A REPAIR scheme of historic buildings on Dartmoor has won a prestigious award.

The project to save vulnerable rural agricultural buildings was among the south west winners of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors annual awards. 

The winning projects include some of the most impressive building schemes in the region and were judged across five categories; residential development, community benefit, heritage, public sector and refurbishment-revitalisation.

The scheme at Dartmoor National Park was revealed as the winner of the Heritage Project category and will now go on to compete in the national awards.. 

The project involved the simultaneous repair of 15 historic rural agricultural buildings in the National Park in a limited timescale, with limited funding and under strict conservation criteria. 

The pilot project was a collaboration between national cultural and heritage bodies, government departments, five national parks, farm owners, conservation architects, specialist consultants and conservation contractors. 

The project identified vulnerable historic agricultural buildings which are rooted in the cultural identity of each national park, and were in danger of being lost to decay. 

Funding was provided for masterplans and specialist conservation repair work to rescue them for continued use in an agricultural context with 80per cent funding. 

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure and recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.

Regional winners have been shortlisted for the grand final which takes place in London in October. 

Each project will compete at national level, with one of the national winning projects being awarded the ultimate accolade of Project of the Year.

James Wakeham, chairman of the South West RICS Awards judging panel, said: ‘These winning projects are a true testament to the hard work and dedication of industry professionals in the South West. 

‘The talent and collaborative approaches undertaken by the teams behind these projects have resulted in exemplary and innovative schemes that really do represent the very best built projects across the South West.

‘RICS is delighted to recognise the hard work that went behind ensuring these projects were delivered successfully.’