although the Council did not agree with the proposal local Liberal Democrats believe and support the local Conservation Area Advisory Panel in their wish to see the CA extended to include the previously Council maintained flats on Esmond Road in order to aid a greater protection from future developments.

Liberal Democrats support the formal recognition of a number of buildings which add a positive note to the area including St Albans Church, Fairlawn Court, Rusthall Mansions and Esmond Gardens. Only a few years ago the campaign to stop St Albans Church being converted into ten luxury flats was stopped by an active group of residents supported by the local Liberal Democrat Councillors. Southfield Liberal Democrats also want to see the triangle of land between Fairlawn Avenue, Fairlawn Grove and Ravenscroft Road added to the CA despite Ealing Council not supporting that as this should help to protect the area which has appeared less attractive over the past few years. I would encourage residents of Southfield to give their views to Ealing Council so that a final decision can be made on these important proposals to our Conservation Areas. To read more please visit: www.ealing.gov.uk/downloads/download/6574/individual_reports_and_key_questions_for_each_ca. The deadline for the consultation is 18 March so you do not have much time.