Waverley Borough Council celebrated reaching the prestigious LABC Building Excellence Grand Final at a black-tie dinner in London earlier this month.
As a national finalist and regional winner, having previously won an LABC Regional Award for Best Small Social Housing Development for Laurel Close, Godalming, a new development of 17 spacious, energy efficient, affordable homes, the council was recognised as one of the best in England and Wales.
Waverley’s Building Control Business Support Team Leader, who won the ‘Public Service Superstar Regional award’ last year was also a national finalist for their “high standards and acute attention to detail, providing leadership to the team and a responsive service delivery” as well as the officer being “an integral cog in the wheel of Waverley Building Control”.
The LABC Building Excellence Awards focus on the very best in technical innovation and construction quality, helping to raise the level of construction quality across England and Wales. The use of creative solutions to improve sustainability and energy efficiency and cooperative teamwork are examples of the criteria used to choose which regional winners go on to win or earn a high commendation at the national construction awards.
Councillor Nick Palmer, Executive Portfolio Holder for Housing Delivery, said:
“Laurel Close is a fantastic development that raises the bar for social housing design and construction and so, whilst it was up against stiff competition on the night, I am delighted that the site was acknowledged by the LABC and reached the national finals. It is also an excellent example of joint working between Waverley’s housing and building control staff, architects, building contractors and the neighbouring community.Well done to the teams involved!”
Councillor Tony Fairclough, Executive Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Regulatory Services, added:
“This was a great achievement for our hardworking teams at Waverley. They do a sterling job monitoring developments and property alterations across the borough, ensuring their safety and sustainability for future residents.”