PLANNING chiefs are urging people to nominate New Forest buildings they would like to see protected and preserved.

The National Park Authority (NPA) says about 2% of buildings in the area are either Grade I of Grade II-listed because they are deemed to be of national significance.

Others are on the NPA’s Local List, including Beaulieu Village Primary School, the Royal Oak pub at Fritham and the Cloud Hotel at Brockenhurst.

The list includes buildings that are considered important enough locally for their character and appearance to be preserved.

An NPA spokesperson said: "Local listing ensures the architectural or historic interest of these buildings and assets are recognised and protected.

"It doesn’t mean no alterations can be made to them but it does mean the NPA gives special consideration to their conservation when planning applications are submitted.

"As well as buildings the NPA is inviting nominations for other assets that give the area its character.

"These include archaeological sites and landscape features such as parks, gardens, monuments, street furniture and public works of art such as the cross at Burley."

Buildings already on the list include Bartley Village Hall, which was built in 1900.

Formerly known as Bartley Tin Church it was bought by villagers for £10,000 in 1998 and converted into a hall the following year.

It was officially opened by Millvina Dean, of nearby Woodlands, who was one of the few remaining survivors of the Titanic disaster in 1912.

The list also includes Lyndhurst Cricket Pavilion and well-preserved examples of traditional New Forest cottages and agricultural buildings.

New nominations will be assessed by a review panel and members of the NPA's planning committee. They will consider factors such as the buildings' age, rarity, and architectural interest.

Planning committee Gordon Bailey said the NPA wanted to expand the Local List and preserve the area's "fantastic heritage".

He added: "The list celebrates the wonderful things that give the New Forest its special qualities and unique character and does not impose more regulations on homeowners.

"We’re looking forward to receiving nominations for assets within the New Forest National Park boundary."

To nominate go online and visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/local-list.