Part of the former Liddell's Mill complex in Donaghcloney, Co Down has been 'spot listed' by the application of a Building Preservation Notice (BPN)

The Mill complex is the oldest industrial site in Donaghcloney, dating from the eighteenth century, and has been the centre of village life from its expansion in the early nineteenth century to its closure a few years ago.

A number of the industrial buildings including the chimney and also the cricket pavilion have been identified as important structures likely to be of special architectural and historic interest.

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The Minister of the Environment Edwin Poots said: "Our built heritage is important and should be protected. Early indications are that these buildings are particularly noteworthy.

"They represent a significant part of the development of Donaghcloney and have a social history linked to many of the local families.

"They are now protected from alteration or demolition and my department has six months to consider all of the information and carry out its statutory consultations before issuing a final decision on the listing of the buildings."

Some of the other buildings on the site have been agreed for demolition through the planning process and though the buildings included in the Building Preservation notice are currently proposed for retention they were not formally protected.

According to the Department of Environment, it has been considered "prudent" to protect these buildings, given their potential importance.

(NS/BMcC)