Building conservation
The building conservation team advises on all aspects of the historic built environment. As well as control of work to listed buildings, and the designation and protection of conservation areas, the team also aims to identify and look after the best and most typical and unspoiled parts of the unprotected built environment throughout the New Forest.
In addition to considering listed building and conservation area consent applications, the informal advice the team gives includes comment on proposals at sketch stage before formal applications are submitted.
The condition of listed buildings is periodically monitored, those in the poorest condition being checked more often. The worst are termed 'Buildings at Risk', where the Authority liaises with owners both to organise action to prevent further deterioration and to discuss long-term future restoration. Statutory powers are available to the Authority if a building is being neglected.
A wide range of our publications can assist owners and other working with historic buildings. These included technical leaflets covering the different parts of old houses and the materials they can be built of, and leaflets that describe how statutory control over listed buildings works.
Throughout the National Park some unprotected buildings typify areas around the fringe of the New Forest and add substantially to the Park's character. The Authority is investigating urgently how such cob hovels, Victorian cottages and early bungalows can be saved from damaging alteration, or worse, demolition.
For further information, contact Building Conservation at:
New Forest National Park Authority
South Efford House
Milford Road
Everton
Lymington
SO41 OJD
Telephone 01590 646678
