Converted farm buildings - Daelnet's Rylstone offices

A LEADING countryside campaign group is set to launch a new competition aimed at discovering and highlighting the architectural gems that are Yorkshire's best rural buildings.

The CLA Rural Buildings Awards - run in association with property consultancy, Knight Frank - aims to showcase the very best new or converted rural buildings that reflect not only a wide range of diversification projects, but also high quality design and workmanship.

THE Yorkshire Dales is an area renowned for the workmanship of its traditional buildings - many dating back centuries. Due to the planning regulations that cover this special area, even new and converted buildings can be functional whilst remaining sympathetic to their surroundings. It is hoped that many of these will be entered in the competition.

Regional director for the CLA in Yorkshire, Dorothy Fairburn, said: "This award is designed to highlight the forward thinking nature of rural business and how the increasing importance of diversification is reshaping Yorkshire's landscape.

"Rural developments are quite often at the cutting edge of design yet manage to balance this with an understanding of the importance of their environment."

Awards are made regionally across two categories - new and converted buildings - and a further award will be made by the CLA president selected from among the regional category award winners.

All types of buildings will be considered for the competition from affordable housing, holiday accommodation and business units through to farm shops, restaurants, traditional farm buildings and tourism projects.

Sandy Douglas, Head of Knight Frank Rural Consultancy, said: "There has been a beneficial shift in the use of rural buildings, providing diversified revenue for the landowner, new uses for old and often these important buildings contribute to the community. This trend will continue which is why we are pleased to be involved in the project with the CLA.

Rural developments are quite often at the cutting edge of design

Dorothy Fairburn - CLA

"As well as looking for good design the judges will take into account projects which fit in with their environment, benefit the local community and have considered energy efficiency."

Winners will be announced in November and will receive a commemorative plaque and certificates at an award ceremony in London in December.

Deadline for entries is 30 April.

For more information on the scheme and details of how to enter visit www.cla.org.uk/ruralbuildingsawards Alternatively email ruralbuildings@cla.org.uk or call 01539 567597