New conservation areas are being proposed in historic areas of Barnes and Mortlake and the council wants residents’ views.

Conservation areas are special groups of buildings or areas with particular architectural quality.

There are currently 75 conservation areas in the borough that help to protect its heritage by limiting the improvement works that can be done without planning permission.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, business and community said: “Our residents are quite rightly proud of the historical character and beauty of our borough.

“Throughout our Village Planning sessions residents have told us how important it is to protect the character of their local area and that’s what these proposals do.

“If you live in or frequent these parts of the borough I encourage you to have your say before the deadline.”

Certain permitted development rights that can be are restricted within conservation areas are: building a porch, converting lofts, installing solar panels, satellite dishes or antenna, extensions to the back of the home, adding rooflights or dormer windows.

Additionally, permission needs to be granted before any demolition works or felling of tress takes place in these areas.

Properties in conservation areas tend to be more expensive, probably because of their character.

The proposed changes would see existing conservation areas extended in Barnes and in Mortlake, and a new conservation area established in Barnes.

Streets affected include: Bracken Gardens, Elm Grove Road, Glebe Road, Meredyth Road, Glenburn, Cardigan Road, Rectory Road, Elm Bank Gardens, Madrid Road, Thorne Passage, Charles Street, Thorne Street, Archway Street, Westfields Avenue, and White Hart Lane.

The consultation runs until January 17, once the consultation closes, comments will be considered before a final decision is made next spring.

Responses will not be treated as confidential and will be made publicly available, but personal details like address, phone number or email address will be removed.

To have your say visit: https://haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/conservation-areas-2017/