EIGHTEEN conservation areas in Derbyshire are at risk of neglect and decay according to a new report by English Heritage.

Forty-six listed buildings are also named on the 2009 Heritage at Risk Register including Derby Loco Works at Pride Park and St Helen's House where renovation projects are already under way.

English Heritage said the buildings would remain on the list until work is completed.

The Loco Works – known as the Roundhouse – is one of the most surprising inclusions on the list because Derby College's £48m project to renovate it is due to be completed next month and was partly funded by English Heritage,

Planning permission to turn St Helen's House, in King Street, into a hotel has already been granted by Derby City Council.

Dr Anthony Streeten, English Heritage regional director for the East Midlands said being "at risk" could take many forms.

"In the East Midlands, conservation areas have been affected by the decline of traditional industries, by local development pressures and by piecemeal degradation of their special character with the loss of original detailing such as windows and doors," he said.

The register, compiled by the organisation set up to protect and promote England's historic environment, was published today. It aims to get residents, local groups and councils working together to improve the areas identified.

Among the 18 conservation areas named as being at risk were Derby city centre, Darley Abbey, Strutts Park and Little Chester.

In conservation areas councils are given more control over demolition and minor developments in order to protect their character and appearance.

English Heritage said the biggest threat to the character of these areas were plastic windows and doors, poorly maintained roads and pavements, street clutter, the loss of front garden walls, fences and hedges as well as "unsightly" satellite dishes.

The report states that in Little Chester important architectural features had been lost as a result of alterations to homes.

But it said that Derby City Council was in the process of producing an information sheet detailing the historic significance of the area and advising homeowners about windows and doors.

A spokeswoman for Derby City Council said: "We see this report as an opportunity to work with English Heritage and strengthen our authority to enforce conservation area management."

Elvaston Castle is named as one of the 46 buildings at risk.

The report states that despite a £456,000 grant from English Heritage, the park and garden was deteriorating.

Graham Mansey, from the Friends of Elvaston Castle, said it had been on the list for more than ten years.

"The list leads members of the public to believe that the house may be in a severe state of dilapidation which is not the case. Our advise is that structurally the house is sound and that any problems are superficial and caused by neglect."

Darley Abbey Mills is also included because the building showed signs of decay. Owner John Elliot was not available for comment.

The internal condition of Allestree Hall is also described as poor but the report goes on to say that the city council was in discussion with a developer about a suitable scheme.

Peter Grundy, from conservation group Friends of Allestree Park, said: "The inside is rotting away. We would like to see something done with it but are concerned that public access would be limited."