Two building awards have been given to the team behind Aylesbury Vale District Council’s controversial new offices.
The multi-million pound scheme was criticised at planning stage as a ‘vanity project’ and for moving staff out of the town centre.
The council’s building control team, together with builders and designers, picked up three wins and one highly commended at the central region Local Authority Building Control Building Excellence Awards.
Two of the awards, ‘Best Commercial Building’ and ‘Best Sustainable Project’, went to the council’s Gatehouse Road office.
The other win went to Cartref Barn in Grendon Underwood for ‘Best Domestic Conversion or Alteration’.
The team also picked up a highly commended in this category for their work on the refurbishment and restoration of Beam Cottage in Cuddington.
The winning projects have automatically been entered into the national awards which will be held in London later this year.
Councillor Sue Polhill, cabinet member for planned development, design and conservation, said: “It’s really satisfying for the team to win these awards.
“While we always pride ourselves on our hard work and professional approach, it’s always good to see it recognised by others.
“Local authority building control is especially good value for money in this difficult economic climate and the team has the expertise to assist designers, developers and builders to ensure a build meets the vision they have in mind, while still delivering high standards in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the occupiers, users and the public.”