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.

This year the scope of the awards has been 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 has been lengthened from 2 years to 5 for the Nature and Landscape category, due to the time it takes such work to become established.

Details of the award categories, specific judging criteria for each category and how to nominate a scheme for the 2012 awards 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 2010 and 31 December 2011 for BC, D and CP categories.
• Have been completed between the 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011 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, Design, Nature/Landscape and Community Project, and will be judged on the following criteria:

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

Building Conservation (BC)

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 (D)

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 (N&L)

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 (CP)

This award seeks to recognize 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.

Judging

After the closing date the nominations are to 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.

The judges will determine the winner of each category, which will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Council's offices in late July. The winners 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.

For further information about the awards please email conservation@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or call 01394 444296.