The local list is a list of assets of architectural or historic interest which contribute to the character and appearance of the National Park. Special consideration is given to assets of local interest when planning proposals are submitted to us.
Nominate an asset for the Local List here
The local list is a non-statutory, local designation and differs from the designated Statutory List which is managed by Historic England and includes Grade I, II* and II listed buildings. The main difference is the level of control which is explained below. For guidance on statutory listed buildings please go to our Listed Buildings web page: Listed buildings
We have also prepared a guidance note (2021) on heritage assets within the National Park which is available do download via a link on the right of this page.
Planning authorities are encouraged by Historic England to identify assets of local interest. When we reviewed our 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 buildings of local interest. These were subject to public consultation at the time of the review. Buildings of local interest can be viewed on ‘My Property’ and a list is also available on this webpage.
At the moment the local list primarily comprises assets of local interest identified within conservation areas; with additional assets also included based on the information collated by local communities when developing their Village Design Statements; and also assets identified in response to planning applications.
What does local listing mean?
Inclusion on the local list does not add any further controls that already apply to a building or site. It simply changes the level of consideration given to preserving its character and appearance when planning applications are submitted to us. The local list reinforces efforts to preserve the character and appearance of the National Park and enables the architectural or historic interest of these assets to be considered properly against development proposals submitted to us.
It also provides clarity for owners, the local community, developers and planning officers so they are aware of the interest of the asset as early as possible so avoiding unnecessary work or delays in the planning process.
The significance of assets of local interest is recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), and chapter 6 of the adopted New Forest National Park Local Plan (2019) has been formulated to guide decisions on planning applications affecting assets of local and national interest. We have been supported by the Planning Inspectorate when trying to resist demolition of assets of local interest.
How are assets added to the local list?
So far we have primarily identified assets of local interest within conservation areas. Identifying assets of local interest has been an essential part of defining what is special about each conservation area.
We also work closely with local communities to assist with the production of Village Design Statements and this also plays a role in the identification of local assets. The Landford Village Design Statement (which has been approved as a Supplementary Planning Document) includes a list of buildings of special interest.
