CONSERVATION areas in Dalmuir and Old Kilpatrick could be expanded, a council report has revealed.

Planning officials at West Dunbartonshire Council have proposed the inclusion of a property at number 48 Duntocher Road and Kilpatrick Station in the authority’s conservation area, which is described as “areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

Contemporary properties immediately adjacent to Lusset Road and historic properties further south on Dumbarton Road are also proposed to be included in the area.

The report explains: “No.48 Duntocher Road is located immediately to the south of the conservation area. Although of a slightly later period than houses in the conservation area and with a smaller plot, this house complements the character of the adjacent conservation area grouping.

“Together with its stone boundary wall, tree group on its northern boundary, plus several important street trees on either side of Duntocher Road, it adds to the character of the area and helps define the southern entrance to the conservation area.

“Conversely, were these features to be lost, there would be an adverse impact on the character of this entrance to the conservation area.”

The Kilpatrick rail site dates back to its original construction in the 1850s and there are a number of properties in the area that have “historic and architectural interest to the area”.

No further additions were proposed to the Mount Pleasant Drive site in Old Kilpatrick as it’s “considered to form a discreet and self-contained conservation area”.

The report also states: “The Civic Trust have also recommended changing the name of the Lusset Road conservation area, if it is extended to better describe this larger area.

“It is proposed that any name change can be agreed after the public consultation is complete. However, the views of the public, as part of the consultation on the conservation area.”

Councillors will decide at a meeting today whether to hold a public consultation on the proposal. If approved, the consultation is expected to launch sometime this month.