Two council housing developments in Hatfield won an award for their ‘design excellence’ at the Hertfordshire Building Futures Awards.

The winning developments were Lilac Close, formerly Furzen Crescent, which is a selection of seven two-bed houses, and Lime Tree Court, previously called Garden Avenue, which is a mix of 22 one and two-bed flats.

Both projects were delivered by Welwyn Hatfield Council working alongside architects Rock Townsend and construction partners Mears New Homes.

The judges said the new homes “set a precedent for council development”. The win was especially poignant for the council following the death of Cllr Mandy Perkins, who was passionate about delivering affordable housing.

Cllr Tony Kingsbury, executive member for housing and communities, said: ““This award is for Mandy – she would have been so thrilled. Handing over the keys to tenants earlier in the year was one of her proudest moments.”