Backing for Sloane Square plan

A crossroads system would be true to the original pre-1930s layout

Local people have backed plans to return one of London's best known squares to its original layout.

About 78% of residents, businesses and visitors were in favour of proposals to change west London's Sloane Square.

The plan, the cost of which is estimated at £4.5m, has a crossroads for traffic, freeing up pedestrian space much like the pre-1930s design.

More than 10,000 consultation documents have been sent out by Kensington and Chelsea Council since January.

The next phase of the project will involve setting up an advisory group, made up of local residents and businesses, as well as ward councillors, which will work with Transport for London to fund the scheme.

This is a ringing endorsement for a radical proposal Councillor Daniel Moylan

Detailed design work is provisionally scheduled to take place during the summer prior to a final decision to implement the scheme.

The current layout was put in place in the 1930s.

The proposed new look reflects the Square's original design and one that was in place for more than 240 years, until the current gyratory layout was established.

Deputy leader of the council, councillor Daniel Moylan, said: "This is a ringing endorsement for a radical proposal that will increase the space for pedestrians without significant impact on motorists and other road users.

"It shows the public's enthusiasm for public spaces that are open, accessible and elegantly crafted."