CONSERVATIONISTS fear dozens of historic buildings across Redbridge will put at risk if a proposed change to planning law comes into force.

The Wanstead Society and the Counties Residents Association (CRA) have issued a joint statement condemning the Government's intention to scrap planning law 'PPG15' which they claim could spell the end for many of the area's architectural treasures.

The statute, which was originally introduced to defend heritage sites after the 1960s construction boom, could be replaced by a modified version - 'PPS15' - which continues to offer protection to buildings UNLESS their 'value is outweighed' by other social economic or environmental benefits.

This would leave some of Wanstead's (and Redbridge's) landmark structures at risk of demolition - including The Old Fire Station in Wanstead Place, the Police Station in Spratt Hall Road, and the site of the former Kinema in the High Street, which developers have applied to pull down.

The two groups believe the move could put the area's unique architectural character at risk.

It reads: "What an opening for local authorities and developers to justify new builds over old treasures and override heartfelt objections to the destruction of what we hold dear. They can call on PPS15 – and bang goes our heritage.

"Conservation Areas like George Green could be at risk from such a huge interpretation as “the wider social economic and environmental benefits including mitigating climate change.”

"Wanstead Park could house a wind farm for instance, Valentines Park could accommodate a sizeable (housing) estate.

"But if some of these examples seem far-fetched now, a look at the list of Redbridge’s listed buildings reveals a number of familiar sites we should feel the poorer for losing – and brings home the cultural carnage which could take place under this new planning law."

"The replacement planning law PPS15 deliberately guts the protection offered by the old system – putting vital heritage at risk again all over the country."

Billie Figg of the Wanstead Society said: "This change could have a devastating impact on our heritage.

"I feel sorry for the council because even if they turn down these applications you just get developers appealing to (the Planning Inspectorate in) Bristol instead."

English Heritage is yet to comment.

The council is yet to comment.