FENLAND District Council has teamed up with the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard to sponsor Fenland s first Building Design Awards, aimed at celebrating the best and most innovative projects. The awards are intended to recognise the efforts of property ow

FENLAND District Council has teamed up with the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard to sponsor Fenland's first Building Design Awards, aimed at celebrating the best and most innovative projects.

The awards are intended to recognise the efforts of property owners, designers, architects, conservationists and builders to improve the standard of design and construction within Fenland.

Projects completed between January 1 2006 and December 31 2007 are eligible. Entries must relate to projects within Fenland where building regulations approval was required, the council's building control service must have been used.

Entry forms should be accompanied by photographic evidence, which should include 'before' and 'after' photographs, electronically if available.

Closing date will be January 18, 2008 and the awards will be presented at a high-profile ceremony at the end of February. Projects can be entered for more than one category.

Those interested in entering for these awards can download the forms and guidance notes from the council's website at www.fenland.gov.uk or contact the council on 01354 654321.

Councillor Alan Melton, portfolio holder for 'Open for Business', said: "These awards are an innovative way to stimulate good design and construction and I am sure there will be a large number of individuals, architects, builders and designers who will be keen to put their work up for awards. These awards will be a showcase for the best that Fenland has to offer."

There will be 13 categories, designed to cover every aspect of the design and construction. They are:

Heritage Award (new build) - for a new building or extension on an historic site.

Heritage Award (conversion or renovation) - for a conversion or renovation of an historic building.

Four Home Awards - for one new home; between two and five new homes; between six and 14 new homes and developments over 15 new homes.

Home Award - for domestic extensions.

Home Award - for conversions to create homes.

Sustainability Award - for schemes demonstrating a high standard of energy conservation or sustainable construction.

Commercial Award - for non-domestic new build projects.

Commercial Award - for non-domestic extensions.

Street Scene Award - for shop front or advertisement.

Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard Award - a special award for the scheme judged to be the best overall design and quality project.