Introduction
The Local Heritage List is a register of places that make a special contribution to the character of Somerset. This is through their locally significant historic, architectural, archaeological, or artistic interest.
By understanding what makes these heritage assets special, we can better protect and manage them. This is done through planning policies and planning decisions.
The List for Somerset and Exmoor National Park is looked after by Historic Environment Services at the South West Heritage Trust.
Why the Local Heritage List is important
Being on the Local Heritage List does not add any new legal requirements or responsibilities for property owners. You still only need to follow the normal planning permission and building regulations.
However, being on the list can help influence planning decisions. It helps make sure that changes protect and improve the local area. The National Planning Policy Framework says that locally listed heritage assets must be considered when decisions are made. This includes anything that might affect the place itself or the surrounding area.
Local Heritage List for Somerset
On 19 February 2024, the Local Heritage List was updated with the first 78 heritage assets. These included places suggested by the public and sites already recognised by Historic England.
On the 17 June 2025, another 261 sites were added to the list. You can see the full list in the document below.
These entries are based on recommendations by five assessment panel meetings organised by the South West Heritage Trust.
The panel is made up of heritage experts from different organisations across Somerset. They looked at each suggestion and evaluated them in relation to set criteria before making a decision.
The panel included people from:
- Somerset Council
- Somerset Building Preservation Trust
- Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society
- South West Heritage Trust
- Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Having experts from different groups helps make sure the choices are fair and based on good knowledge.
This is part of an ongoing effort to preserve and acknowledge Somerset’s rich heritage. The List will keep growing over time. More sites will be added after future panel meetings, with help from experts, partner organisations and the public.
This page will be updated regularly so people can easily see all approved heritage sites.
Relationship with the National Heritage List
The National Heritage List is managed by Historic England. It includes buildings, monuments, structures and places that are of national significance. This includes listed buildings, scheduled monuments and parks and gardens.
The Somerset and Exmoor Local Heritage List focuses on places that are important to local people in Somerset. Some of these places may not be on the national list, but they are still particularly valued by the local community.
Nominate an asset
Local people play an important part in the Local Heritage List.
If you know a building, structure, or place that should be recognised, you can suggest it for the list. You can do this on the South West Heritage Trust’s Local Heritage List page.
You can help ensure that our heritage is preserved for future generations.
Origins of the Local Heritage List
In October 2020, the government started a campaign to support local heritage. It was called the Local Heritage List Campaign. It gave funding to help protect important historic buildings and places in local areas.
The South West Heritage Trust successfully applied for this funding. They used it to create the Local Heritage List on behalf of the local planning authorities in Somerset and Exmoor.
In 2021, the Trust set up a project team and used online tools so local people could get involved.
Even after the funding ended in 2022, the work has continued. A panel meets regularly to review new suggestions. The Local Heritage List is now an important part of the Somerset and Exmoor Historic Environment Records.
Stay informed and involved
You can find more information on the Local Heritage List, including guidance on nominations and minutes and assessments from the panel meetings, on the South West Heritage Trust’s Local Heritage List page.
And you can find additional information on Historic England’s guidance on local listings.
To keep informed on future additions to the Local Heritage List, please subscribe to the Somerset Plan-it Newsletter.