It's back! The successful Tendring Design Award is returning in 2009 in a bid to encourage excellence in buildings across the District.

The first award scheme was staged by Tendring District Council (TDC) two years ago.

Now the crown is up for grabs again as the judges - made up of top regional architects - bring out their note books in the search to identify and reward the best new building in the area.

The aim is to encourage excellence in the built environment across the whole District - and it is hoped that the initiative will stimulate and encourage better development in the future.

Everyone has the chance to nominate their favourite - from all those that have been completed since April 1, 2006.

It can be a commercial property, a residential property or any other which is felt to be deserving of this prestigious accolade.

The successful design will get a plaque to be placed on the building to mark the honour. They will also get the chance to go forward to represent the district in the Regional Planning Achievement Award Scheme.

The 2007 winner was the Bishops Park College's building, but other acclaimed entries included the Maltings development in Manningtree and the Martello Tower conversion in Jaywick.

Iris Johnson, Portfolio Holder for Planning at TDC, said it was a real opportunity to help raise standards right across the board.

"As we discovered from the 2007 awards, we are very fortunate to have many attractive and well-designed buildings in our District," she said.

"But this is not just about what is acceptable or even good - this is all about raising the bar even higher. It is also about leaving a better legacy for generations to come."

Mrs Johnson said the award will not simply reward good design, but also take into account the way in which a scheme relates to its setting and to the community around it.

"This award is to recognise and promote excellence - the very best that is on offer," she added. "We want to encourage our developers to go above and beyond what is seen as acceptable and come up with much more in terms of constructions."

Cllr Johnson said that through the planning process the Council rejected poor buildings but the award has been put in place to reward those who come up with something special.

The Council is already drawing up a strong list of judges to make the final selection and all nominations must be in by Friday May 29. Judging will take place in June.

It is hoped that both residents, town and parish councils will also get involved by putting forward their favourite building in their particular areas - or in neighbouring areas of Tendring.

So, if you know of a building which deserves to be put forward for consideration, don't delay. But remember, it must have been completed since April 1, 2006, and not previously entered for the 2007 Design Awards.

Those nominated have to be within the Tendring District boundary - and must have been approved by the Local Planning Authority.

Nomination forms are available here; Design Award Nomination Form or from Clacton Town Hall, Weeley Council Offices, or from the collection office at Waddesdon Road, Harwich.

23/4/09

Related Links: The Design Award page