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

Planning officials at West Dunbartonshire Council have proposed the inclusion of the "remainder of the original historic suburb of Knoxland", known as Newtown of Knoxland, a row of tenements on the

northern side of Glasgow Road from number 129-171, and Dumbarton East Railway Station in the authority's conservation areas, 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.

The report explains: "This row of tenements was built in 1906 and are more elaborate in character than the ‘Knoxland’ tenements opposite on the southern side of Glasgow Road, being a storey taller and with canted bay windows.

"Whilst architecturally different, they are of significant quality in themselves and add to the character of the area."

It adds: "These elements contribute significantly to the character and story of 19th and early 20th century development of this area, and their inclusion could help in the future management and enhancement of the conservation area."

Contemporary properties immediately adjacent to Lusset Road and historic properties further south on Dumbarton Road as well as Kilpatrick Railway Station are also proposed to be included in the 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.

While, the inclusion of a property at number 48 Duntocher Road in Clydebank has also been proposed a possible inclusion site in the Dalmuir conservation area.

However, 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 of the planning committee in the council's Garshake offices today whether to hold a public consultation on the proposal.

If approved, the consultation is expected to launch sometime this month and last for a period of eight weeks before its December completion.