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28 July 2000
Countryside Residential (North Thames) Ltd has won one of only four Housing Design Awards 2000 for The Village and Regents Square, St Michaels Mead, Bishop's Stortford. The developments received a Housing Design project award in 1998 prior to construction commencing on site and the distinguished judges from the sponsors at DoE, NHBC, RIBA and RTPI recently revisited the now completed development. It was seen as 'the best example of a scheme on a previously undeveloped site.'
The judges said the scheme is 'a convincing piece of urban design with a proper sense of place. The defiantly historicist treatment of the development, carried out though it is with skill and conviction, is not in itself particularly important. It is the planning, grouping and massing of the dwellings, coupled with exemplary landscaping and attention to detail, which makes the scheme exceptional, and gives the lie to some developers' claims that the public will not buy into housing of the forms and densities indicated in current planning guidance. A period piece, then, in every sense, but one with valuable messages for the future. We commend it as an example to everyone in housing design and development.'
The judges consider a wide range of factors:
- relationship to surroundings and neighbourhood - response to site constraints and opportunities
- layout, grouping and landscaping
- planning of roads and footpaths
- handling of garages and car parking
- attention to safety, security and accessibility
- external appearance and internal planning
- sustainability in construction
- finishes, detailing and workmanship
For further information please contact 01279 657381 or email nt@cpplc.com
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Information correct as at 28/07/2000