Peckham Rye Liberal Democrats recently invited Councillor Paul Noblet, the Executive member for Regeneration for a Peckham town centre tour to highlight areas of historical and architectural significance.

We are lobbying the council to grant Conservation Area status to Peckham town centre, which will protect the remaining historical buildings from development and unlock additional funding from English Heritage for improvements.

With the Area Action Plan for Peckham, a lot of exciting new development is due to take place. We want to ensure that as a part of this, Peckham’s heritage is protected and restored. There is a rich history and wonderful story told in the buildings, but too much of it is currently hidden. Peckham town centre’s decline is clear. It’s time for things to change – we want to address the decline and turn around Peckham’s unfair reputation.

This is an issue that goes beyond party politics, and I hope that all parties will work together locally, along with all of the fantastic voluntary groups and committed residents, to make Peckham a better place.

While Conservation Area status may be granted as part of the Area Action Plan, we want to separate it from the AAP and bring the process forward. Important buildings currently have no protection, so the Conservation Area needs to happen quickly.