CAMPAIGNERS who want to see more protection for treasured buildings in their community have welcomed plans for a new conservation area.


The zone, which would place tight controls on developers, looks set to be established in Buckhurst Hill as part of Epping Forest District Council’s plans to protect more historic buildings.


Members of the Buckhurst Hill Residents’ Society fear the area will lose its character if the trend for older houses being replaced with flats continues.

They successfully campaigned against plans to replace a distinctive 1950s house in Queen’s Road with a modern home in June last year, but were worried about similar applications.


The society’s treasurer, Margaret Sinfield, said: “We’re most definitely for (a conservation area) before it’s too late and the nice houses and shop fronts have gone.

“Once it’s been done and you get even a tasteful block of flats, it’s easier to get planning permission for the next one.


“We’re very concerned about the threat to the shop fronts in Queen’s Road. Recently, Supadance has lost its beautiful leaded windows.

“Had it been a conservation area, that would have been avoided.


“Albert Terrace and certainly parts of Roebuck Lane could benefit.”


Campaigners were told the council may not have enough funding to push ahead with the conservation area a year ago.

But district councillor Gary Waller, the safer, greener and highways portfolio holder, is due to tell councillors that progress is being made at a meeting on Tuesday.


He is also due to report that there are plans for a conservation area to be set up in Theydon Bois.


“We will be looking closely at the recommendations made as part of this report in order to assess how we will be taking them forward,” he added.

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