RESIDENTS in Cheddar are being urged to write to the parish council to suggest buildings in the village that should be protected from development.

RESIDENTS in Cheddar are being urged to write to the parish council to suggest buildings in the village that should be protected from development.

Sedgemoor District Council is looking at putting together a list of buildings of local interest and has asked the parish council to help.

The buildings should not be confused with listed buildings which are protected by law. Buildings on the new list would enjoy the same development rights as any other building, but its inclusion in the new list would be considered if a planning application for the site was put forward.

The council has already contacted the Cheddar branch of the University of the Third Age, Axbridge Archaeological and Local History Society and Charterhouse Environmental Research Team to ask for their opinions.

A spokesman for Cheddar Parish Council said: "Choosing whether to include a building on the list may be a subtle and complex decision, but age and rarity of the building will always be a relevant consideration. We are hoping to use residents' local knowledge to help compile the list. It is important this opportunity is used to record our thoughts on what is worth the designation 'building of local interest'."

The parish council will be submitting a list in November. To put forward a building for consideration write to The Clerk, Cheddar Parish Council, Church Street, Cheddar BS27 3RA.