Innovative and high quality development schemes were given special recognition at last night's presentation ceremony for the 2011 Mayor's Awards for Design in the Environment.

The awards were presented by borough mayor, Cllr Colin Sampson, at the ceremony which took place in King's Lynn's historic Town Hall.

The awards were introduced in 1998 to draw attention to some of the innovative design in the borough and to highlight the high quality of smaller schemes which are not recognised by large scale national award schemes. 

Each year the mayor, along with a panel of judges, selects the best scheme in each category for an award. This year's awards attracted an impressive 31 entries, giving the judges a tough job.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Elizabeth Watson, who joined the judging panel on behalf of the borough mayor , said: "It was a very great privilege to be part of the judging team for this year’s design awards and I was delighted to see so many excellent designs. The variety was exceptional and there were outstanding designs in every category. We are very lucky in this region to have so many talented architects and builders whose work enhances the towns and villages within the Borough. I enjoyed the experience immensely of travelling around the area and seeing the most amazing buildings.  It was an experience which was exciting, challenging and extremely uplifting. "

On presenting the awards, borough mayor, Cllr Colin Sampson, said: "Good planning and good design go hand-in-hand in providing all of us with a high-quality and pleasant environment in which to live and work. I think it is very important to recognise those who work extremely hard to produce such schemes and I am delighted to be presenting awards to the winners in the various categories."

Schemes entered for an award ranged from renovations, new builds, barn conversions, commercial schemes and community amenity projects. This year, of the 31 applications received, 26 were shortlisted for awards. All these schemes were then visited by the judging panel before the final winners were selected. 

Stuart Ashworth, Planning Control Manager, concluded: "We would like to thank everyone who has put forward a scheme for the 2011 Awards. The standard of schemes nominated has been impressive, with architects, designers and builders developing schemes that are sensitive to their surroundings and yet are innovative and creative.

"We hope that by showcasing these award-winning designs that they provide inspiration to others who may be embarking on their own development within the borough." 

The 2011 Mayor's Awards for Design in the Environment winners are:

Category – Commercial Refurbishment and Alteration 

Winner – Mr Simms Sweet Shop, Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn 

Owner: Mr Paul Stothers, Agent: SMG Architects Ltd 

Category – Residential Refurbishment and Alteration 

Winner – 4 Queens Drive, Hunstanton 

Owner: Mr and Mrs D Brown, Agent: Mr Grahame Seaton 

Highly Commended – Lazywinds, Thornham 

Owner: Mrs E West, Agent: Ian H Bix and Associates

Category – Commercial New Build 

Winner – St Germans Pumping Station, Wiggenhall St Germans 

Owner: Middle level Commissioners, Agent: W S Atkins Plc

Category – Residential New Build 

Winner – Ivy Farm House, Stanhoe 

Owner: Mr and Mrs E Jackson, Agent: Strata Architectural Ltd  

Highly Commended – Summerhouse, Bircham Newton 

Owner: Mr and Mrs W Bennion, Agent: Mr Ian Cable  

Highly Commended – 84A Church Road, Emneth 

Owner: Mr A J Green, Agent: David Broker Design Services

Category – Small Scale Multiple New Build 

Winner – Flats at Lady Jane Grey Road, King’s Lynn 

Owner: Freebridge Community Housing, Agent: Parsons and Whittley Architects Ltd  

Highly Commended – Martins Farm Cottages, Ten Mile Bank 

Owner: Waldersey Farms Ltd, Agent: Parsons and Whittley Architects Ltd

Category – Barn Conversion 

Winner – Lower Farm Barn, Grimston 

Owner: Mr and Mrs A Skerry, Agent: Mr Richard Waite Dip Arch RIBA AABC Chartered Architect

Category – Community Amenity 

Winner – Grimston Clock Tower, Grimston 

Owner: Grimston Parish Council, Agent: Morton Hall Consulting Ltd

Category – Gold Award 

Winner – St Germans Pumping Station, Wiggenhall St Germans 

Owner: Middle level Commissioners, Agent: W S Atkins Plc