EALING is to have a council officer responsible for almost 30 conservation areas across five of the borough’s seven towns.

He or she can provide specialist technical advice on historic buildings and unspoilt areas, including tree cover for planning applications. 

Opposition councillors have been calling for the appointment to protect green space, to work towards carbon zero in new homes and to encourage transport initiatives.

The borough is running out of building land for houses and pressure is growing on open land. 

Cllr Jon Ball, Lib-Dem spokesperson on planning and housing, said the appointment was essential to preserve the character and heritage of Ealing.   

“This about protecting the character of the towns, as well as the green spaces and environment itself,” he added.