A NEW initiative will see building or projects in Dorchester recognised for their hand standard of design.

Members of the Dorchester Civic Society will be mounting a stand in South Street on Saturday, May 13 to launch The Derek Beauchamp Design Award 2017.

Members will be encouraging members of the public to nominate recent buildings or projects within the county town which deserve recognition for their high standard of design.

The society wants to stimulate interest in the quality of Dorchester's built and natural environment by recognising recent schemes that enhance the area.

This is a new initiative and, in the first instance, the society anticipates making a single award.

In addition, the society hopes to be able to offer commendations to acknowledge other schemes of merit that deserve recognition.

Initially, the award scheme will cover projects completed between January 1 2012 and the June 30 2017.

The Dorchester Civic Society is also anxious to encourage further debate on the recent Local Authorities' Consultation on new housing options. Members are concerned that heritage assets could be lost, merely to meet housing targets, rather that defined needs.

Peter Mann, chairman of the Dorchester Civic Society, said: "We would really like to hear from anyone who lives, works or shops in Dorchester, either to tell us about good developments or to have a say about proposed developments under the Local Plan."

Anyone can nominate a building or project they believe is of such a high standard of design as to merit recognition.

Nominations from members of the public are encouraged as well as from the scheme promoters, project designers and other professionals.

Eligible projects include:

n New buildings - large or small, public or private

n Conversions and re-builds

n Conservation of buildings

n Shop fronts

n Tree planting schemes, landscaping etc

n Artistic treatment of neglected sites

Nominations should include the name and contact details of the nominee; the address of the building or project; a summary description of the work done; and, ideally, before and after photographs especially in the case of restoration and improvement schemes.

Nominations should be sent, by the June 30 to The Derek Beauchamp Design Award, Dorchester Civic Society, 46 Somerleigh Road, Dorchester DT1 1TJ.

Alternatively, nominations may be submitted by email to dorchestercivicsociety@gmail.com

The results will be announced at the society's AGM in September.