Kensington Fields Conservation Area?

A Victorian housing estate in Liverpool could become a conservation area.

Residents in the Kensington Fields area are to be consulted about the proposals to protect their neighbourhood.

If the estate, which has 1,200 homes, is designated as a conservation area it means its special character and appearance will be preserved.

Although it does not stop new developments, it would mean demolition would be tightly controlled. A decision will be made next month.

Greater consideration would also be given to the design of new buildings and structures in planning decisions.

Cobbled streets

Councillor Berni Turner, executive member for environment and heritage, said: "We have 34 conservation areas in the city but none of them have a character like Kensington Fields.

"It is one of the few remaining Victorian estates, built at a time when the city was expanding rapidly.

"There has been work in recent years to retain the cobbled streets and carry out other environmental improvements to keep its Victorian character.

"We want to preserve the heritage of this area for future generations but it is vital that we know the views of the people living in the neighbourhood and I would hope that local residents respond to the consultation."

The council will make a decision on conservation area status when the public consultation ends on 16 February.

BBC Liverpool