Suffolk Coastal Quality of Place Awards

The Suffolk Coastal Quality of Place Awards were introduced in 2010, to recognise and encourage an interest in the quality of the built and natural environment of the district and to promote an awareness of the need for high standards in all forms of design, including planning, architecture, sustainable development and landscaping.

In 2012 the scope of the awards was widened to incorporate the category of Community Project in recognition of developments which contribute to local facilities and build community sprit.

The length of time from completion for eligible schemes is 2 years, apart from the Nature and Landscape category which is five years due to the time it takes such work to become established.

Details of the award categories for 2013 and judging criteria for each category are set out below.

Entry qualifications

To qualify for an award, the project must:

• Be within the Suffolk Coastal District Council area.
• Have been completed between the 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 for BC, D and CP categories.
• Have been completed between the 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 for the N&L category.
• Have all necessary planning permission/listed building consent/building regulations approval, etc.

Employees and councillors of Suffolk Coastal District Council cannot apply.

Award categories and judging criteria

Entries are invited in four categories, Building Conservation (BC), Design (D), Nature & Landscape (N&L) and Community Project (CP), and will be judged on the following criteria:

• Quality of design and detailing.
• Quality of workmanship.
• Materials.
• Sustainability.

Building Conservation

This award is for any works to buildings of local or historic interest undertaken with particular attention to the quality of conservation. Projects which help to preserve and enhance the character of such buildings and their settings should be entered into this category. In addition, the criteria for judging this award will also include:

• Inventiveness.
• Providing a new lease of life for a previously redundant/neglected building.

Design

This award is for any new buildings or extensions. In addition, the criteria for judging this award will also include:

• Originality.
• Overall architectural effect.
• Relationship to context.

Nature & Landscape

This award is for nature or landscape projects, which contribute to local distinctiveness, and benefit the local environment, wildlife or habitat, undertaken with or without other building works or development. In addition, the criteria for judging this award will also include:

• Benefit to the local environment.
• Interpretation information/education facilities.

Community Project

This award seeks to recognise developments that have contributed to providing or improving a community facility (built or natural). In addition, the criteria for judging this award will also include:

• Benefit to the local community
• Involvement of the local community and or increased the sense of community sprit in an area.

How to nominate a scheme 

Entry is free and is made by completing a nomination form which you can download or print off below:

• Printable nomination form (PDF 37KB)
• Nomination form (Word 759KB)
• Nomination guidance (PDF 37KB)

The following information will be required to accompany the completed nomination form:

• Project description - up to two sides of A4 giving a clear concise statement about the quality of your nomination.
• Details of the architect/designer, building/landscaping contractor and other key professionals involved in the project.
• Photographs - up to six, first impressions count and so it is important that you sell your scheme to the judges by submitting clear photographs showing the project.
• Evidence that the building or site owner consents to the nomination (signature on nomination form or separate letter).
• Sufficient drawings to explain the project.

The completed nomination form and supporting information should be sent to:
Design + Conservation Team, Planning Services, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Melton Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AU.

Entries can be emailed to conservation@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.

The closing date and deadline for entries has been extended to 4.45pm on Friday 28 June 2013. For further information about the awards please email conservation@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or call 01394 444296.

Judging

After the closing date the nominations will be assessed in two stages:

Stage 1 - a panel of judges, comprising a representative from Suffolk Coastal District Council, a local amenity society, a historic buildings expert, a natural environment expert and a local architect, will meet and consider the schemes and compile a shortlist.

Stage 2 - shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange a site visit by the panel of judges.

After the site visits the judges will determine the winner of each category. The winners will be invited to an award presentation ceremony in the Council Chamber at the Council offices in late July, when they will be presented with a commemorative bronze plaque and certificate by the Chairman of the Council.

The results of the awards will be published here on the Suffolk Coastal website as well as in the local press.