Brentford Story

Kew Bridge area to become Conservation Area?

Councillors support plans to preserve industrial heritage

The Kew Bridge area looks set to become a Conservation District following a meeting of local councillors last night. The Brentford and Isleworth Area Committee voted in favour of plans to grant the status to the area between the Stam Museum and Kew Bridge Station. The final decision will be taken by Hounslow Council's sustainable development committee, who are unlikely to vote against the wishes of local councillors.

The decision will have an impact on developers St George, who have announced plans for a major development on the Thames next to Kew Bridge.

A majority of respondants to the survey were in favour of giving the area Conservation District status, which places greater demands on householders and businesses to maintain the appearance of their property. The plans were also backed by a number of national bodies including English Heritage and the Victorian Society.

The Victorian buildings in the area, including Kew Bridge Station and the Steam Museum, were picked out for special mention in the report, which also acknowledged the importance of the cottages in Green Dragon Lane, originally built for employees of the Kew Steam Works. The importance of the area to London's road network was also noted.