CAMPAIGNERS say ‘something must be done’ to protect an ‘abandoned’ listing building in Sherborne.

Newell House, a Grade II listed building, stands on the junction of the A30 and Martson Road.

With parts of the house thought to date from the 17th century, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has called on Dorset Council to address the state of the building, which it says has been ‘allowed to deteriorate’.

Chair of Sherborne CPRE, Sir Christopher Coville, said: “Despite approaches to Dorset Council at the highest levels, it is clear our county representatives are either powerless or disinclined to take any positive action to preserve our precious heritage buildings.

“We find it disappointing that a house listed 72 years ago by an official government agency is then effectively abandoned by local authorities when it deteriorates.

“It is sadly ironic that as Sherborne House is being transformed into a remarkable asset for the town centre, another even older much-loved building has been allowed to become derelict.

“Something must be done before it is too late; and with many listed buildings in Sherborne, this needs to be a wakeup call for us all.

“By raising further our concerns, I am confident that all residents and our town council will then call for urgent action from Dorset Council.”

Alongside the house, there is a listed barn dated as being built in the early to mid-16th century, with no access permitted to either building.

Historic England records show the building – listed as Newell House School – is protected, including the forecourt walls, railings and gates.

CPRE says it has ‘repeatedly’ raised concerns with the conservation team at Dorset Council about the condition of the structure, as well as offering to engage with the owner, with no success.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said the authority was ‘aware of the condition of the Grade II listed Newell House’.

“But as there are no active breaches of planning or listed building control, its state of repair is a matter for the property owner to address in the first instance,” they added.

“We have brought this to the attention of the owner and also looked into the scope of using powers under the Town and Country Planning Act to address maintenance of the building. But such action needs to be demonstrably in the public interest and, in assessing this, we must also have regard to the circumstances of the owner/occupier.

“At this present time, it is considered that such action would not be expedient but officers will keep the situation under review.”