Buildings of local interest in conservation areas
The Local List is a non-statutory list of buildings considered to be of architectural or historic interest which contribute to the character and appearance of the New Forest National Park.
When the National Park Authority carried out a review of conservation areas (between 2008 and 2010) extensive survey work was carried out to identify features which contributed to the character of each conservation area - including unlisted buildings with vernacular detailing/local historic interest. These were subject to public consultation and are identified on the New Forest National Park Authority’s mapping system as ‘black’ buildings. They can be viewed on the My Property facility on the Park’s website as well as the individual conservation area maps. These buildings do not have the same type of protection as statutory listed buildings, but nonetheless are considered to be of local importance and make a positive contribution to the historic character and appearance of the locality.
The Authority has been supported by the Planning Inspectorate when trying to resist their demolition. Buildings on the Local List are also considered to be ‘heritage assets’ and are covered by policies HE9 of Planning Policy Statement 5 Planning for the Historic Environment and Core Strategy polices CP7 and DP10.
Buildings of local interest outside conservation areas
There are also a number of buildings outside conservation areas which could be considered to be of local interest and ‘heritage assets’ and are covered by policies HE9 of Planning Policy Statement 5 Planning for the Historic Environment and Core Strategy polices CP7 and DP10. When assessing whether a building is of local interest the Authority uses the following criteria established by English Heritage:
| Criterion | Description |
| Age | The age of an asset may be an important criterion and can be adjusted to take into account distinctive local characteristics |
| Rarity | Appropriate for all assets, as judged against local characteristics |
| Aesthetic merits | The intrinsic design merits of an asset relating to local styles, materials or any other distinctive local characteristics |
| Group value | Groupings of assets with a clear or significant visual, design or historic relationship |
| Documentation | The significance of a local historic asset of any kind may be enhanced by a significant contemporary or historic record |
| Historic association | The significance of a local historic asset of any kind may be enhanced by a significant historical association or local or national note, including that associated with historic or ancient trees |
| Archaeological potential | This may be an appropriate reason to designate a locally significant asset on the grounds of archaeological potential if the evidence base is sufficiently compelling and if a distinct area can be identified. |
| Designed landscaping | Relating to the interest attached to locally important designed landscapes |
| Landmark status |
An asset with strong communal or historical associations, or because it has especially striking aesthetic value, may be singled out as a landmark within the local scene |
| Social value | Relating to places perceived as a source of local identity, distinctiveness, social interaction & coherence. |
Related documents
Good Practice Guide for Local Listing: Identifying and Managing Significant Local Heritage Assets Draft for Consultation February 2011
