Buildings at Risk
Winchester has a wealth of historic buildings. Legislation requires that listed buildings are retained at a high standard, but they are vulnerable because, in some instances, owners are unable, or even unwilling, to restore them.
The city council's ability to take appropriate and quick action is paramount to protecting vulnerable historic buildings.
Many of the problem buildings on the register are farm buildings and ancillary estate buildings. In order to further assess this problem we are undertaking a comprehensive survey of the farm buildings in two parishes, Shedfield and Bighton. There are plans for more parishes to be surveyed in the near future.
Farm buildings are a difficult and emotive problem, especially when certain types of conversion can significantly detract from their architectural or historic interest.
Main buildings on large estates are usually well maintained. However, this is often at the expense of other listed structures under the same ownership, such as boundary walls, garden structures and dovecotes.
 | One of this year's successes is the Heathcote Mausoleum. This building had been neglected for many years. It had reached the stage of dilapidation where it had to be supported with scaffolding internally. As a mausoleum it was not possible to find an alternative use. It has now been successfully repaired during the last year with the with grant aid from Winchester City Council. |
 | Berry Down Farm Barn has continued to be repaired by its owner, Farley Chamberlain, over the last year. |
 | Peppercorn Cottage at Cheriton has been given permission to be used as a holiday cottage and is in the process of being converted. Before this it had been empty for many years. |
 | The School Master's House at Westdown School has now been repaired after being vacant for many years and falling into very poor condition due to attack by vandals and dry rot. It is being converted to form start-up units for the graduates. |
 | The Barn at Hinton Woodlands was largely repaired but unfortunately due to the changed circumstances of the owner it has still been left without its cladding and only a felt roof. |
After the successes of recent years the conservation service continues to use all methods at their disposal to protect the wealth of historic buildings in the Winchester district.
Should you require help with your historic buildings please contact the conservation service on 01962 848 249.
| File format | File title | File size / Download time |
|---|---|---|
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Summary of the District's Historic Buildings at Risk Register for 05/06 |
133K |
