A plan to conserve and regenerate Northolt Village was approved by councillors last Wednesday.

The plan, which was completed in May, outlines ways of protecting and enhancing the village as a heritage site, as well as methods of interpreting the area's history for visitors and scholars.

It was developed in consultation with a steering group of ward councillors and interest groups and will be used as a base for wider consultation before a bid is made to the Heritage Lottery Fund in August and September.

Ownership of Northolt Village Green Conservation Area, which dates back to the late Saxon period and includes Northolt Village, Belvue Park, the moated manor house site and the 14th Century St Mary's Church, is divided between the borough of Ealing and private owners.

'The lack of understanding of the site's historical significance leaves it vulnerable to the possibility of neglect,' the conservation plan argued.

'Unrestricted parking, poor pedestrian access and neglected historic buildings are current issues which the conservation plan aims to address.'

Policies put forward in the plan include maintaining the village character by introducing traffic calming measures, encouraging visitors by developing dual use of pub car parks to accomodate visitor parking and improving access for pedestrians.

Introducing interpretation boards in the village greens with reconstruction drawings, old maps and photographs is another of the suggestions.

Harry Hellier, president of Northolt Village Residents Association and Northolt resident for 45 years, said: 'We are particularly keen that Northolt remains rural.

'Northolt has been conserved since 1969, but this is the most comprehensive research that has been carried out by a historian, and the research that has been done has been excellent.'

The overall cost of the project is estimated at £400,000.