Concerns Raised over Future of 'Beaconsfield Triangle'
Conservation Area changes may remove protection for green space
This piece of green space could be removed from the Acton Green Conservation Area
December 11, 2023
Local ward councillors are warning that proposed changes to the Acton Green Conservation Area could put a local green space under threat of development.
Ealing Council are currently consulting on changes that would see the Beaconsfield Estate on Acton Lane excluded from the area on the grounds that its architecture does not match that of the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that predominate in the vicinity.
Included in the area that would be removed is the long narrow strip of land on the opposite side of the road to the estate on to which houses on Kingscote Road back. It sometimes called the Beaconsfield Triangle by people living in the area.
The Liberal Democrats, who are the opposition party on Ealing Council, are warning that the protections provided by being in a Conservation Area reduce any chances of the green space being built on. Most of the length would be too narrow for new housing but the northern end could conceivably accommodate some while retaining access for properties at the rear.
Abundance London has recently coordinated volunteer work at the site planting flowers and taking measures to encourage biodiversity.
Some locals fear that the Acton Lane site could be earmarked for development in the future.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed, Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Health & Social Care and Southfield Councillor said, “Liberal Democrats say that the Labour-run Ealing administration has chosen to remove green spaces from some conservation areas and has designated lots of green belt and Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) spaces as building sites for the future. Liberal Democrats have listened to residents who want to see their open spaces protected. Labour’s plans seem contrary to their claims to promote net zero and actions against climate change!”
Cllr Andrew Steed
A council spokesperson said, "The boundary change is being proposed because the 1970s Beaconsfield Estate is very different in character from the rest of the conservation area and therefore its inclusion is no longer considered justified. The area would still be subject to the normal stringent planning rules and policies and we are currently developing a new Local Plan, which has a particular focus on climate action."
If you have any comments on the proposed boundary changes you can send them to localplan@ealing.gov.uk.
In your response, you are asked to indicate to which conservation area and question you are referring.
The consultation deadline is 31 January 2024.
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