AN historic arts and crafts house at 178 Church Road, Hanwell, is at risk of demolition to be replaced by six flats and two semi-detached houses. 

Opponents say it would devalue the Hanwell Village Green conservation area and would take up 80 per cent of the long, narrow plot. 

They say it will also lead to the destruction of 26 mature trees, hedges and shrubs and will open the floodgates to backland housing and over-development. 

They are confident they have the support of Ealing North MP James Murray, who is lodging his own objection.

Neighbour Jeanette Grose says the current application is a revised version of one which drew 163 objections.

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She said: “We have a duty to protect and enhance our community by cherishing our historic housing and gardens.

“Trees are also vital for cleaning the air and flood prevention, which Ealing Council highlights in its new climate emergency strategy.

“The council is currently appraising its conservation areas, and this planning application goes against the objective of preservation and to prevent the loss of front and back gardens.”  

The gardens at 178 Church Road, built in 1912, have been maintained by a single owner for 50 years.

People are being urged to object by September 16. Go to reference 201141FUL on the council planning website https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/